Section 44.31. Definitions.

  In this subchapter:

(1)  “Adverse effect" means any of the following:

(a) Physical destruction, damage or alteration of any part of a property which would adversely affect the historic significance of that property.

(b) Isolation of a property from or alteration of the character of the property's setting when that character contributes to the property's qualification as a listed property.

(c) Introduction of visual, audible or atmospheric elements that are out of character with a property or alter its setting.

(d) Neglect of a property resulting in its deterioration or destruction.

(1m)  “Director" means the director of the historical society.

(2)  “Historic preservation" means the research, protection, restoration and rehabilitation of historic properties.

(3)  “Historic property" means any building, structure, object, district, area or site, whether on or beneath the surface of land or water, that is significant in the history, prehistory, architecture, archaeology or culture of this state, its rural and urban communities or the nation.

(4)  “Listed property" means property which is listed on the national register of historic places in Wisconsin or the state register of historic places, or both.

(5)  “National register of historic places in Wisconsin" means those places in Wisconsin which are listed on the national register of historic places maintained by the U.S. department of the interior.

(6)  “Political subdivision" means a city, village, town or county.

(7)  “Officer" means the state historic preservation officer.

(8)  “Owned or leased" includes:

(a) An ownership interest involving the holding of title.

(b) A leasehold interest.

(c) Ownership of a beneficial interest.

(d) Any beneficial use not involving the holding of title.

(10)  “State agency" means any office, department, independent agency, or attached board or commission within the executive branch of state government, or any special purpose authority created by statute.

(11)  “State review board" means the historic preservation review board.

(12)  “Wisconsin inventory of historic places" or “the inventory" means the listing of places that have been identified by the officer as being of some historic significance.

1987 a. 395 ss. 25 to 27 , 35 ; 1989 a. 31 .