Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires community approval of rezoning requests related to residential development in Wisconsin.

Highlights:

• Specifies that determinations of the net density of lands can only exclude portions of the lands that are wetlands, are included in a 100-year floodplain, or that are owned by the government without intent for redevelopment (Sec. 4).

• Requires the identification of areas in which residential land use is projected and the net density of residences that will be authorized for 20 years, in 5-year increments (Sec. 5).

• Specifies that an ordinance is not considered inconsistent with the comprehensive development plan of a community solely because it permits additional land uses beyond those identified in the plan (Sec. 10).

• Requires that, if a political subdivision enacts or amends specific ordinances or adds lands intended for residential development, the political subdivision do all of the following (Sec. 11):

• Ensure that its comprehensive plan includes certain required material; and

• Ensure that certain residential net density standards are incorporated into the ordinance.

• Specifies that if an individual submits an application for a permit to change an existing zoning classification related to a residential housing development, and the comprehensive plan of the relevant political subdivision does not include the required material, the plan must be amended to include the material within 180 days of receiving the application (Sec. 11).

• Requires a political subdivision to grant a request for a change to a zoning classification required for a residential housing development within 60 days of the request if all of the following are satisfied (Sec. 14):

• The proposed change is for an area identified in the political subdivision’s comprehensive plan as projected for residential land use;

• The proposed change is for an area that is contiguous to existing development;

• The proposed net density of residences in the housing development falls within requirements for the area, or the comprehensive plan does not include the required material; and

• Current housing supply in the political subdivision does not meet existing housing demand or forecasted demand within the next 5 years.

• Authorizes a political subdivision to deny an application for a change to a zoning classification if it demonstrates that the denial is necessary to prevent a shortage or overburdening of public facilities, or to address a significant threat to public health or safety (Sec. 14).

• Extends the amount of time that a city is authorized to extend the life of a Tax Incremental District (TID) from one year to 2 years (Sec. 20).

• Requires tax increments that benefit affordable housing to be expended to purchase services or goods from for-profit entities (Sec. 21).

• Specifies that this Act first applies to an application for a permit or a request for rezoning made on the effective date of this subsection (Sec. 22).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect on January 1, 2028 (Sec. 23).

Full Bill Text