Zoning Code Rewrite Community Meetings Scheduled

Madison - The City of Madison is beginning a major effort to completely rewrite its zoning code and prepare a new zoning map. "Madison's zoning code is the blueprint for how we physically define our city," said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. "Updating the zoning code is an important part of our attempt to help Madison grow in a way that doesn't threaten the qualities that make us a desirable community in the first place. Input from Madisonians into this process will help us shape our community for decades to come." As part of the Zoning Code Rewrite project, three community meetings will be held: • Monday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. at the Overture Center for the Arts, Wisconsin Studio, 201 State Street; • Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center, Community Rooms 1, 2, 3, 1625 Northport Drive; and • Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the MGE Innovation Center, Conference Room 50 A-D, 510 Charmany Drive (University of Wisconsin Research Park). The zoning code is one of the primary tools the City of Madison uses to regulate development. All existing and new development in the City must be consistent with the requirements of the zoning code. These requirements range from the types of development allowed on a property, to building setbacks from the street and adjacent properties, to the amount of parking required on a site. The current zoning code dates from 1966 and it does not always reflect best zoning and community planning practices. Further, the zoning code has been amended many times and it is often confusing and difficult to use. Finally, the zoning code is not always effective in implementing the recommendations of Madison's adopted Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood and special area plans. The new and improved zoning code will be easier to use and understand, and it will better enable the City to implement its various plans. The Zoning Code Rewrite project will be a two-year process extending from January, 2008 to December, 2009. The project will be led by an Advisory Committee that will work closely with the City's zoning code rewrite consultants, city staff, the Plan Commission and the Common Council. The Zoning Code Rewrite project will be as inclusive of community interests as possible, and will provide a variety of ways for the public and interest groups to participate. One opportunity to participate is to attend one of the three upcoming community meetings. Each meeting will include a presentation by Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A., the lead consulting firm in a team of consultants working with the City on the code rewrite, and breakout activities where participants will be asked to identify issues associated with the current zoning code and related city regulations. The information gathered during these meetings will help guide the Zoning Code Rewrite project.

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