Margaret Canfield

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. 7 New vegetation and removal requirements will create smaller views to the water for some larger lake homes.  These requirement impace what is within 35 feet of the water.  Vegetation can be selectively removed to give a view or access corridor of 30 feet for every 100 feet with a maximum of 200 feet.  The limits on tree removal or very similar to the current law.  This regulation will get triggered if you are expanding your home or exceeding the impervious surface standards.  There are no restrictions on vegetation that is farther than 35 feet to the water.

For more information click on this link.

 

When deciding to build another custom home this Owner looked for a large home site that would allow him to be close to a golf course but be set back for privacy.  In addition, in an area that is know for hills this particular neighborhood had home sites that were high and allowed you to look over your neighbors to the south country and wooded areas.  Perfect.  The house was designed so that the owners suite would be large and have access to the outside and the indoor pool from the master bedroom.  No need to go through the house with wet feet and you can easily grab coffee without going through the living room.

Many of us have extended family and are looking for numerous areas to eat and entertain, so with these owners.  Large center island in the kitchen, yet an additional area for a large table and chairs along with a work/mail/business station.  As a parent you can be in the kitchen working on bills or a recipe and see the living room, the pool area and the outdoor patio.  Easy to keep an eye on all the activities. 

The other end of the house has a guest suite, half bath, owners entrance from the garage and another out to the back yard.  The house was built for 2 people or 20 and the laundry room reflects it.  Folding counters, large washer and dryer, hanging space, closets and windows!  Upstairs is another large bedroom suite, and a in-law suite with small kitchen and bath. 

Storage has been well planned with a butlers pantry, master planned kitchen, deep closets in the bedrooms, back hallway closets and of course the entire full basement.  There is also a separate entrance from the garage into the lower level.  Again no need to track through the house. 

This home allows for elegant living because of how you can live and entertain.  Looking to see the inside?   Call or email me for more information.

Mitigation plans must be recorded with the local register of deeds and disclosed.

Those owners that agree to mitigation must record the plan with the local register of deeds. This means that the mitigation plan requirements will belong to the land and will apply to future owners as well.  If you are a Buyer looking to purchase a property the seller that has recorded mitigation planning should disclose this to you, as the Buyer.  The real estate condition report should be amended to include the mitigation plan or include the plan as an attachment.

For more information on Wisconsin Shoreland Zoning click here.

HOMES WITHIN 35 FEET FROM THE WATER CAN NOT BE EXPANDED

Homes that are within 35 feet from the water are prohibited from expansion, horizontally or vertically.  This means that if you want to expand your home then you will need to tear your home down and rebuild behind the setback.

For more information click here.

New  Mitigation Requiremenets are Triggered when setback and impervious surfacer requirements are not met.

Property owners must perform mitigation if they want to exceed the 15 percent impervious surface standard or expand nonconforming structures cloer than the 75 feet.  All mitigation must be proportional to the overall aspect of the property.  Each county will determine their mitigation standards and they must comply with the goals set by the DNR.  Mitigation could include restoring native habitat along the shoreline to removing an existing structure.

For more regarding Wisconsin Shoreland zoning informaiton click here.

Homes Located between 35 and 75 feet from the Water can be expanded.

The new regulations also allow for nonconforming structures located between 35 and 75 feet from the water to be expanded if they meet certain requirements. If the owner wishes to expand beyond the 75 feet s/he may do so if they meet the impervious surface requirements.  In addition you can expand vertically, no horizontally if the following is met; 1) the vertical expansion is no higher than 35 feet., 2) the expansion is no closer to the water, 3) the expansion does not exceed the 30% impervious surface limit, and 4) the owner will agree to mitigation as determined by the county.

Homes can be expanded horizontally if 1) there is not a compliant building location, 2) the expansion is no closer to the water, 3) mitigation is met and 4) the building does not exceed the 30% impervious surface requirement.

For more information click here: