Fitchburg, WI Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Nuisance declaration
- City Code § 74-22(7)
- Abatement order authority
- Building inspector, § 37-40
- Appeal window
- 30 days to zoning board
- Emergency orders
- Effective immediately, § 37-41
- Alternate remedy
- Court injunction, § 37-46
Summary
Fitchburg, Wisconsin declares old, dilapidated buildings unfit for human use a public nuisance under City Code Sec. 74-22(7). The building inspector abates housing-code violations by ordering the owner to correct them under Sec. 37-40, with citation and injunction backup.
(7)All buildings or structures so old, dilapidated, or out of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary, or otherwise unfit for human use. ... Whenever the building inspector determines that a violation exists or has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation exists in any building or structure or in the use of any equipment covered by this chapter, the building inspector may order the owner or person responsible therefor, the occupant, or both, to correct the violation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30).
Full Breakdown
Fitchburg City Code Sec. ' That nuisance declaration is backed by the housing code's own enforcement chain in chapter 37: when the building inspector determines or has reasonable grounds to believe a violation exists in a building, the inspector may give notice to the owner or occupant (Sec. 37-39), then order the responsible party to correct it (Sec. 37-40). Where an emergency requires immediate action to protect public health or safety, the inspector can issue an emergency order without notice or hearing that takes effect immediately, though the recipient may petition the board for a hearing afterward (Sec.
37-41). Every notice and order must describe the real estate and the violation, set a compliance deadline, describe the required remedial action, and advise of a right to appeal to the zoning board of appeals within 30 days (Sec. 37-43). Notices are served by mail to the last known address or by personal delivery, and remain effective against later owners as long as the violation persists and a copy stays on file with the building inspector (Sec. 37-44). If an owner fails to comply with a notice and order, the building inspector issues a citation imposing a forfeiture (Sec.
37-42), and appeals of that citation or the underlying order go to the zoning board of appeals, which can affirm, modify or reverse by a two-thirds vote to change the decision (Sec. 37-45).
Violations & Fines
Sec. 37-46 lets the city attorney seek a court injunction or restraining order in addition to or instead of a forfeiture citation, ordering the responsible party to correct or remove the violation, restrain further construction, or prevent occupancy of a non-complying structure. Absent a more specific penalty, Sec. 1-21's general penalty applies: a forfeiture of $25.00 to $500.00 for a first offense and $50.00 to $1,000.00 for repeat offenses within a year, plus prosecution costs, with each day the violation continues a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dilapidated building illegal in Fitchburg, WI?
How does Fitchburg order a property fixed?
Can a Fitchburg abatement order be appealed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fitchburg
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