Number
250668
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DIMITRIJEVIC, SPIKER, BURGELIS AND MOORE
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to exemptions from city charges and fees for projects related to accessible entrances.
Section
81-6-2-c cr
81-50-8 cr
81-102.1-9 cr
200-33-13.7 cr
Analysis
This substitute ordinance creates an exemption from building permit fees and appraisal service charges for an addition or alteration to a structure, if the purpose of the addition or alteration is to create an accessible entrance for persons with disabilities.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 81-6-2-c of the code is created to read:
81-6. Service Charges for Appraisal and Inspection.
2. ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS.
c. An alteration or addition shall be exempt from the service charge under this subsection if the following criteria are met:
c-1. The alteration or addition is constructed for the purpose of providing accessible entrance and exit access to persons with disabilities.
c-2. The alteration or addition is attached to or leading to the primary entrance and exit points of the structure.
c-3. The alteration or addition is not attached or leading to a side or rear door of a non-residential property that is locked or inaccessible to the public during normal business hours, or a special request has been approved by the department of neighborhood services to waive this requirement for the exemption.
c-4. The usable square footage of the property is not increased by the addition or alteration.
Part 2. Section 81-50-8 of the code is created to read:
81-50. Excavation Permit and Inspection Fees for Work in the Public Right of Way.
8. ACCESSIBILITY EXEMPTION. An excavation or work in the right of way necessitated by an accessibility-related alteration or addition shall be exempt from fees under this section if the following criteria are met:
a. The alteration or addition is constructed for the purpose of providing accessible entrance and exit access to persons with disabilities.
b. The alteration or addition is attached to or leading to the primary entrance and exit points of the structure.
c. The alteration or addition is not attached or leading to a side or rear door of a non-residential property that is locked or inaccessible to the public during normal business hours, or a special request has been approved by the department of neighborhood services to waive this requirement for the exemption.
d. The usable square footage of the property is not increased by the addition or alteration.
Part 3. Section 81-102.1-9 of the code is created to read:
81-102.1. Public Ways: Special Permits.
9. ACCESSIBILITY EXEMPTION. An accessibility-related alteration or addition shall be exempt from all fees under this section if the following criteria are met:
a. The alteration or addition is constructed for the purpose of providing accessible entrance and exit access to persons with disabilities.
b. The alteration or addition is attached to or leading to the primary entrance and exit points of the structure.
c. The alteration or addition is not attached or leading to a side or rear door of a non-residential property that is locked or inaccessible to the public during normal business hours, or a special request has been approved by the department of neighborhood services to waive this requirement for the exemption.
d. The usable square footage of the property is not increased by the addition or alteration.
Part 4. Section 200-33-13.7 of the code is created to read:
200-33. Fees.
13.7. EXEMPTION FOR ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS. a. An alteration or addition shall be exempt from all fees under this subchapter if the following criteria are met:
a-1 The alteration or addition is constructed for the purpose of providing accessible entrance and exit access to persons with disabilities.
a-2. The alteration or addition is attached to or leading to the primary entrance and exit points of the structure.
a-3. The alteration or addition is not attached or leading to a side or rear door of a non-residential property that is locked or inaccessible to the public during normal business hours, or a special request has been approved by the department to waive this requirement for the exemption.
a-4. The usable square footage of the property is not increased by the addition or alteration.
b. If a project includes an accessibility-related improvement eligible for this exemption as one component of a larger project, only the eligible portion of the project shall be exempt from fees under this subchapter.
…LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
K. Broadnax
____________________________
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date: September 5, 2025
______________________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
____________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Date: ______________________
Requestor
Drafter
LRB180922-2
Gunnar Raasch
8/28/2025