Communities with subdivision (aka land division) ordinances should be aware of recent changes to Wisconsin Statues Chapter 236 relating to subdivision plat approvals. 2025 Wisconsin Act 68 was enacted on December 9, 2025. This Act amends several sections of chapter 236. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026.

These changes do not necessarily require immediate update of local subdivision ordinances, but communities with subdivision ordinances should be aware of potential impacts on how subdivision ordinances are interpreted and administered after July 1.

The following provides an overview of the changes to Chapter 236 and the implications for communities with subdivision ordinances:

1. Several items are added or removed in the purpose of the statute. Communities should ensure that ordinance actions do not impede selection of housing types or accessibility by pedestrians, bicycles, transit, or other transportation options. In addition, reducing overcrowding or traffic congestion should not be used as a basis for ordinance decisions.
2. Communities must provide an opportunity to subdividers for a pre-submission concept review. Basically, an informal meeting with representatives of the community to discuss if the proposal will comply with requirements and conditions for approval before submission of a preliminary (or final) plat. The outcomes of these reviews are non-binding.
3. A community may not reject a preliminary plat submission on the basis that the plans and reports are not final. However, approval may be made conditional to submission of final plans and reports.
4. The handling of public improvements is changed slightly. The community may require the subdivider to agree to install reasonably necessary public improvements within a reasonable time after approval and provide financial security for those improvements. In other words, installation or acceptance of public improvements may not be required as a condition in the plat approval or recording process. In addition, building permits for structures meeting all relevant requirements may not be withheld solely on the status of public improvements.
5. An approved plat is entitled to be recorded. The community must make a certificate to that effect on the face of the plat no later than 10-days after the subdivider submits the plat with all the necessary requirements.

The NCWRPC recommends that communities with subdivision ordinances share this information with elected officials, committee members and staff that deal with reviewing and approving subdivisions in the community, so that any future ordinance actions are consistent with the statutory changes. Potential changes to local ordinances to accommodate these new statutory provisions can be made at a later time that is convenient for the community, such as when making other updates or amendments. 

For more information see the full text of 2025 Wisconsin Act 68 at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/acts/68.

If you have any questions regarding subdivision ordinances or the Act 68 changes, the NCWRPC may be able to help. Contact Darryl Landeau, AICP at dlandeau@ncwrpc.org or 715-849-5510 ext. 308.

WisDOT recently held an informational webinar focused on the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026-2027 Local Small Structures Improvement Program (LSSIP) project solicitation.

The webinar covered the 2026-2027 LSSIP project solicitation, program eligibility, application procedures, and other related information.

The subject matter will help inform local governments and other interested parties about the content of the application and what is expected of the applicant.

The Local Small Structures Improvement Program (LSSIP) is a one-time appropriation authorized as part of the 2025-2027 Wisconsin Biennial Budget (Act 15) and part of Wisconsin State Statute 85.64 (2)(a).

This program aims to repair or replace deteriorated small structure crossings. Projects may be funded at up to 90% state cost share.

For those who were unable to join us, the direct link to the recorded webinar can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-hQ-vJhRxA

WisDOT strongly encourages potential applicants and other interested parties to view the video prior to submitting an application.

More information about LSSIP can be found on WisDOT's LSSIP website.

To be considered for funding in this 2026-2027 LSSIP project solicitation, local agencies must apply by May 1, 2026.

For questions about LSSIP, please contact the Program Manager, Izzy Schultze, at izzy.schultze@dot.wi.gov.