Use of Public Ways and Places

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances ch. 116

in effect

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-2.5 Installation of Signs, Signals, Markings.

116-2.5. Installation of Signs, Signals, Markings. It shall be the duty of the commissioner of public works to make, erect and install, wherever deemed necessary or as provided by law, ordinance or resolution, all highway traffic parking, warning, regulatory and guide signs and traffic signals and paint or otherwise properly mark all highway centerlines, traffic lanes, parking zones, school zones and crosswalks on the highways under his jurisdiction.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-4 Crime Watch Sign Program.

116-4. Crime Watch Sign Program. 1. ESTABLISHMENT. There is created a crime watch sign program to assist residents, businesses, property owners and the police department in identifying neighborhood crime watch areas, business watch areas and block watch areas, and in achieving the crime-prevention and crime-reduction goals of neighborhood watch, business watch and block watch groups and associations. 2. ELIGIBILITY. The chief of police shall establish eligibility guidelines for participation of neighborhoods, businesses and block watch groups in the crime watch sign program. 3. APPLICATION. A neighborhood association, business or block watch group interested in participation in the crime watch sign program shall apply to the police department through the community liaison officer at the district police station. 4. SIGN TYPES. Three types of signs shall be made available through the crime watch sign program: a. Signs installed at locations along the perimeter of a participating neighborhood crime watch area announcing to persons passing the signs that they are entering a neighborhood crime watch area and that residents of the area report suspicious activity to the police department. b. Signs installed in a business watch area indicating that a business watch program is in effect and that the participating business reports suspicious activity to other businesses in the area and to the police department. c. Signs installed on an individual block announcing the presence of a neighborhood block watch and that residents report suspicious activity to the police department. 5. SIGN STANDARDS. To ensure consistent and effective signage, the chief of police shall, in coordination with the commissioner of public works, set standards for each of the 3 types of crime watch program signs described in sub. 4. These standards may relate to sign placement, size, wording, color, reflectivity and any other characteristic that the chief and commissioner deem appropriate. In addition, as required by s. 66.0429(2), Wis. Stats., the design of each sign type shall be approved by the Wisconsin department of transportation. 6. SIGN INSTALLATION. The department of public works shall install all signs to be placed under the crime watch sign program. Signs shall be installed on city poles in the public right-of-way. Sign installation shall be at no cost to the neighborhood association, participating business or block watch club, but the association, business or club shall be responsible for any maintenance costs or costs related to damaged, lost or stolen signs. 7. COSTS. At the discretion of the sponsoring neighborhood association, business or block watch club, fabrication of crime watch program signs may be performed either by the city or by a private vendor selected by the citywide block watch council established in s. 312-14. In either case, signs shall be fabricated in accordance with the standards promulgated by the chief of police and commissioner of public works under sub. 5. The neighborhood association, business or block watch club shall be responsible for all sign fabrication costs. At the discretion of the chief of police, the police department may also assume the costs of acquiring crime watch program signs.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-5 Historic District Identification Signs.

116-5. Historic District Identification Signs. 1. PROGRAM ESTABLISHED. There is established a program to permit the installation of special historic district identification signs above street name signs in any locally or nationally designated historic district in the city. The city engineer shall administer this program. 2. APPLICATION. An application for historic district identification signs in a particular historic district shall be filed with the city engineer on a form provided by the city engineer. The application shall specify the name of the historic district, the name, address and telephone number of the applicant, and the number and locations of signs requested. The application shall be accompanied by the application fee specified in ch. 81. 3. DESIGN, FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION. The applicant shall design and fabricate the signs in accordance with standards promulgated by the city engineer. The city engineer shall install the signs within 60 days of receipt of the signs from the applicant and upon receipt of full payment from the applicant of the cost of installation of the signs. The payment amount shall be based on the number of signs and the per-sign fee specified in ch. 81.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-8 Sidewalks to be Kept Clean.

116-8. Sidewalks to be Kept Clean. 1. SNOW AND ICE. The owner, occupant or person in charge of any real property abutting or fronting upon a paved public sidewalk or crosswalk shall remove and clear away all snow and ice on the entire paved surface within 24 hours after the snow or ice has ceased to fall. Whenever ice has so formed on any sidewalk that it cannot be removed, then the persons responsible for snow and ice removal under this subsection shall prevent the remaining ice from presenting a hazard to the users of the sidewalk by applying sand, abrasive material or any product that melts ice to the entire paved surface. Upon placement of excessive amounts of snow in the crosswalks by city plows or other mechanical devices, the commissioner of public works shall be responsible for mechanical clearing of such accumulations so as to provide reasonable pedestrian access from the public sidewalk to the roadway crosswalk. After mechanical clearing by the city is complete, the owner, occupant or person in charge shall be responsible for any needed hand-clearing of the crosswalk opening as required in this subsection. 2. COMPLAINT. In construing the provisions of this section, only owners of vacant lots or vacant premises are deemed to be the proper person whose duty it shall be to comply with this section; where the real property consists of a single family residence or is solely used for business, the owner or occupant shall be deemed to be the proper person whose duty it shall be to comply with this section; and as to any other real property, the owner or any occupants, unless a person has been designated by the owner to be in charge of the premises and is residing thereon, are deemed to be the proper persons whose duty it shall be to comply with this section. 3. MUD AND DIRT. It shall also be the duty of the owner, occupant, or person in charge of the property to keep the sidewalk clean of any dirt, dust, cinders, mud, oil or other similar substances when the sidewalks are clear of snow and ice. 4. CHARGES AND COSTS. a. If a person is found to be in violation of the requirements of this section, the person shall be subject to a special charge of $75. There shall be an additional special charge of $100 for failure to clear or otherwise abate any condition that remains in violation of this section. Upon a subsequent failure to comply with this section in the same calendar year, the person shall be subject to a special charge of $125. Any costs incurred by the city in abatement or remediation shall constitute additional special charges. b. Special charges made under this subsection shall be due and payable 30 days after billing or, if not paid within that time, become a lien on the subject property as provided in s. 66.0627, Wis. Stats. The lien shall take effect as of the date of delinquency and shall include an administrative charge of $25. The lien shall automatically be extended upon the current or next tax roll as a delinquent tax against the property and all proceedings in relation to the collection, return and sale of the property for delinquent real estate taxes shall apply to such charge.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-9 Raingutter Drainage on Sidewalks.

116-9. Raingutter Drainage on Sidewalks. Every person owning any building in the city of Milwaukee, situated as described in s. 116-8, shall cause the pipes conducting the water from the eaves of the building to be so constructed as not to spread the water over the sidewalks, and every person neglecting the requirements of this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $5, nor more than $10.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-12 Snow Plowing Equipment License.

116-12. Snow Plowing Equipment License. 1. LICENSE ISSUED BY CITY CLERK. No person, firm, or corporation shall engage in the business of removing snow or ice from the public sidewalks or public alleys of the city by means of motorized sweepers or plows or receive compensation for doing such work without first obtaining a license therefor in the manner hereinafter provided. The license shall be obtained from the city clerk upon approval of the commissioner of public works and pursuant to ch. 85. The city clerk shall publish to the city’s website a list of all snow plowing equipment license holders. 2. INSURANCE REQUIRED. No license shall be granted unless the applicant has filed with the city clerk a public liability insurance policy in the sum of at least $5,000 or a proper certificate showing such policy to be in force, conditioned among other things, that the person shall pay any and all damages which may happen to any tree, pavement, street, or sidewalk or to any utility pole or to any other property belonging to the city, whether the damage shall be inflicted by the person or his or her employees or workers, and conditioned also that the person shall save and indemnify and keep harmless the city against all liability, judgments, costs, and expenses which may in any way accrue against the city in consequence of the granting of the license. 3. ISSUANCE. The licensee shall comply with the conditions of any license which may be issued. Upon filing with the city clerk of the public liability insurance policy or certificate of insurance, and upon payment of the license fee required in s. 81-114 to the city treasurer, the license shall be issued. 4. PENALTY. Any person violating this section shall forfeit to the city a penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $100 for each offense, and in default of payment thereof shall be imprisoned in the house of correction or county jail of Milwaukee county for a period not to exceed 60 days, or until such penalty and costs shall be paid.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-15 Vacant Lots to be Cleaned.

116-15. Vacant Lots to be Cleaned. 1. OWNER TO BE NOTIFIED. Whenever an unoccupied or partially unoccupied lot or parcel of land in the city has been left in an unsafe or unsightly condition, or both, because of debris, unsightly materials, or surface irregularities, or unprotected or unfinished excavations, it shall be the duty of the commissioner of public works to notify the owner or person in charge in writing, to clean up and, if necessary, protect the premises. The time in which the owner or person in charge must comply with the aforementioned order shall be in the discretion of the commissioner of public works, but the time given in such order shall not be less than 3 days, nor more than 30 days. In the event such order is not complied with, the commissioner of public works may proceed to clear the premises and assess the cost thereof in the manner provided in s. 11.28 of the city charter against the premises in the manner in which similar assessments are made. 2. PENALTY. Any person, firm or corporation found guilty of violating this section, or who shall fail, omit, neglect or refuse to obey any of the provisions of this section, or any order promulgated therein by the commissioner, shall be subject to a fine of not less than $1 nor more than $100, together with the costs of such action, and every person, firm or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each day of such violation, omission, guilt or refusal; provided, however, that such accumulated penalties recoverable in any one action shall not exceed the sum of $1,000, exclusive of the assessment hereinabove referred to.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-16 Owners and Occupants to Clean Sidewalks.

116-16. Owners and Occupants to Clean Sidewalks. It shall be the duty of every owner, occupant, agent or person in charge of any premises, improved or vacant, that shall front upon any sidewalk to keep the same free from rubbish, dirt or dust.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-17 Steam Shovel or Heavy Equipment Permits.

116-17. Steam Shovel or Heavy Equipment Permits. 1. PERMIT REQUIRED. No steam shovel, concrete or concrete mixer, sewer digger or other similar machine weighing more than 6,000 pounds except a road roller, and no similar machine having lugged wheels shall be driven or operated upon or along any street, alley or public place in the city, unless a permit therefor shall first be secured from the commissioner of public works, which permit shall specify the route to be taken by such machine, and it shall be unlawful to deviate from such route. The commissioner of public works shall have authority to require the removal from any such machine of any flanges, cleats or other removable parts which would damage the street, and also to require, whenever in his judgment it is necessary, that planks or other sufficient protection for the street shall be provided by the persons driving or operating any such machine and shall be placed by such person or persons on the street, and the machine shall be run upon such planks or other protection when such requirement is made. The purpose of this section is to protect streets against damage from any machine with rough wheels, and this section is intended to apply to all such machines. 2. PENALTY. Any person who shall violate this section shall be subject to a penalty of not less than $25 and not more than $100 for each offense together with the costs of the action, and in default of payment of such penalty and costs shall be committed to the county jail or house of correction of Milwaukee county for a period not to exceed 90 days, or until such penalty and costs shall be paid.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-19 Moving Buildings on Streets.

116-19. Moving Buildings on Streets. 1. LICENSE REQUIRED. No person, firm or corporation may remove or cause or permit to be removed or may aid or assist in removing any building into, along or across any street in the city without first obtaining the license therefor. Licenses shall be obtained from the commissioner of public works. No license shall be granted until the person applying shall be given a bond in the sum of $10,000 with good sufficient sureties, which shall run to the city of Milwaukee for the use and benefit of any person or persons intended to be protected thereby, and which shall be conditioned, among other things, that the person shall pay any and all damages which may happen to any tree, pavement, street or sidewalk or to any telephone pole or to any other public or private property, whether the damage shall be caused or inflicted by the person or by the person's employees or workers, and conditioned also that the person shall save and indemnify and keep harmless the city against all liabilities, judgments, damages, costs and expenses which may in any wise accrue against the city in consequence of the granting of the license or any permit hereunder. The licensee will comply with the conditions of any permit which may be issued. Upon execution of the bond and payment of the license fee provided for in s. 81-14 to the city treasurer, a license shall be issued. 2. PERMIT FROM PUBLIC WORKS. a. Application. Whenever any licensed building mover shall desire to move any building into, along or across any street in the city, application for a permit to do so shall be made in writing to the commissioner of public works. Such application shall be signed by the owner of the building or by his authorized agent or attorney, and such application shall also be signed by the licensed mover who is to do the work. No person shall move or cause to be moved any building through any street without securing a permit therefor from the commissioner of public works. Any licensed building mover who shall remove or cause to be removed any building into, along or across any street in the city without first having secured a permit therefor, or who after securing a permit shall keep a building on any street longer than the permit calls for, or who shall use any water hydrant or concrete electric pole in any manner in the moving of buildings shall upon proof thereof be deprived of his license; and such license shall not be reissued to such person for a period of 6 months, and such penalty may be imposed for each separate offense. b. Permit fees. See s. 81-15 for the required permit fees. 3. APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER. The commissioner of public works shall grant all permits for the moving of buildings across or along any street, and he shall have authority to refuse any permit where in his opinion the interruption to traffic or the damage which might be done to trees or other public property would not warrant the granting of such permit. 4. PENALTY. Any person violating this section shall forfeit to the city a penalty of not less than $10 nor more than $100 for each such offense, and in default of payment thereof shall be imprisoned in the house of correction or county jail of Milwaukee for a period not to exceed 60 days, or until such penalty and costs shall be paid.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-27 Carpets and Rugs, etc.

116-27. Carpets and Rugs, etc. 1. NOT TO BE BEATEN IN PUBLIC PLACES. No carpets, rugs, mats or similar articles shall be beaten, shaken or swept in any public thoroughfare or in any court or areaway within 15 feet of any building or buildings occupied by more than 2 families. 2. NOT TO BE SHAKEN NEAR BUILDINGS. No old garments, bedding, mattresses, coverings, rugs, carpets or similar articles shall be beaten, shaken or swept upon or within 15 feet of any inhabited building, unless precaution is taken to prevent dust particles from being blown, scattered or otherwise passing from the place where such beating or cleaning is carried on. 3. CONTENTS OF VACUUM CLEANERS. Any inhabitant of said city after using any carpet sweeper or vacuum cleaner in said city shall remove the contents of said sweeper or vacuum cleaner into some proper receptacle or wrapper and convey same to incinerator, furnace, fireplace or stove. 4. PENALTY. Any person violating this section shall upon conviction be fined not less than $5 nor more than $50 for each and every offense, or in default of the payment of the same be imprisoned in the house of correction of Milwaukee county for a period of not less than 10 nor more than 60 days, in the discretion of the court.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-39 Storm Water Treatment or Storage.

116-39. Storm Water Treatment or Storage. 1. TREATMENT. The portion of a street right-of-way commonly known as the tree border and located between the curb and the outside line of the sidewalk closest to the curb may be used for storm water treatment purposes. 2. STORAGE. The paved portion of a public street may be used for temporary storage of storm water when such storage is deemed appropriate by the commissioner of public works. The commissioner shall determine the method, location and duration of any storm water storage on public streets.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-51 Planting Permit.

116-51. Planting Permit. No person, corporation or association shall plant, cut, prune or remove any living tree or shrub in a public highway in the city, or cut, disturb or interfere in any way with the roots of any tree in such public highway, or spray any such trees or shrubs with any chemicals or insecticides without written permit of the commissioner of public works.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-52 Planting Trees on Public Highway.

116-52. Planting Trees on Public Highway. No shade or ornamental tree or shrub shall be planted in any of the public highways of the city until such tree or shrub and the place where it is to be planted shall have first been approved by the commissioner of public works and a permit granted by said commissioner therefor.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-53 Hazardous Trees and Storage of Cut Elm Wood Prohibited.

116-53. Hazardous Trees and Storage of Cut Elm Wood Prohibited. The planting, preserving and maintaining of trees which are injurious and detrimental to the community, and all such trees as may be liable to fall upon any sidewalk, street or building, or which are hazardous or may result in injury to person or property because of a defective or diseased condition, or contagiously diseased trees, or the storage of cut elm wood, unless debarked or treated with a proper insecticide, shall be deemed a public nuisance and are prohibited.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-54 Planting of Flowers in the Public Right-of-Way.

116-54. Planting of Flowers in the Public Right-of-Way. 1. PLANTING OF FLOWERS. The planting of flowers in the public right-of-way is permitted as long as it does not encroach in the path of pedestrians or block the vision of motorists. The planting of edible fruits and vegetables is prohibited without a special privilege permit. The diggers hotline must be contacted at least 3 business days prior to any excavation related to this subsection. 2. REQUIREMENTS. Flowers may be planted by, or with permission from, the property owner immediately adjacent to that section of the public right-of way. Plants may not grow so as to obstruct or encroach upon the curb or sidewalk, block sight lines to the street, be higher than 3 feet or potentially create a trip hazard on the sidewalk or roadway. The department of public works may issue additional planting guidelines. 3. LANDSCAPING EDGING. Decorative landscaping edging is permitted in the public right-of-way. It may not obstruct or encroach upon the curb or sidewalk, block sight lines to the street or potentially create a trip hazard on the sidewalk or roadway. 4. CITY LIABILITY. The city shall be held harmless from and against any damages to plantings permitted in this section occurring due to city operations or repairs including tree trimming, tree removal, stump removal, tree planting, utility repair and plowing or salting. 5. VIOLATIONS. If the department of public works determines that circumstances warrant, the property owner shall be notified and given 30 days to correct the violation. If the property owner does not remove the plant material within the 30 days, the department of public works will take corrective action and bill the owner following the procedures set forth in s. 11.28, city charter.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-55 Overhanging Branches.

116-55. Overhanging Branches. 1. INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC OR STREET LIGHTS. Branches of trees, shrubs, flowers or other vegetation shall not be permitted to overhang streets, sidewalks and alleys at such a height as to interfere with vehicle or pedestrian traffic, or with the proper radiation of light from the Milwaukee municipal street lighting system. It shall be the duty of property owners to trim trees, shrubs, flowers or other vegetation to conform with this section upon due notice from the commissioner of public works. 2. INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES. Branches of trees, shrubs, flowers or other vegetation shall not be permitted to overhang streets, sidewalks and alleys at such a height or in such a manner as to interfere with the visibility of official traffic control devices. Whenever trees or shrubs or the branches of trees or shrubs or other obstructions are found to block or interfere with the visibility of an official traffic control device, the provisions of s. 116-56 shall not apply. The commissioner of public works may take immediate action after he has received notification of such interference, to remove, trim or cause to have removed or trimmed the branches of such tree or shrub, flowers or other vegetation or to remove or to cause to have removed other obstructions irrespective of the ownership of the tree, shrub, flowers, other vegetation or other obstruction.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-56 Special Assessment for Trimming.

116-56. Special Assessment for Trimming. In the event of the failure of the owner of any property or premises in front of or on which trees, shrubs, flowers or other vegetation grow with branches hanging over the sidewalk, streets or alleys, and with a level less than that provided under s. 116-55 to trim his or her trees, shrubs, flowers or other vegetation in conformity thereto for a period of not less than 15 days after being notified, then the commissioner of public works may cause the branches of such trees, shrubs, flowers or other vegetation to be trimmed, as provided for in s. 116-55 and charge the cost of such work against the lots, parts of lots or parcels of land on or in front of which such trees, shrubs, flowers or other vegetation may grow, in the manner and following the procedures set forth in s. 11.28, city charter.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-60 Fastening Horses to Shade Trees, Lamp Posts, etc.

116-60. Fastening Horses to Shade Trees, Lamp Posts, etc. No person shall fasten any horse or any other animal to any ornamental or shade tree or lamp post in any street or other public place within the limits of said city, nor to any box or case around such tree, nor shall he cause or permit a horse or other animal to stand so that said horse or other animal can injure a tree in any such street or other public place, under a penalty of not less than $5 nor exceeding $25 for each and every offense.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-63 Electric Devices Near Trees.

116-63. Electric Devices Near Trees. No person, corporation or association shall attach any electric insulators, or any device for the holding of electric wires, to any tree growing or planted upon any public highway of the city. Every person, corporation or association having any wire or wires charged with electricity running through a public highway shall securely fasten such wire or wires to a post or other structure so that they shall not come in contact with any tree thereon. Every such person, corporation or association shall, when and if the commissioner of public works determines it to be necessary in order to prune or cut down any trees growing in a public highway in the city, temporarily remove any such wire or wires, or cut off the electricity within 24 hours after service upon the owner of said wire or wires, or his or its agents, of a written notice signed by the commissioner of public works to remove said wire or wires, or cut off said electricity.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-66 Examination of Trees.

116-66. Examination of Trees. The commissioner of public works shall have the right to examine all trees, alive or dead, standing or fallen, and logwood piles for the purpose of determining whether same are contagiously diseased. Such examinations shall include the right to take samples from such trees and logwood piles for laboratory testing purposes. It is made the duty of the commissioner of public works to give notice to the owner or owners, or the agent of such owner or owners of land, in the city whereon there are situated any infested or diseased trees, or hazardous conditions existing, or cut elm wood, unless debarked or treated with a proper insecticide, declared by said commissioner to be a public nuisance under s. 116-53, and which are not maintained by the city as provided by law, to remove, prune or treat or cause same to be removed, pruned or treated within 30 days, excepting when said notice applies to the pruning or treating of elm trees, or other diseased or infested trees which shall be done within 10 days.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-67 Removal, Pruning or Treatment of Trees.

116-67. Removal, Pruning or Treatment of Trees. The commissioner of public works shall have the power and is authorized and instructed, after proper notification as referred to in s. 116-66, and noncompliance therewith, to cause such trees, or cut elm wood, unless debarked and treated with a proper insecticide, which are deemed to be a nuisance under s. 116-53, to be removed, pruned or treated at the expense of the owner of the land whereon the same stand, and if such owner or his agent cannot be found in the city the commissioner of public works may cause such trees to be removed, pruned or treated at the expense of the owner of such land without notice.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-68 Cost of Removal.

116-68. Cost of Removal. 1. REPORT TO CITY COMPTROLLER. Except for the costs imposed for tree removal under ss.116-53 and 116-66, the commissioner of public works shall keep an account of all costs expended upon the work in front of each lot, part of lot or parcel of land, and make an annual report to the city comptroller, stating and certifying the description of the lots, parts of lots or parcels of land in front or rear of or upon which the work shall have been done, and the city comptroller shall, at the time of making his or her annual report to the common council of the lots or parcels of land subject to special tax or assessment, include therein the lots or parcels so reported to him or her by the commissioner of public works, with the aggregate amount chargeable thereto, according to the report, and the amounts shall be levied on the lots or parcels of land respectively to which they are so chargeable, in like manner as other special taxes are levied in the city. 2. REPORT TO CITY TREASURER. The commissioner of public works shall keep an account of all costs of tree removal, provided for under ss.116-53 and 116-66, that are expended upon the work in front of each lot, part of lot or parcel of land, and make an annual report to the city treasurer of the trees removed under ss.116-53 and 116-66 that includes the amounts that shall be levied as special assessments on the lots or parcels of land respectively to which they are so chargeable. 3. PAYMENT TERMS. The special assessment amounts for the cost of removal of trees, under ss.116-53 and 116-66, levied on the lots or parcels of land, respectively, to which they are so charged shall be paid under the following terms and conditions: a. Except as provided for in par. b, the total amount for the cost imposed for the removal of trees shall be paid to the city treasurer within the time allowed for the payment of general property taxes. b. Property owners affected by the special assessment for the removal of trees, who waive in writing a public hearing notice as provided for by s. 66.0703(7)(b), Wis. Stats., and have a total amount of the unpaid principal of the special assessment remaining over a sum of $125, shall have the special assessment spread equally over the first and next succeeding 9 property tax rolls. b-1. If the total amount of the bill remaining unpaid is less than $125, the amount shall be placed on the first available tax roll. b-2. In addition to the principal remaining, interest shall be added commencing the January 31 after the issuance of the property tax bill. The interest rate charged shall be set annually as of the last business day in June as an approximation of the prime rate plus 1%. For the purpose of this subdivision, the prime rate shall be defined as the Wall Street Journal prime rate which is published in the Wall Street Journal. The monthly rate of interest shall be computed by dividing the average prime rate plus 1% by 12 rounded to the nearest 100th percent. The city comptroller shall review the interest rate annually and shall notify the department of public works of the interest rate. The interest rate shall become effective as of the public hearing date in September at which annual assessment rate changes are submitted to the appropriate committee of the common council as provided in s. 115-43. The interest rate in effect at the time the charge is levied shall be fixed for the 10-year duration of the installment payments. b-3. After being placed on the tax roll in annual installments or otherwise, the amounts of special assessments shall be paid within the time allowed for the payment of general property taxes. If the taxpayer fails to pay a special assessment within the time allowed for payment, it shall become delinquent and shall be treated in the same manner and subject to the same laws as a delinquent general property tax.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-69 Interference with Work of Department.

116-69. Interference with Work of Department. No person, corporation or association shall prevent, delay or interfere with employees of the department of public works in the planting, pruning, spraying or removing of a tree or trees or shrubs, living or dead, in that part of any street lying between the lot line and the curb or in the center or side plots of boulevards in the city, or from removing stone, cement, lumber or other substance placed about a tree or shrub in a highway in the city contrary to ss. 116-51, 116-52, 116-63 and 116-69.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-70 Penalty.

116-70. Penalty. Any person violating any of the provisions of ss. 116-51, 116-52, 116-54, 116-63 and 116-69 shall, upon conviction, pay a penalty to the city of not less than $10 nor more than $25 for each and every offense. Each day in which any of the provisions of these sections are violated shall constitute a separate offense. the Municipal Research Library.

Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH116.pdf#page=1Fetched: 10/26/2026