
Rezoning
The provisions of the Zoning Code zone each parcel of land in the City of Madison. Each zoning district has rules for the use of land and buildings. The districts also specify spatial relationships in that district. Some of these relationships include building height, setbacks and open space. These rules exist to preserve the basic health, safety and welfare of the general public. The rules also encourage the existence of complementary uses throughout the City. For more information, please see MGO Sec. 28.184.
If an owner wants to use their property in a way that is not allowed by the current zoning district, they may request a change to a zoning district that would permit their proposed use. This process is referred to as a zoning map amendment, or a rezoning. To rezone, the Plan Commission must make a recommendation to the Common Council. The Council must then adopt an ordinance. In general, the rezoning must follow adopted City plans.
In special cases, unique developments are proposed that do not fit into the conventional zoning districts. For these projects, the property may be rezoned to a Planned Development (PD) district. PDs are site-specific zoning solutions. PDs typically have no predetermined requirements for land use, lot area lot width, building height, floor area ratio, useable open space, or off-street parking. These items are part of an approved and recorded development plan as agreed upon by the owner and the City. For more information on PDs, please see MGO Sec. 28.091.