Development moratoria
Wis. Stat. § 66.1002
in effect(1) Definitions. In this section:
(a) “Comprehensive plan” has the meaning given in s. 66.1001 (1) (a).
(b) “Development moratorium” means a moratorium on rezoning or approving any subdivision or other division of land by plat or certified survey map that is authorized under ch. 236.
(d) “Municipality” means any city, village, or town.
(e) “Public health professional” means any of the following:
1. A physician, as defined under s. 48.375 (2) (g).
2. A registered professional nurse, as defined under s. 49.498 (1) (L).
(f) “Registered engineer” means an individual who satisfies the registration requirements for a professional engineer as specified in s. 443.04.
(2) Moratorium allowed. Subject to the limitations and requirements specified in this section, a municipality may enact a development moratorium ordinance if the municipality has enacted a comprehensive plan, is in the process of preparing its comprehensive plan, is in the process of preparing a significant amendment to its comprehensive plan in response to a substantial change in conditions in the municipality, or is exempt from the requirement as described in s. 66.1001 (3m), and if at least one of the following applies:
(a) The municipality’s governing body adopts a resolution stating that a moratorium is needed to prevent a shortage in, or the overburdening of, public facilities located in the municipality and that such a shortage or overburdening would otherwise occur during the period in which the moratorium would be in effect, except that the governing body may not adopt such a resolution unless it obtains a written report from a registered engineer stating that in his or her opinion the possible shortage or overburdening of public facilities justifies the need for a moratorium.
(b) The municipality’s governing body adopts a resolution stating that a moratorium is needed to address a significant threat to the public health or safety that is presented by a proposed or anticipated activity specified under sub. (4), except that the governing body may not adopt such a resolution unless it obtains a written report from a registered engineer or public health professional stating that in his or her opinion the proposed or anticipated activity specified under sub. (4) presents such a significant threat to the public health or safety that the need for a moratorium is justified.
(3) Ordinance requirements.
(a) An ordinance enacted under this section shall contain at least all of the following elements:
1. A statement describing the problem giving rise to the need for the moratorium.
2. A statement of the specific action that the municipality intends to take to alleviate the need for the moratorium.
3. Subject to par. (b), the length of time during which the moratorium is to be in effect.
4. A statement describing how and why the governing body decided on the length of time described in subd. 3.
5. A description of the area in which the ordinance applies.
6. An exemption for any activity specified under sub. (4) that would have no impact, or slight impact, on the problem giving rise to the need for the moratorium.
(b)
1. A development moratorium ordinance may be in effect only for a length of time that is long enough for a municipality to address the problem giving rise to the need for the moratorium but, except as provided in subd. 2., the ordinance may not remain in effect for more than 12 months.
2. A municipality may amend the ordinance one time to extend the moratorium for not more than 6 months if the municipality’s governing body determines that such an extension is necessary to address the problem giving rise to the need for the moratorium.
(c) A municipality may not enact a development moratorium ordinance unless it holds at least one public hearing at which the proposed ordinance is discussed. The public hearing must be preceded by a class 1 notice under ch. 985, the notice to be at least 30 days before the hearing. The municipality may also provide notice of the hearing by any other appropriate means. The class 1 notice shall contain at least all of the following:
1. The time, date, and place of the hearing.
2. A summary of the proposed development moratorium ordinance, including the location where the ordinance would apply, the length of time the ordinance would be in effect, and a statement describing the problem giving rise to the need for the moratorium.
3. The name and contact information of a municipal official who may be contacted to obtain additional information about the proposed ordinance.
4. Information relating to how, where, and when a copy of the proposed ordinance may be inspected or obtained before the hearing.
(4) Applicability. A development moratorium ordinance enacted under this section applies to any of the following that is submitted to the municipality on or after the effective date of the ordinance:
(a) A request for rezoning.
(c) A plat or certified survey map.
(d) A subdivision plat or other land division.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/66.1002Fetched: 10/7/2026