Assembly Bill 1070 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 the DNR from appealing county decisions regarding variances related to shoreland zoning, allowing for greater oversight and potential challenges to local decisions.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing statutes to clarify that while DNR and counties cannot impair landowners' interests in shoreland property, they can impose fees related to maintenance and vertical expansion of nonconforming structures. This change allows for more flexibility in local governance while still adhering to certain standards. The amendments also ensure that any county ordinances enacted must align with the updated provisions of the bill, thereby streamlining the regulatory framework for shoreland zoning.

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