As a Realtor in Lake Geneva, the Geneva Lake waters are of prime importance to our real estate values. These new changes attempt to protect our water quality, wildlife, and our natural beauty by placing stricter standards on new development and construction near our waterways. No.2 Unlimited repair and maintenance of ALL nonconforming structures is allowed . This new regulation wipes out the old rule where a homeowner was only allowed to repair and expand a nonconforming structure to 50% of it assessed value during the life of the property. This meant that property owners couldn’t ‘do routine maintenance or minor expansions. The new rule allows for repair, maintenance and no limits on the amount or value of the maintenance or repair. This new change is a welcome one because in some cases those nonconforming structures may have been boat houses. Note: The new regs. do apply to all land within 1,000 feet of a lake, pond, flowage and land within 300 feet of a stream or river. Yes, even if your building is separated from water by land, buildings or a roadway the rules apply.
For more information: Dept. of Natural Resources – Shoreland Zoning Regs.
