66.1111 Historic properties.

(1) Definitions. In this section:

(a) “Historic property" has the meaning given under s. 44.31 (3).

(b) “Political subdivision" means a city, village, town or county.

(2) Acquisition of property. A political subdivision may acquire by gift, purchase or condemnation any property right in historic property, whether the property is real or personal.

(3) Ownership, use and disposition of property.

(a) A political subdivision may preserve or rehabilitate any historic property which it owns, construct buildings on that property, own and maintain that property for public purposes or lease or convey that property.

(b) If a political subdivision leases to another person historic property, the political subdivision shall include provisions in the lease which protect the historic character and qualities of that property. If the political subdivision conveys historic property, the political subdivision shall obtain a conservation easement under s. 700.40 to protect the historic character and qualities of the property.

(4) Consideration of effects on historic properties.

(a) In the earliest stage of planning any action related to the following, a political subdivision shall determine if its proposed action will affect any historic property which is a listed property, as defined under s. 44.31 (4), or which is on the list of locally designated historic places under s. 44.45:

1. Long-range planning for facilities development.

2. Any action under sub. (3).

3. Razing any historic property which it owns.

(b) A political subdivision shall notify the state historic preservation officer of any proposed action which it determines under par. (a) would affect any historic property.

(5) Grants. A political subdivision may make grants of funds to any public or private entity for the purpose of preserving or rehabilitating historic property.

History: 1987 a. 395; 1989 a. 31; 1999 a. 150 s. 88; Stats. 1999 s. 66.1111.