Each zoning district, as defined in Madison’s Zoning
Code, has two types of uses. The first type of use is
the permitted uses. These do not require additional
review other than the zoning review for issuance of a
building permit. The second type of use is a
conditional use. These are uses not permitted outright
but may be allowed if certain standards and
conditions are met and the Plan Commission grants
approval.
Conditional uses assure you and your neighbors that
uses of adjacent properties will be as compatible as
possible with property uses established in your
neighborhood [City Ordinance 28.12(10)].
PROCESS OVERVIEW:
Discuss with City Zoning and Planning staff
Applicants for any project must first meet with Zoning and Planning staff before submitting their application. Please call Planning at (608) 266-4635 and Zoning (608) 266-4551 to schedule an appointment to discuss your project.
Find out the zoning for your property
Where to go:
Department of Planning and Community & Economic Development
Madison Municipal Building
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite LL 100
Madison, WI 53703
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Notify the district alder and neighborhood association
The applicant is strongly encouraged to discuss his/her proposal with the district alder and neighborhood association and nearby property owners prior to submitting their application.
Also, the applicant or his/her agent is required to notify the alderperson for the district and the neighborhood
association 30 days prior to filing their application.
Submit Application for a Conditional Use Permit
Where to go:
Department of Planning and Community & Economic Development
Madison Municipal Building
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite LL 100
Madison, WI 53703
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
What to include:
- Twelve (12) copies of the completed Land Use Application form (pdf) [check the box for “Conditional Use”]
- Twelve (12) copies of the letter of intent
- Seven (7) full-sized copies of the detailed plans
- Seven (7) copies of plans reduced to 11″ x 17″
- One copy of plans reduced to 8 1/2″ by 11″
- The filing fee
Public Hearing & Plan Commission
After initial staff review, the Zoning staff gives the
application and attached materials to the Planning
Division. The Planning Division schedules a public hearing
and publishes the official notice of the hearing. This
Division also notifies the alderperson, the neighborhood
association, the Urban Design Commission (if
required) and the property owners within 200 feet of the project property at least ten days prior to the
public hearing.
At the public hearing, owners of neighboring
properties or public facilities state their support or
concerns about the proposed project. The Plan
Commission considers the comments of the other
City departments, the recommendations of the Urban
Design Commission, your testimony and that of other
interested parties. The Commission also takes into
account the need for the proposed use at that
particular location. Following the public hearing, the
Plan Commission determines if the conditional use
standards can be met and then grants or denies the
request.
The Plan Commission may stipulate conditions and
restrictions upon the establishment, location,
construction, maintenance, and operation of the
conditional use.
Any action of the Plan Commission may be appealed
to the Common Council. The appeal may be initiated
by the applicant, the alderperson, or 20 percent or
more of the notified property owners. The appeal
requires that two-thirds (2/3) of the Common
Council vote to reverse the Plan Commission
decision.
If your application is denied and the denial is upheld
by the Common Council, you must wait one (1) year
from the date of the denial before you can resubmit
an application for essentially the same project.
Completion
Once the conditional use is approved and the terms of
approval are met, you can proceed with obtaining
your building or demolition permit.
Related Forms & Handouts
Have Questions?
Contact
Zoning - (608) 266-4551
(608) 266-4551