Abandoned vehicles in Wauwatosa are regulated under state law (Wis. Stat. §342.40) and city nuisance ordinances. Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles visible from public areas may be reported for removal.
Wauwatosa defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public property for an extended period (typically 72 hours) or inoperable vehicles stored on private property visible from the street. Vehicles without current registration, flat tires, or significant damage may be classified as abandoned. Code enforcement issues a notice to the registered owner before towing. On private property, vehicles must be in an enclosed garage or behind an opaque fence. Certain exemptions may apply for vehicles actively being repaired with a valid permit.
Notice period typically 72 hours to 10 days. Towing and storage at owner expense ($150 to $500+). Additional fines for repeat violations.
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa Municipal Code Chapter 7.46 (Noise) within Title 7 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noise that injures the health, peace, or comfort of othe...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa requires pets to be confined by leash, pen, or fence on owner's property. Persistent barking is a nuisance violation under Ch. 7.46. Residents may ...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa Municipal Code Chapter 15.28 caps residential fences at roughly 4.5 feet in side and rear yards without a permit, allows up to 6 feet in rear yards...
Wauwatosa, WI
WI Stat. §90.02 to 90.14 provides line fence cost-sharing for rural/agricultural land. Urban residential fences: each owner responsible for their own.
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Dog licensing required statewide under WI Stat. §174.
Wauwatosa, WI
Wisconsin does not preempt local breed-specific legislation. Some WI cities have breed bans. WI Stat. §174.042 covers dangerous dogs based on behavior.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Milwaukee County.
See how other cities in Milwaukee County handle abandoned vehicles.
See how Wauwatosa's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
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