Milwaukee appeals board hears dozens of nuisance cases; several fines reduced or waived

Summary

Milwaukee’s Administrative Review Board of Appeals heard more than 40 property, snow/sidewalk and refuse appeals on March 19, 2026. The board granted some appeals, reduced fees in hardship cases and held others for additional evidence or the chair’s call as it weighed evidence about posting, eNotify notices and contractor documentation.

The Administrative Review Board of Appeals in Milwaukee on March 19 heard a packed docket of property- and nuisance-related appeals, ranging from sidewalk snow-and-ice citations to garbage and vacant-building reinspections. Chair Vincent Bobbitt presided as city witnesses and dozens of appellants presented testimony, evidence and negotiated settlements.

The board granted the appeal of James Raymond for a snow/ice citation for a property on South Mabbit Avenue, finding the city had not met its burden to show an effective posting or other adequate notice. Board member Yandell moved to grant the appeal, saying, “The city hasn’t met its burden of proof,” and the board approved the motion without objection, relieving Raymond of the $280.05 charge.

Assistant city attorney Joseph Dobbs reminded the board that Wisconsin’s 2017 Act 317 (codified at Wis. Stat. § 66.0628(2)(m)) generally requires notice before imposing municipal fees but expressly excludes charges for clearing snow or ice from sidewalks and violations that create an immediate danger to public health or safety. Dobbs read the statute’s limiting sentence and advised the board that sidewalk snow removal fees can therefore be assessed under that exemption.

Not all appellants prevailed. Jared Triplett, owner of a West Fond du Lac…

Milwaukee appeals board hears dozens of nuisance cases; several fines reduced or waived

Summary

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