Wisconsin recognizes three adverse-possession tracks. The default under Wis. Stat. Sec. 893.25 is 20 years of uninterrupted possession with no written instrument. Sec. 893.26 shortens it to 10 years when entry is under a recorded written instrument or judgment. Sec. 893.27 cuts it to 7 years when, in addition, the claimant pays all taxes for the period.
Under Wis. Stat. Sec. 893.25, an action to recover real estate is barred by 'uninterrupted adverse possession of 20 years,' where the occupant possesses under claim of title and the land is actually occupied and either protected by a substantial enclosure or usually cultivated or improved. Wis. Stat. Sec. 893.26 bars recovery after 'uninterrupted adverse possession of 10 years' where the claimant entered in good faith under a written instrument of conveyance or a court judgment that is recorded within 30 days of entry and maintains actual continued occupation. Wis. Stat. Sec. 893.27 reduces the period to 'uninterrupted adverse possession of 7 years' where, in addition to the recorded-instrument requirements, the claimant 'paid all real estate taxes... for the 7-year period after the original entry.' Good faith of entry and claim of title is presumed unless rebutted.
A would-be squatter who lacks the required period (20, 10, or 7 years) and the open, hostile, continuous, exclusive possession has no title and can be removed through the eviction process under ch. 799. An owner who lets the full statutory period run may lose title to the adverse possessor.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Burlington, WI
Burlington regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Burlington, WI
Burlington considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Burlington, WI
Burlington enforces quiet hours in this small city (pop. 11,000) known as Chocolate City USA. Annual ChocolateFest and other downtown events require noise ma...
Burlington, WI
Burlington manages parking around the historic downtown and during festival events. ChocolateFest and holiday events create seasonal parking demand. Winter a...
Burlington, WI
Burlington restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Burlington, WI
Burlington requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
See how Burlington's squatter's rights & adverse possession rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.