Wisconsin Statutes Municipalities (Ch. 59 to 68) § 60.64. Historic preservation

(1) Subject to subs.(2) and (2m), the town board, in the exercise of its zoning and police powers for the purpose of promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the community and of the state, may regulate any place, structure or object with a special character, historic interest, aesthetic interest or other significant value for the purpose of preserving the place, structure or object and its significant characteristics. Subject to subs. (2), (2m), and (3), the town board may create a landmarks commission to designate historic landmarks and establish historic districts. Subject to subs.(2) and (2m), the board may regulate all historic landmarks and all property within each historic district to preserve the historic landmarks and property within the district and the character of the district.

(2) Before the town board designates a historic landmark or establishes a historic district, the town board shall hold a public hearing. If the town board proposes to designate a place, structure, or object as a historic landmark or establish a historic district that includes a place, structure, or object, the town board shall, by 1st class mail, notify the owner of the place, structure, or object of the determination and of the time and place of the public hearing on the determination.

(2m) In the repair or replacement of a property that is designated as a historic landmark or included within a historic district or neighborhood conservation district under this section, the town board shall allow an owner to use materials that are similar in design, color, scale, architectural appearance, and other visual qualities.

(3) An owner of property that is affected by a decision of a town landmarks commission may appeal the decision to the town board. The town board may overturn a decision of the commission by a majority vote of the town board.