WisconsinProposal would allow stricter county rules for shorelands
The failed proposal would have let counties set stricter shoreland rules, allowed state appeals of variance decisions, and permitted fees for certain work on structures.
What it does
Counties could set shoreland rules stricter than state standards, including rules for building on substandard lots.
The Department of Natural Resources could appeal a county decision to grant or deny an exception to shoreland rules.
The state department or a county could charge fees for certain work on shoreland structures, including some repairs that do not expand them.
Argument forCounties could tailor shoreland rules to local concerns, including by setting rules stricter than state standards.
Argument againstOwners could face fees for certain repairs or rebuilding, even when the work does not expand a structure’s footprint.
More detail
Counties could set shoreland rules stricter than state standards. The proposal covers shorelands in unincorporated county areas and rules for building on substandard lots.
The Department of Natural Resources could appeal a county decision to grant or deny a shoreland variance, or exception to zoning rules. The appeal would concern a county decision on a shoreland variance.
The Department of Natural Resources or a county could charge fees for certain work on shoreland structures. Covered work includes certain repairs and rebuilding that do not expand a structure’s footprint, and certain vertical expansions. The proposal allows fees for the listed work; it does not generally allow agencies to require approval, impose mitigation, or regulate that work.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 9Fiscal estimate receivedLatest
- Mar 23Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1Major
- Feb 26Read first time and referred to Committee on Housing and Real EstateMinor
- Feb 26Introduced by Representatives Miresse, Stroud, Emerson and Stubbs; cosponsored by Senator SmithIntroduced
Environment & Energy