Development Center Terminology
- Conditional Use:
These types of uses are not permitted outright by zoning ordinance, but may be allowed if
certain standards and conditions are met and approved by the Plan Commission.
- Comprehensive Plan:
An officially adopted public document that establishes an urban development strategy and
policies to guide the future growth and development of the community over the next several
decades. The Plan provides the basis for making decisions regarding land use and the location
of development, the extension of services and the placement of community facilities. As such,
it is one of the primary tools used by the Madison Plan Commission, the Common Council,
and the City administration in making decisions that affect the future of the community.
- Developer:
An individual, corporation, partnership, or entity that seeks to construct buildings or structures
on a parcel of land, and includes all members of the development team (i.e. architects,
planners, landscape architects, engineers, attorneys, etc.).
- Development Guide:
This document summarizes the processes that applicants must go through for each type of
development approval in the City of Madison. It is available online at:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/2005DevBook.pdf, or by contacting City staff at (608) 266-4675.
- Historic District:
A geographic area, designated by ordinance, which possesses a historic character. Approvals in
these districts will require review by the Landmarks Commission.
- Impervious Paving:
A hard surface material that does not absorb or retain water, and may contribute to run-off if not
properly managed.
- Infill Development:
The development of vacant or underutilized lots that are surrounded by areas that are either
partially or fully developed.
- Mixed-Use Development:
A building or structure with two or more uses. Such uses could include: residential, office,
manufacturing, retail, public or entertainment uses.
- Multi-Voting Process:
An exercise to get participants to rank preferences for development concepts. This method
allows people to quickly find consensus on general design principles.
- Neighborhood Association:
Recognized group of residents, property owners or other persons with fixed interests within a
defined boundary, organized to discuss issues related to their community.
- Neighborhood:
An area with distinguishable characteristics, defined boundaries, and a common identity.
- Neighborhood Planning Councils:
Non-profit agencies that provide neighborhood supporting resources to member neighborhood
associations, business coalitions, and at-large community members to organize and encourage citizen
participation in civic activities within their boundaries.
- Official Map:
A legally adopted map that shows the location and width of existing and proposed streets, public
facilities, parks, open space, and drainage rights-of-way.
- Other Interested Parties:
Individuals or groups who are not affiliated with established neighborhood organizations, but
who might have an interest in particular development cases.
- Permitted Use:
When a development application conforms with the use(s) allowed by the Zoning Ordinance.
A permitted use usually does not require additional review other than the zoning review for
issuance of a building permit.
- Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Planned Commercial Developments (PCD):
A zoning district that overlays the current zoning ordinance. A PUD or PCD may allow relief
from the land use, building height, density, and setback normally required under conventional
zoning in exchange for a superior design. Both PUDs and PCDs should reflect the purposes
of their larger zoning district.
- Policymaker:
A member of one of the City boards or commissions, including the Common Council.
- Public Right-of-Way:
The Public Right-of-Way (ROW) includes all public streets, public sidewalks, and areas reserved for future streets, sidewalks, and public infrastructure. In many cases, the ROW also includes greenspace lying parallel to public streets and sidewalks. All land within the ROW, as well as the subsurface below and air space above it, is publicly owned and reserved for uses that do not conflict in any way with public safety or the public interest.
- Urban Design District:
There are six districts in Madison that require review by the Urban Design Commission.
Applications within these districts must meet specified design criteria to ensure a cohesive
aesthetic within the district.
- Variance:
Permission to depart from the requirements associated with a property through the Zoning
Ordinance. Variances are granted only in cases where the existing zoning requirements place
an undue hardship or practical difficulty on the property.
- Verified Protest Petition:
Individuals who wish to protest a proposed zoning map amendment may file a protest petition
document before the Common Council meeting at which the proposed zoning map
amendment will be considered. If enough residents in the area file a protest, the measure will
need to be approved by three-fourths of the Common Council rather than the standard
majority. Individuals wishing to file a protest petition should contact the Zoning
Administrator at (608) 266-4551 for more information.
- Zoning District:
A designation placed on all properties in the city within which specifies zoning regulations
governing the area, such as height, use, or other regulations.
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