Local Officials Could Regain Some Waterfront Zoning Power

A new bill could move some authority over waterfront development back to local governments.

When Gov. Scott Walker signed the state budget in July, he put Act 55 into effect, which transferred authority over shoreland zoning from counties to the state.

Current statewide rules require all new waterfront properties to be built 75 feet away from the shoreline. The new bill would add some flexibility to that. If existing neighboring properties are farther or closer to the water than 75 feet, the county gets to decide the setback distance.

The bill, introduced by Republican Rep. Adam Jarchow, was brought to public hearing at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Dale Shaver, director of Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use, expressed support for the change.

“If you can imagine, placing a million-dollar home 75 feet from the shoreland, which is what is in place today, that has a real chilling effect for view corridors for homes next door,” Shaver said.

While proponents said the bill helps maintain property value, opponents argued that it doesn’t do enough to restore shoreland zoning control to counties.

“It’s presented as a compromise and it does give something back,” said Bill Vance, a homeowner off Pleasant Lake, near Coloma. “But I still have some concerns that it doesn’t go far enough.”