Description: There may be now or in the future certain uses of land that do not comply with the existing zoning regulations, but which were legally established. These uses are referred to as “legal nonconforming uses,” and consistent with the provisions of Section 170.580 are allowed to continue to operate. For this reason, it is necessary to document those uses that are considered legal nonconforming.
Registration of a use as a legal nonconforming use establishes (1) when the use was first established; (2) that the use at the time of establishment complied with the Village’s zoning regulations in effect at the time, if any; (3) that the use has continued continuously, without cessation of more than 12 continuous months; and (4) the nature of the use when the use became nonconforming. The procedures and requirements in this section are intended to comply with s. 60.61(5)(d), Wis. Stats.
 
Initiation: Any of the following may submit an application to register a specific land use as a legal nonconforming use: (1) a person having a financial interest in the subject property or in the use occurring on the property; (2) the zoning administrator; (3) the Plan Commission, or any member thereof; or (4) the Village Board, or any member thereof.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission makes a recommendation and the Village Board makes the final decision