Senate Bill 1042 proposes significant changes to the regulations surrounding shoreland zoning ordinances in Wisconsin. The bill repeals sections 59.692 (1d) and 59.692 (2m), which previously restricted counties from enacting shoreland zoning ordinances that are more stringent than standards set by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Additionally, it removes the prohibition against counties regulating the construction of structures on substandard lots more restrictively than DNR standards. The bill also eliminates the exception that prevented DNR from appealing county decisions on variances related to shoreland zoning, allowing for greater oversight and involvement from the DNR in these matters.

Furthermore, the bill amends several provisions to allow counties and the DNR to impose fees related to maintenance and vertical expansion of nonconforming structures within shoreland areas, which were previously prohibited. It also modifies language to clarify that while counties cannot impair landowners' interests in shoreland property through zoning standards, they can establish such standards and enforce ordinances. Overall, the bill aims to provide counties with more flexibility in managing shoreland zoning while still maintaining some level of oversight from the DNR.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 59.692(1d), 59.692, 59.692(1k)(a)(intro.), 59.692(1k)(a)2.(intro.), 59.692(1k)(a)2m, 59.692(1k)(a)4, 59.692(1k)(am)(intro.), 59.692(2m), 59.692(4)(b), 59.692(5m), 61.353(3)(intro.), 61.353, 62.233(3)(intro.), 62.233