Wisconsin Real Estate License Property Laws & Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Wisconsin zoning law, a property use that lawfully existed before a new zoning ordinance was enacted is called a:
- Variance
- Nonconforming use (Correct answer)
- Conditional use
- Special exception
Correct answer: Nonconforming use
A legal nonconforming use is a pre-existing use permitted to continue even though it no longer complies with current zoning.
Question 2: In Wisconsin, a homeowner who wants to deviate from a setback requirement due to a hardship would apply for a:
- Building permit
- Variance (Correct answer)
- Rezoning
- Plat approval
Correct answer: Variance
A variance is granted by the board of adjustment/appeals when strict enforcement of a zoning rule causes unnecessary hardship.
Question 3: Wisconsin's shoreland zoning regulations primarily protect property located near:
- Interstate highways
- Navigable lakes, rivers, and streams (Correct answer)
- Airports
- Commercial districts
Correct answer: Navigable lakes, rivers, and streams
Wisconsin shoreland zoning regulates development within a set distance of navigable waters to protect water quality and habitat.
Question 4: Which government power allows Wisconsin to take private property for public use with just compensation?
- Police power
- Eminent domain (Correct answer)
- Escheat
- Taxation
Correct answer: Eminent domain
Eminent domain permits the government to condemn private property for public use, provided the owner receives just compensation.
Question 5: In Wisconsin, before land can be subdivided into multiple lots for sale, the developer usually must record a:
- Deed of trust
- Certified survey map or plat (Correct answer)
- Land contract
- Title abstract
Correct answer: Certified survey map or plat
Wisconsin subdivision law requires recording a plat or certified survey map to legally divide land into parcels.
Question 6: Wisconsin property taxes are levied primarily to fund:
- Federal programs
- Local government and schools (Correct answer)
- Private HOA dues
- Real estate commissions
Correct answer: Local government and schools
Property taxes in Wisconsin fund local services such as schools, municipalities, and counties.
Question 7: A restrictive covenant recorded in a Wisconsin subdivision is generally enforceable by:
- The state real estate board
- Other lot owners in the subdivision (Correct answer)
- The county sheriff
- The mortgage lender
Correct answer: Other lot owners in the subdivision
Restrictive covenants that run with the land are typically enforced by other property owners subject to the same restrictions.
Wisconsin Real Estate License Property Laws & Regulations 3
Under Wisconsin zoning law, a property use that lawfully existed before a new zoning ordinance was enacted is called a: