Development
The City helps implement our plans through the review of development proposals. There are different development processes based on the type of request.
The City’s Zoning Ordinance establishes permitted uses and conditional uses. It also establishes design and development standards such as height and density. Wisconsin state law says that zoning has to be consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Learn more about this on the City’s Comprehensive Plan page.
A permitted use does not need public review by the City’s boards or Common Council. The property owner, developer or builder submits plans to the City. City agencies review the plans to make sure they follow City codes and ordinances. Then the City can issue the permits that are needed to open a new business or construct a new building. Visit the City’s Development Services Center to see what permits a project may need.
Other development proposals need approvals by the Common Council and/or City boards, including:
The Planning Division coordinates the review of the following types of development proposals. The City's codes and ordinances include approval standards for each type of proposal. City staff review the proposals to help the City's boards decide if it meets those standards. City staff also review the proposals to make sure they follow City codes and ordinances. Click the link for more information.
- Annexing / Attaching Land
- Conditional Uses
- Minor Alterations
- Condominium Creation / Conversion / Amendment
- Demolition Permits
- Existing Specific Implementation Plan Alterations
- Landmarks & Construction in Historic Districts
- Rezonings (i.e. Zoning Map Amendments)
- Subdividing Land
- Urban Design Approvals
- Zoning Variances
- Extraterritorial Review