Wisconsin Statute 66.0401 broadly preempts municipalities and counties from restricting solar and wind energy systems unless restrictions serve specific public health, safety, or aesthetic exceptions defined by state law.
Wis. Stat. 66.0401 prohibits any city, village, town, or county from imposing restrictions on the installation or use of solar energy systems unless the restriction (a) serves to preserve or protect public health or safety, (b) does not significantly increase the cost or decrease the efficiency of the system, or (c) allows for an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency. This statute strongly preempts local solar bans and restrictive permitting. Permit fees and reasonable building/electrical code compliance are still allowed, but blanket aesthetic prohibitions are barred. Wisconsin also recognizes solar access easements under Wis. Stat. 700.41.
Aggrieved system owners may sue to invalidate restrictive ordinances and recover attorney fees and damages. Courts have repeatedly struck down local bans inconsistent with 66.0401.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Menasha, WI
Menasha enforces quiet hours in this Fox Valley city between Lake Winnebago and Little Lake Butte des Morts. 18,000+ residents with paper mill heritage. Fox ...
Menasha, WI
Menasha regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Menasha, WI
Menasha considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Menasha, WI
Menasha restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Menasha, WI
Menasha requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Menasha, WI
Menasha enforces parking with winter alternate-side rules for snow removal. Fox River waterfront redevelopment areas have evolving parking needs. Downtown ar...
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