The lawful use of a building, structure or property which existed
at the time this chapter, or an applicable amendment to this chapter,
took effect and which is not in conformity with the provisions of
this chapter, including the routine maintenance of such a building
or structure, may be continued, subject to the following conditions.
The shoreland-wetland provisions of this chapter authorized
by § 62.231, Wis. Stats., shall not limit the repair, reconstruction,
renovation, remodeling or expansion of a nonconforming structure in
existence on the effective date of the shoreland-wetland provisions
or of any environmental control facility in existence on May 7, 1982,
related to such a structure. All other modifications to nonconforming
structures are subject to § 62.23(7)(h), Wis. Stats., which
limits total lifetime structural repairs and alterations to 50% of
current fair market value.
If a nonconforming use or the use of a nonconforming structure
is discontinued for 12 consecutive months, any future use of the building,
structure or property shall conform to this chapter.
Any legal nonconforming use of property which does not involve
the use of a structure and which existed at the time of the adoption
or subsequent amendment of this chapter adopted under § 62.231,
Wis. Stats., may be continued although such use does not conform to
the provisions of this chapter. However, such nonconforming use may
not be extended.
The maintenance and repair of nonconforming boathouses which
are located below the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable waters
shall comply with the requirements of § 30.121, Wis. Stats.
Uses which are nuisances under common law shall not be permitted
to continue as nonconforming uses.
