2009-10 WRA Legislative Priorities
1. Shoreland Zoning Rules (Wis. Admin. Code Ch. NR 115)
Background – The Department of Natural Resources has been in the process of revising the state’s shoreland zoning regulations for the last six years. The most recent draft contained several provisions of concern including strict impervious surface caps, larger minimum lot size requirements, new limits on expansions to nonconforming structures and vague mitigation standards.
WRA Action – Wisconsin REALTORS® Association staff will continue to meet with DNR staff to negotiate favorable changes for property owners and the real estate industry. If a reasonable compromise cannot be reached, WRA staff will work to educate and mobilize affected waterfront property owners through the Wisconsin Homeowner’s Alliance as well as work closely with legislators to make sure the changes to the rule balance private property rights and environmental protection. Status: the final draft of the proposed changes will be sent to the DNR Board in May for an informational hearing and then back to the Board for final approval in June/July.
2. Global Warming Task Force
Background – A gubernatorial task force on global warming was created to study the effects of, and solutions to, global warming in Wisconsin. The primary responsibility of the task force is to create a state plan of action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The task force has made several recommendations impacting the real estate industry including prohibitions on the use of tax incremental financing for greenfield development, requiring all rental properties to use energy-efficient lighting and adopting “green building” codes to encourage greater energy efficiency for new buildings.
WRA Action – WRA staff will continue to monitor the activities and recommendations of the task force and provide input when necessary. Status: the task force is scheduled to meet every two weeks throughout the month of May and will likely be finishing its list of final recommendations over the summer.