Number
252240
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BAUMAN
Title
An ordinance relating to penalties for code violations on multi-unit residential nuisance properties.
Section
200-08-58.5 cr
200-19-1 rc
200-19-2 rn
200-19-2 cr
200-19-3 rn
200-19-4 rn
200-19-5 rn
Analysis
This ordinance creates higher penalties for code violations committed on multi-unit residential properties with a significant number of prior code violations.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 200-08-58.5 of the code is created to read.
200-08. Definitions.
58.5 MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL NUISANCE means any premise with 4 or more dwelling units that has received more than 1 order to correct a code violation per number of dwelling units on the premise within the preceding 36 months. This shall not include properties where at least half of the violations were corrected within the time required by the order.
Part 2. Section 200-19-1 of the code is repealed and recreated to read:
200-19-1. Penalties.
1. APPLICABILITY. This section shall apply to any person who does any of the following:
a. Is the owner, operator, or occupant of any premise where there exists anything in violation of this code.
b. Shall build contrary to the plans and specifications approved by the commissioner.
c. Shall omit, neglect, or refuse to do any act required in this code.
Part 3. Section 200-19-2 to 5 of the code is renumbered 200-19-3 to 6.
Part 4. Section 200-19-2 of the code is created to read:
2. PENALTIES. a. Except where special penalty is provided, each person subject to s. 200-19-1 shall, upon conviction:
a-1. Forfeit no less than:
a-1-a. $150 per violation per day, nor more than $5,000 for each premise, structure, or property found to be in violation, together with the cost of the action.
a-1-b. $450 per violation per day, nor more than $15,000 for each multi-unit residential nuisance property found to be in violation, together with the cost of the action.
a-2. In default of payment thereof, be subject to imprisonment in the house of correction or county jail of Milwaukee County, for a period of not less than 6 days nor more than 90 days or until such forfeiture and cost is paid.
b. Each day such violation, omission, neglect, or refusal continues shall be deemed a separate offence.
c. If the property contains more than one dwelling unit, the minimum forfeiture may be assessed against the owner, operator, or occupant for each dwelling unit found to be in violation or directly affected by the violation.
d. Accumulated penalties recoverable in any one action shall not exceed $10,000, unless the premise in violation is a multi-unit residential nuisance property, in which case accumulated penalties recoverable in any one action shall not exceed $30,000.
e. A violation of this code exists on the date that the order or citation is issued and continues to exist until remedied.
LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
K. Broadnax
____________________________
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date:April 21, 2026
______________________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
____________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Requestor
Drafter
LRB181372-3
Gunnar Raasch
04/17/2026