I bought a property in Wisconsin in 1984. It was surrounded by a redwood basket weave privacy fence, built in 1951. A large portion of this privacy fence was eight feet into the right of way for a street behind the house, and remained there for 52 years without objection from the city. In fact, the city gave the fence it's blessing by means of an encroachment document in 1964. I can document the dates.
Four years ago they decided to widen the street and install a sidewalk inside the line where the fence stood and forced it's removal. I claimed adverse possession, but was told by the City Attorney that it can't be claimed against a municpality. I later found out that there is a special provision in Wisconsin Law that permits it, provided it was defined by a fence, but by then the damage had been done.
Without that fence, and the land it defined, the property is no longer viable. The sidewalk is now 2 feet from my back door, thus completely removing what little back yard I had, and it's resultant protection.
I have filed suit, asserting inverse condemnation. The City has managed to use any delaying tactic it could to delay this, but it finally goes to trial in August.
Most people I've talked to, including former City officials, say I have a good case, but there is always that lingering doubt, thinking there is something I overlooked.

