Housing (Historic Preservation)

AB 987 amends a state statute to update the purpose statement that local governments must follow when creating zoning regulations. The bill adds specific goals including promoting solar/wind energy access, protecting groundwater, encouraging diverse housing types, advancing "complete streets" for all users, and preserving burial sites. These changes require cities to consider these factors when developing zoning rules that affect land use, housing, transportation, and environmental protection. The bill directly impacts local zoning authorities and the communities they serve by shaping how land development is regulated.

SB 689 allows cities to extend the lifespan of tax incremental districts (TIDs) used for housing projects by up to three years after initial development costs are paid. Cities must obtain joint review board approval for extensions longer than one year. This change applies to existing TIDs focused on improving housing stock, giving cities more time to complete development projects using tax increment funds. The bill modifies statutes to clarify extension rules while maintaining oversight requirements.

SB 178 relates to changes to the low-income housing tax credit program. The provided amendments clarify the timing and application of the qualified allocation plan, which guides how these credits are allocated by the relevant authority.

AB 451 creates new rules for "residential tax incremental districts" (RTIDs) in cities, limiting these districts to 3% of a city's total taxable property value (down from a 12% cap for other districts). It requires RTIDs to fund only infrastructure for residential developments meeting strict size limits: single-family homes under 7,500 sq ft lots, two-family homes under 15,000 sq ft lots, and strict setbacks/sizes for homes (e.g., max 1,500 sq ft for single-story). Project costs are restricted to district-wide infrastructure (like stormwater systems), not individual lots, and must be paid from tax increments or developer financing. The bill directly affects cities creating RTIDs and developers building qualifying residential projects.

AB 375 modifies Wisconsin's historic rehabilitation tax credit program. It extends the credit to cover rehabilitation work completed after 2025, maintaining a 20% credit on qualified rehabilitation costs (minimum $50,000) for certified historic structures and qualified rehabilitated buildings. The bill adds new certification requirements through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and allows taxpayers to transfer unused credits to other entities subject to state taxes. This directly affects property owners and developers who rehabilitate historic buildings in Wisconsin, providing them with a tax incentive for such projects. The changes align Wisconsin's credit with federal rules while updating eligibility and claim procedures.