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.
West Allis, WI
Animal noise in West Allis falls under the general noise ordinance §7.035 and the city's animal ordinances. Persistent barking disturbing neighbors is subjec...
West Allis, WI
West Allis regulates noise and vibration under Municipal Code §7.035. The West Allis Health Department is the primary enforcement agency; Police Department m...
West Allis, WI
West Allis regulates amplified music under the noise ordinance. Wisconsin State Fair Park events operate under separate state permits. Residential areas near...
West Allis, WI
RV and recreational vehicle parking in West Allis residential areas is governed by city zoning code. Generally one RV per lot is permitted with setback requi...
West Allis, WI
Large commercial vehicles are restricted in West Allis residential zones under city zoning code. Contact West Allis Code Enforcement for specific requirements.
West Allis, WI
West Allis requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
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