Senate Bill 472 aims to enhance residential development in Wisconsin by mandating certain rezoning approvals and improving the consistency of local ordinances with comprehensive plans. The bill requires political subdivisions to grant rezoning requests for residential development if the proposed area aligns with the comprehensive plan, is contiguous with existing development, meets specified density requirements, and addresses housing demand. Exceptions to this requirement are provided if no proposals for residential development are received after a request is made. Additionally, the bill allows individuals enforcing these requirements to recover court costs and attorney fees if their rezoning request is not approved within 60 days.

The bill also modifies tax incremental financing (TIF) regulations, allowing cities and villages to extend the lifespan of a TID for housing stock improvement from one year to two years, with all tax increments directed towards purchasing goods or services from for-profit entities. Furthermore, it defines "newly platted residential development" and expands the types of expenditures that can be included as project costs for TIDs. The comprehensive planning requirements are also updated to ensure that political subdivisions specify residential land use projections and density for 20 years in five-year increments, ensuring that local plans are aligned with housing development needs.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 59.69(3)(a), 59.69, 62.23(3)(b), 62.23, 66.1001(1)(am), 66.1001