Wisconsin Real Estate License Land Use Controls Questions and Answers

Question 1

A property owner in a residential-zoned area has operated a small convenience store for 30 years.
The city recently rezoned the entire area to be exclusively residential.
The store is now considered a 'grandfathered' use.
What is the official term for the store's status, and what happens if the owner closes the business for more than 12 consecutive months?

Accepted Answer

Nonconforming use; the right to operate the store may be terminated.

Answer

Conditional use; the owner must reapply for a permit to reopen.

Answer

Variance; the status is permanent and cannot be revoked.

Answer

Permitted use by exception; the owner can reopen at any time.

Question 2

A developer is planning a new residential subdivision in a Wisconsin town. According to Chapter 236 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which of the following describes the general timeline for municipal review of the preliminary and final plats?

Accepted Answer

90 days for the preliminary plat and 60 days for the final plat.

Answer

60 days for the preliminary plat and 90 days for the final plat.

Answer

30 days for the preliminary plat and 30 days for the final plat.

Answer

120 days for both the preliminary and final plats.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is true regarding Wisconsin's shoreland zoning regulations?

Accepted Answer

Regulations generally apply to unincorporated lands within 1,000 feet of a navigable lake and 300 feet of a navigable river.

Answer

They apply to all land within 500 feet of a navigable lake and 100 feet of a navigable stream.

Answer

All buildings and structures must be set back at least 100 feet from the ordinary high water mark.

Answer

Counties are prohibited from enacting standards more restrictive than the state minimums.

Question 4

A homeowner in Madison, Wisconsin wants to build a garage that will encroach 5 feet into the side-yard setback required by the local zoning ordinance. The homeowner can demonstrate that the odd shape of their lot creates a unique hardship not caused by their own actions. What should the homeowner apply for?

Accepted Answer

An area variance, to get an exception from a physical dimension rule.

Answer

A conditional use permit, because the use is not normally allowed.

Answer

A zoning amendment, to change the rules for the entire neighborhood.

Answer

A spot zoning grant, to have their property uniquely rezoned.

Question 5

The State of Wisconsin needs to acquire a parcel of private property to expand a state highway. The owner does not want to sell. Under the power of eminent domain, what is the primary requirement for the government to proceed with the taking?

Accepted Answer

Paying the owner 'just compensation' for the property.

Answer

Obtaining the consent of the property owners of adjacent parcels.

Answer

Proving the owner has not made the 'highest and best use' of the land.

Answer

Offering the owner a comparable replacement property in the same county.

Question 6

A city planning commission is reviewing a new housing development proposal. To separate the proposed high-density residential area from an existing industrial park, the plan includes a park with extensive landscaping. This separating strip of land is best known as what?

Accepted Answer

A nonconforming use area

Answer

A setback area

Answer

An easement by necessity

Answer

A buffer zone