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Bill > AB1047


WI AB1047

WI AB1047
Setback restrictions in shoreland zoning ordinances in Waukesha County.


summary

Introduced
02/26/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/23/2026

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under current law, a county shoreland zoning ordinance (ordinance) may establish a setback for a new principal structure that is equal to the average of the setbacks for existing principal structures on adjacent lots that was required for those structures at the time they were built (average setback). Currently, this applies only if the existing structures are 1) on adjacent lots and within 200 feet of the proposed structure, 2) more than 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark, and 3) at or farther landward from the setback that was required at the time each structure was built. This bill provides that, in Waukesha County, an ordinance must establish an average setback if existing structures are within 250 feet of the proposed structure on any lots and located more than 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark.

AI Summary

This bill modifies shoreland zoning ordinances, which are rules governing construction near lakes and rivers, specifically for Waukesha County. Currently, a county can allow a new building to be placed closer to the shore than the standard rule if existing nearby buildings meet certain criteria: they are on adjacent lots within 200 feet, are more than 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark (the usual line of water), and were built at or further from the shore than the rule required at the time they were constructed. This bill mandates that in Waukesha County, if existing buildings are within 250 feet of a proposed new building and are also more than 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark, the county's shoreland zoning ordinance *must* allow the new building to be set back based on the average of the setbacks of those existing buildings when they were built. The bill also clarifies that these average setback rules, both the current one and the new one for Waukesha County, do not apply if the calculated average setback would prevent the new structure from being built at all.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 (on 03/23/2026)

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