Wisconsin waterfront property owners can celebrate after new legislation to protect existing piers was signed into law; the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) credits the Governor and bipartisan legislative leaders for passage. It passed unanimously in both houses of the legislature.
According to the WRA, Assembly Bill 297 establishes grandfathering standards for existing piers and will provide permanent protection from future regulations to approximately 99% of the existing piers. The new law exempts from new regulations (or “grandfathers”) all piers up to 8-feet wide and loading platforms or “decks” (located at the end of the pier) that are 200 square feet or less. The law also grandfathers decks between 200 and 300 square feet, as long as they are no wider than 10 feet.
“This new law is very important to waterfront property owners and will provide certainty as to which piers are legal, and which are not,” said Mike Spranger, WRA Chairman. According to Spranger, “The new law strikes a good balance between the rights of property owners and the rights of the public to use and enjoy our waterways.”
This new law was worked on by a broad coalition of key stakeholders including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, the Wisconsin Builders Association, and the Wisconsin Association of Lakes.
While some existing piers will not be grandfathered, the law makes the process easier and more equitable for obtaining the necessary permits to keep these piers in place. Many of the piers have been a part of the property for years and years so the new law provides a fair resolution.
We can all agree that piers certainly add value to waterfront property because it provides access to the water for boating and recreation. In addition, there is a significant emotional attachment for some property owners; it's the place where many families have spent countless hours swimming, fishing and spending time together.
From personal experience, I can tell you that naps on the end of the pier are priceless!
The sun is shining, the snow is melting and spring is here; come on up and enjoy our beautiful lakes, woods, fresh air and "grandfathered piers".......Life is Good....Enjoy!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
