Chapter 16.10
REGULATION OF MOORINGS AND PIERS
Sections:
16.10.010 Regulation of moorings and piers.
16.10.110 Limitations of permit.
16.10.120 Conflicts of provisions.
16.10.130 Violation deemed nuisance.
16.10.150 Rafts, buoys, markers, moorings and piers.
16.10.180 Severability of code provisions.
16.10.010 Regulation of moorings and piers.
Wis. Stat. Ch. 30 is hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference to the greatest extent legally permissible to provide for the Town of East Troy’s ability to exercise primary or concurrent jurisdiction over navigable waters in the Town of East Troy. To the greatest extent permissible, this chapter shall be deemed to supplement and create additional regulations as currently exist or may be amended by changes in the Wisconsin Statutes, Administrative Code or other lawful enactments by the state of Wisconsin. (2008 code § 12.02(1))
16.10.020 Definitions.
All definitions of Wis. Stat. § 30.01 are adopted and incorporated herein by reference into this section, including but not limited to the following:
“Area of special natural resource interest” means any of the following:
1. A state natural area designated or dedicated under Wis. Stat. §§ 23.27 to 23.29 and shown on a map published on the Department’s internet site.
2. A surface water map identified as a trout stream by the Department and shown on a map published on the Department’s internet site.
3. A surface water identified as an outstanding or exceptional resource water under Wis. Stat. § 281.15 and shown on a map published on the Department’s internet site.
4. The portion of a body of water that contains a sensitive area and shown on a map published on the Department’s internet site.
5. A unique and significant wetland specified by the Department in a special wetland inventory study or a special area management plan and shown on a map published on the Department’s internet site.
“Boat shelter” means:
1. A structure in navigable waters with a roof but no walls and, except as provided in subsection (2) of this definition, no sides, designated and constructed for the purpose of providing cover for a berth place for watercraft. Such a structure may include a device for lifting a boat.
2. A structure under subsection (1) of this definition that has temporary sides made of flexible material with a minimum openness factor of five percent if all of the following conditions are met:
a. The sides are placed and maintained by the owner or easement holder of adjacent riparian land or his or her agent.
b. The boat is registered under Wis. Stat. Ch. 30, or exempt from registration requirements under Wis. Stat. § 30.51, and either has a wooden hull or is designated as a boat with significant historic or cultural value, as determined by the State Historical Society or a local or county historical society established under Wis. Stat. § 44.03.
c. The sides are located entirely within the riparian owner’s riparian zone.
d. There are no more than two boat shelters for the first 100 feet of the riparian owner’s shoreline footage and no more than one additional boat shelter for each additional 50 feet of the riparian owner’s shoreline footage. Shoreline footage is measured along a straight line connecting points where property lines meet the ordinary high water mark.
e. The sides are placed no less than 36 inches above the water surface.
f. The structure is no more than 24 feet in length, unless the boat that will be sheltered is longer than 24 feet from bow to stern.
“Department,” “DNR,” or “WDNR” shall mean the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or any other state agency or its representatives or designees having jurisdiction over any matter relating to the subject matter of this chapter, navigable waters, riparian rights, etc.
“Marina” means a facility for the rental of boats or mooring space that consists of a pier, pier slips, wharfs, mooring structures, or a combination of the same for securing watercraft.
“Mooring,” when used as a noun, means a mooring anchor and mooring buoy together with the attached chains, cables, ropes and pennants and related equipment unless the term is qualified or restricted.
“Mooring anchor” means any anchor or weight which is designated to rest on the bed or to be buried in the bed of a navigable water, which is designated to be attached by a chain, cable, rope or other mechanism to a mooring buoy and which is designated to be left in position permanently or on a seasonal basis.
“Mooring buoy” means any float or marker which is attached to a mooring anchor and either is suitable for attachment to a boat through the use of a pennant or other device or facilitates the attachment of the boat to the mooring anchor.
“Navigable water or waters” means any body of water which is navigable under the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
“Pier” means any structure extending into navigable waters from the shore with water on both sides, built or maintained for the purpose of providing a berth for watercraft or for loading or unloading cargo or passengers onto or from watercraft. Such a structure may include a boat shelter which is removed seasonally. Such a structure may include a boat hoist or boat lift, and the hoist or lift may be permanent or may be removed seasonally.
“Riparian property” shall refer to property abutting navigable waters, and such property shall be deemed to be a single property whether or not the same owner has separate tax key numbers or is recorded under a plat showing multiple lots or parcels for the same.
“Riparian zone” means the area that extends from riparian land waterward to the line of navigation as determined by a method that establishes riparian zone lines between adjacent riparian owners in a manner that equitably apportions access to the line of navigation.
“Sensitive area” means an area of aquatic vegetation identified by the Department as offering critical or unique fish and wildlife habitat, including seasonal or lifestage requirements, or offering water quality or erosion control benefits to the body of water.
“Shore” means the ordinary high water mark as determined by the DNR.
“Swimming raft” means a floatation platform without railings, roof or walls that is adequately anchored to the bed of navigable waters and is designated for swimming, diving and related activities. Reflectors are required for any swimming raft anchored overnight.
“Watercraft” means any device used and designed for navigation on water.
“Wharf” means any structure in navigable waters extending along the shore and generally connected with the uplands throughout its length, built or maintained for the purpose of providing a berth for watercraft or for loading or unloading cargo or passengers onto or from watercraft. Such a structure may include a boat hoist or boat lift, and the hoist or lift may be permanent or may be removed seasonally. (Ord. 2021-2 § 1; Ord. 2011-11 §§ 4, 5, 6. 2008 code § 12.02(2))
16.10.030 Intent.
This chapter is intended to amend, supplement and where applicable, supersede the predecessor ordinance and statutory references. The predecessor ordinance, when referred to herein, shall be deemed to be applicable to any mooring, structure or other matter which requires a permit under this chapter but may be deemed to be “grandfathered” or constitute a nonconforming use to the extent such structure has not been changed, relocated, expanded or altered and otherwise was properly registered or permitted and remains in full compliance with such predecessor ordinance. It is the intent of this chapter to promote and enhance:
1. The health, safety and welfare of individuals using navigable waters;
2. The long-term quality of navigable waters in the Town of East Troy;
3. The beauty and aesthetic appearance of navigable waters and properties and improvements adjacent to such navigable waters;
4. The orderly usage of navigable waters by riparian owners and public;
5. The harmonious and nonexclusive use of all areas of navigable waters in the Town of East Troy in conjunction with the rights of riparian property owners; and
6. To discourage the use of moorings, piers, wharfs, marinas or other structures which unfairly restrict or are used to assert exclusive or excessive privileges, control, or use of navigable waters. (2008 code § 12.02(3))
16.10.040 Permit.
A permit shall be required for each property having a pier, wharf, or marina that is placed wholly or in part in navigable waters unless otherwise exempt herein. (Ord. 2021-3 § 1. 2008 code § 12.02(4))
16.10.050 Regulations.
1. No mooring, pier, wharf, or swimming raft shall materially obstruct navigation.
2. The establishment of a mooring, pier, wharf, or swimming raft shall not be detrimental to any significant fish or wildlife habitat area or sensitive environmental area. The Town shall consider any application dealing with such issue with the intent of minimizing or avoiding any detrimental impact. Pursuant to 2011 Wisconsin Act 167, a DNR permit is required for every new pier on “designated waters” or “areas of special resource interests” after August 2012 if the pier does not meet the Pier planner [PDF], and the Piers exemption checklist [PDF]. Portions of Lake Beulah are included within both definitions. As such, the Town Board will only grant a permit application for a new pier on waters fitting either or both definitions after approval has been granted by the DNR, or a letter from the DNR confirming that a pier is exempt is provided. A list of “designated waters” or “areas of special resource interest” can be found at http://dnrmaps.wi.gov/H5/?Viewer=SWDV (Surface Water Data Viewer).
If such issues are presented, any review deadlines shall be extended to 60 days after the Town Board reviews investigative reports from the DNR or its own experts retained to investigate such issues.
3. The use of a mooring, pier, wharf, or swimming raft shall not unfairly restrict or be used to assert exclusive or excessive privileges, control or use of navigable waters. Moorings may not enclose navigable waters with the exception of designated swimming areas, which shall be permitted only after approval is granted by the DNR and an applicant for the same follows the permit process set forth herein for moorings.
4. The number of boat slips shall not exceed two for the first 50 feet, or fractional part thereof, and one additional mooring for each additional 50 feet of shoreline owned by an applicant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, every riparian parcel or contiguous parcel owned by one entity or individual shall be permitted to have no more than 10 boat slips without requiring a marina permit.
5. Boats moored to buoys thereto shall be at least 20 feet from any other mooring, boat, or structure located in navigable waters, exclusive of those structures to which such boat is moored.
6. No mooring shall be located within 50 feet of any properly marked swimming area or unreasonably threaten any properly marked swimming area as determined in the sole discretion of the Town Board, which may require additional safety features or conditions.
7. Any mooring buoys shall be placed within a riparian owner’s riparian zone within 150 feet of the ordinary high water mark without a permit.
8. A permit is not required for the placement of a pier or wharf if the structure is located in an area other than an area of special natural resource interest, does not interfere with the riparian rights of other riparian owners, and meets the exemption requirements of Wis Stat. § 30.12(1g)(f) that it:
a. Is no more than six feet wide;
b. Extends no further than to a point where the water is three feet at its maximum depth as measured at summer low levels, or to the point where there is adequate depth for mooring a boat or using a boat hoist or boat lift, whichever is further from the shoreline; and
c. Has no more than two boat slips for the first 50 feet of the riparian owner’s shoreline footage and no more than one additional boat slip for each additional 50 feet of the riparian owner’s shoreline footage.
d. Notwithstanding the width limitations in subsection (8)(a) of this section, a pier may have an area as a loading platform that is more than six feet wide if the surface area of the platform does not exceed 200 square feet.
In addition to the permit exemptions listed in Wis. Stat. § 30.12(1g), a riparian owner of a pier or wharf that was placed on the bed of a navigable water before April 17, 2012, is exempt from the permit requirements of Wis. Stat. § 30.12(1k) unless the Department notified the riparian owner before April 1, 2012, that the pier or wharf is detrimental to the public interest or if the pier or wharf interferes with the riparian rights of other riparian owners. All other permit exemptions found in Wis. Stat. Ch. 30, in addition to those exemptions stated herein, are adopted by the Town of East Troy, including, but not limited to, the exemption in Wis. Stat. § 30.13.
9. Mooring buoy areas shall be marked in a manner which notifies the public of the boundaries of the mooring area and assists in navigation near the mooring area. These markers shall be consistent with the uniform aids to navigation established under Wis. Stat. Ch. 30.
10. No portion of a mooring buoy, pier, wharf or swimming raft shall be placed within 12 feet of a lot line or extension of the lot line into the navigable waters. Where such lot line extension is not at a right angle, the respective rights of neighboring riparian owners shall be determined by drawing a cord between each pair of property lines at the point where each line meets the shoreline, extending perpendicular lines into the navigable water from each end of such cords, and bisecting the resulting angles. The bisecting lines shall be considered the coterminous riparian rights line extension off of which the 12-foot setback shall be determined. In any circumstances where the same would create an undue hardship or would not enable respective property owners to have adequate space to establish their piers and provide for safe and reasonable access thereto, the Town Board shall conduct a hearing and equitably allocate the areas in which a pier may be located so that each of the respective property owners has the ability to place a pier and have safe and reasonable access thereto. The Town may grant a permit notwithstanding the setback requirements, but may limit the location, shape, and length of a pier in such circumstances.
11. To the extent that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources does not have jurisdiction over, declines to exercise jurisdiction over or otherwise fails to establish the riparian rights zone between neighboring property owners or amongst competing owners of riparian property, the Town of East Troy shall make such determination. This determination shall be made using the methodology provided elsewhere in this chapter with respect to competing property owners and shall take into account the interests of the public to use navigable waters and any relevant consideration given the interests of the parties involved. Where an issue arises regarding the competing interests of co-owners of property or property that is held jointly or in common with more than one party, the Town may allocate riparian rights amongst the owners and allocate the same as otherwise set forth in this chapter. The Town Board may also determine to decline jurisdiction over such matters if neighboring property owners, the public or reasonable use of such frontage is not affected thereby.
12. Only riparian owners or those holding riparian rights consistent with the state law, including Wis. Stat. §§ 30.131 and 30.133, may make an application under this chapter. Nonriparian owners who claim riparian rights must establish the same consistent with the foregoing statutes, shall be required to establish the same to the satisfaction of the Town and shall fully cooperate with any informational or documentary requests that the Town may require. Unless the applicant demonstrates a reasonable degree of certainty of entitlement to an application, the Town Board may deny any such request pending a determination by the DNR or the Circuit Court for Walworth County which will be considered by the Town as evidence of the same, but shall not be presumptive unless the Town has been notified of or participated in such proceedings.
13. A riparian owner may secure to a pier or wharf up to two personal watercraft as defined in Wis. Stat. § 30.50(9d) for the first 50 feet of the riparian owner’s shoreline footage and one more additional personal watercraft for each additional 50 feet of the riparian owner’s shoreline footage under Wis. Stat. § 30.12(1h).
14. No loading platform/deck with a surface area greater than 200 square feet is allowed without first obtaining a permit from the DNR. (Ord. 2021-3 § 1; Ord. 2017-3 §§ 1(A), 2; Ord. 2013-1 § 1. 2008 code § 12.02(5))
16.10.060 Marinas.
Marinas shall require a permit from the Town of East Troy in compliance with all requirements of this chapter, supplemented by a detailed description of any uses, operations and regulations it proposes for the same and the users thereof. A permit application shall be filed with the Town Clerk and the Lake Beulah Lake Management District. The Town Clerk shall forward the application to all riparian property owners adjoining the applicant’s property within 250 feet. A summary of the application shall be published as a Class 2 notice and shall identify the number of moorings applied for, shall invite written comments and/or objections to be filed with the Town Clerk, the availability of the full application at the Town Hall, and shall identify the Town Board meeting or special meeting called for that purpose, at which time interested parties may speak. The application will be heard by the Town Board not less than 21 days after a complete application is made and no later than 60 days after the filing date. The Town Board may, if necessary, delay consideration of an application for final decision for an additional 45 days if the Board deems that more information or consideration is deemed necessary for any reason. The Board, after considering an application and information presented by the applicant, any interested parties, through its own independent investigation, information from the public, the DNR or any other source, may grant, deny or conditionally approve such application. The time periods set forth herein shall specifically supersede any other provision of this chapter. Upon filing of permit application the Town Clerk shall refer it immediately to the Police Chief for investigation and report at the next regular Town Board meeting or special meeting called for that purpose. The Board after considering the application and evidence presented by all interested parties may grant or deny the application.
1. In addition to all other requirements, an applicant for a marina shall file a DNR permit for any pier, mooring, mooring buoy or crib that relates to the subject matter of this chapter or that is otherwise required by that DNR, with the application. In the event that the DNR declines to issue such a permit until the Town has approved the same, the applicant shall file any and all applications, submissions or correspondence to or from the DNR with the application.
2. Fee. The application fee for a marina permit shall be $200.00 which shall accompany the application. (2008 code § 12.02(6))
16.10.070 Mooring buoys.
Mooring buoys, including temporary rigging buoys, shall be restricted to temporary use. No use may exceed five consecutive days and shall require a permit, which shall be renewable no more than four times in any calendar year. (2008 code § 12.02(7))
16.10.080 Swimming rafts.
A riparian owner may place a properly anchored swimming raft, water trampoline, or any other recreational device or structure within 200 feet of shore within the riparian owner’s zone of interest as long as it does not interfere with public rights within the waterway. Swimming rafts, water trampolines, and other recreational devices or structures shall be kept as close to shore as possible to avoid interfering with boat traffic. No permit is required for a swimming raft, water trampoline, or other recreational device or structure as long as the size is no greater than 200 square feet and does not exceed 38 inches in height, or is removed from the water each night. Swimming rafts or water trampolines placed in DNR-designated swimming areas, such as for municipal beaches or private campgrounds, may be placed without a permit and do not have to follow the size limitations herein. (Ord. 2021-3 § 1; 2008 code § 12.02(8))
16.10.090 Permit procedure.
Any person requesting a permit under this chapter shall use the application form on file with the Town Clerk, which form shall be approved by the Town Board which may amend the same from time to time to comply with the requirements and intent of this chapter. The specific requirements of the application form shall be deemed to supplement the following minimum requirements:
1. The date, name, and mailing address and phone number of the applicant.
2. The address of the property, if different than under subsection (1) of this section.
3. The names and addresses of all title holders to the lake property in question.
4. Name and address of adjoining riparian owners and/or of the riparian owner if an easement for the applicant is the basis for the permit.
5. A description of the mooring being applied for. Such description shall include the construction materials used in the structure, specify the location and dimensions of the proposed structure, and identify the location of all moorings on the property and on adjacent properties. If more than one watercraft is to be secured to any individual mooring, the location of all watercraft to be secured by said moorings shall be identified. A survey, map, or drawing to scale shall be attached identifying the property in question, the adjacent lake properties, the location of any existing structure or buoys, and any other information bearing upon the location of the proposed mooring, pier, wharf, marina or other structure. All distances shall be accurately and clearly marked on such a diagram.
6. A statement as to whether or not any mooring is to be rented out, leased, or used by a nonriparian owner. If more than five moorings are being applied for by any individual property owner, the intended use of said moorings shall be fully described.
7. Any other information that is requested by the Town Board that is relevant in determining whether or not said mooring complies with the intent of this chapter or any other applicable Town ordinance.
8. Permit Fee. Each application shall be accompanied by a permit fee of $25.00 or in an amount established by a resolution or ordinance duly adopted by the Town Board.
9. All piers placed before April 17, 2012, are grandfathered unless:
a. The DNR notified the riparian owner before April 17, 2012, that the pier is “detrimental to the public interest”; or
b. If the pier “interferes with the riparian rights of other riparian owners.”
If a pier is grandfathered, the riparian owner may relocate or reconfigure the pier as long as the pier is not enlarged.
10. Pursuant to 2011 Wisconsin Act 167, a DNR permit is required for every new pier on “designated waters” or “areas of special resource interests” after August 2012 if the pier does not meet the Pier planner [PDF] and the Piers exemption checklist [PDF]. Portions of Lake Beulah are included within both definitions. As such, the Town Board will only grant a permit application for a new pier on waters fitting either or both definitions after approval has been granted by the DNR, or a letter from the DNR confirming that a pier is exempt is provided. A list of “designated waters” or “areas of special resource interest” can be found at http://dnrmaps.wi.gov/H5/?Viewer=SWDV (Surface Water Data Viewer). (Ord. 2017-3 § 1(B); Ord. 2013-1 § 1. 2008 code § 12.02(9))
16.10.100 Review procedures.
1. All permits shall be reviewed by the Town Board, who shall inform the applicant, within 60 days, as to whether the application complies with this chapter and all applicable state regulations and statutes.
2. Within 60 days of receipt of the application, if the Town Board deems that additional information is required to act on such application, or if there are any objections raised thereto, the Town will notify the applicant and may hold a public hearing concerning the application within 60 days after sending written notice to the applicant.
3. After the permit is granted, it will be assigned a number matching the house number. Such permit shall apply to each structure or mooring permitted with the number and letter assigned to each. The permit number shall be placed on each permitted structure such that the number faces away from the shoreline. Such number and lettering (in the event of multiple permits) shall be no smaller in size and of the same lettering as is required for boat registration numbers.
4. After a permit is granted, no subsequent permit will be required unless the mooring location or number is changed or expanded.
5. If the Town is requested to granting a variance of the terms of this chapter, or the Town has reason to believe that the granting of a permit may be contrary to the intent of this chapter, the Town may grant a one-year conditional permit. Such conditional permit shall be reviewed after its expiration. The Town shall thereafter issue or deny the requested permit.
6. A permit may be revoked if the mooring is either used or found to be in violation of the regulations stated herein or the intent and purpose of this chapter, or is expanded, altered or relocated.
7. The provisions and procedures of Wis. Stat. Ch. 68 shall apply to the granting, denial or revocation or conditional grant of a permit. (2008 code § 12.02(10))
16.10.110 Limitations of permit.
Permit holders may not rent, lease or give mooring rights to nonriparian individuals unless approved by the Town Board. Guest mooring is allowed but cannot exceed five consecutive days or 10 days per season. “Guest mooring” shall be defined as those temporary moorings that are allowed to nonriparian owners, nonoccupants or others who are permitted to temporarily moor watercraft without any form of compensation, bartering or other consideration of any type or nature. Notification of a guest mooring must be provided to the Town, in writing, and include a description of the watercraft, the registration number, the mooring location and the dates thereof. This shall apply to any overnight mooring of a watercraft. (2008 code § 12.02(11))
16.10.120 Conflicts of provisions.
This chapter shall not supersede or affect any other more restrictive provision of the Municipal Code of the Town of East Troy or any other entity with jurisdiction. (2008 code § 12.02(12))
16.10.130 Violation deemed nuisance.
Any mooring, mooring anchor, mooring buoy, pier, boat shelter, wharf, marina, or any other structure which is placed or used in any navigable water in violation of this chapter shall constitute a nuisance under the Town of East Troy Municipal Code, and may be removed as provided pursuant to the procedures set forth in Wis. Stat. § 30.13(5m), or other applicable law. (Ord. 2011-11 § 7. 2008 code § 12.02(13))
16.10.140 Existing moorings.
Any mooring which has been legally established prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter or its predecessor ordinance shall be considered a nonconforming use and such use shall be permitted to exist notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or its successor ordinance. In the event that such use or structure is not maintained for at least 30 days of every season following the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter or its successor ordinance, such nonconforming use shall be extinguished. Any person desiring nonconforming use status shall make application for such status and shall file an application as set forth under this chapter or its predecessor ordinance, but shall specifically designate the nonconforming use requested and shall request approval of the nonconforming use status. If no such use is requested for approval in the 12 months following the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter or in the event such status was not timely requested under the predecessor ordinance, such nonconforming use shall be extinguished. (2008 code § 12.02(14))
16.10.150 Rafts, buoys, markers, moorings and piers.
1. Position. All rafts, platforms and markers shall be anchored in reasonable and prudent places and so that they will have at least six inches of free board above the waterline, buoys to have at least 18 inches above the waterline, and so that they will not float or drift in excess of 10 feet in any direction from the position that is directly above their anchor.
2. No owner or owners of any lot or lots, including registered or permitted marinas, except “Camp” B’nai B’rith Beber Camp, Salvation Army Camp, Camp Edwards, Divine Word Seminary, Camp Charles Allis Association, and Alice Chester Center, in the Town of East Troy, shall permit or allow mooring or docking of more than 10 boats on its lake frontage, regardless of the number of tax key lots owned. For the purpose of this subsection, the terms “mooring” and “docking” shall be defined as the occupancy of the space adjacent to any pier or dock for a period of time in excess of 12 hours unless a permit for moorings in excess of 10 has been granted pursuant to the provisions of Wis. Stat. § 30.12. The exemptions provided above will be lost in the event that zoning use or ownership of exempted properties change.
3. No person shall enter upon, remain upon or cause any object to be placed upon the raft, platform, mooring, or pier of another. An “owner” is the holder of legal title, and an “occupant” is not the holder of legal title but is a lawful occupant of the raft, platform, mooring or pier. Furthermore, no person shall intentionally enter upon the raft, platform, mooring or pier of another in a violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly manner under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provide a breach of peace. (2008 code § 12.02(15))
16.10.160 Exceptions.
The foregoing regulations shall not apply to not-for-profit organizations including the B’nai B’rith Beber Camp, Salvation Army Camp, Camp Edwards, Divine Word Seminary, Camp Charles Allis Association, Alice Chester Center, and the Lake Beulah Yacht Club Sailing School. These exemptions will be waived and/or removed in the event that zoning, use or ownership of the foregoing exempted properties change. In such event, any successor entities or affected owners may apply to the Town Board for continuing such exemptions in whole or in part by a formal written application with all relevant underlying information for such request to be provided to the Town Board at least 30 days in advance of the consideration of the same by the Town Board at a regular or special Town Board meeting, at which a hearing shall be conducted after written notice to all property owners within 300 feet of said property’s riparian frontage and publication as required by law. (2008 code § 12.02(16))
16.10.170 Violation.
Any mooring, pier, marina, wharf, or other structure found to be in violation of this chapter shall be subject to a forfeiture of not more than $500.00 nor less than $50.00 for each separate violation. Each day during which the violation exists is a separate offense. (2008 code § 12.02(17))
16.10.180 Severability of code provisions.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by reason of any decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, or any superseding Wisconsin State Statute or regulation, only that invalid or unconstitutional portion shall be deemed severed from the chapter and the remainder of the chapter shall have continuing validity. (2008 code § 12.02(18))