Wisconsin's Working Lands Initiative under Statute 91 establishes farmland preservation zoning districts, certifies county and local plans, and offers income tax credits to farmers in certified agricultural enterprise areas.
Wis. Stat. chapter 91, the Working Lands Initiative, replaced Wisconsin's earlier farmland preservation act. Counties prepare farmland preservation plans certified by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and may designate exclusive agricultural zoning districts and agricultural enterprise areas. Farmers in certified districts can qualify for state income tax credits ranging from $5 to $10 per acre. Conversion of land out of farmland preservation zoning may trigger conversion fees. The framework coexists with right-to-farm protections in 823.08 and supports county-level planning that balances development pressures with agricultural viability.
Conversion of land from a certified farmland preservation district triggers a conversion fee equal to three times the per-acre Class 4 agricultural land value. Farmers claiming tax credits must comply with conservation standards or risk loss of credits and back-tax liability.
Appleton, WI
Appleton considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Appleton, WI
Appleton enforces quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM. The Fox Valley's largest city (pop. 75,000) home to Lawrence University manages noise from College Avenue nightl...
Appleton, WI
Appleton regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Appleton, WI
Appleton restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Appleton, WI
Appleton enforces winter alternate-side parking November through April. Downtown College Avenue has metered parking. Packers game-day traffic from nearby Gre...
Appleton, WI
Appleton requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
See how Appleton's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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