[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6611283,"mediaKeyId","2898475-45b2c61c26cc3b0193a11fc59cbc90a8","parentId",2898475,"title","Plan Commission approves accessory dwelling unit zoning rules, including owner-occupancy verification at permit stage","audioSeconds",1576,"startMs",5819000,"endMs",7395000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898475-45b2c61c26cc3b0193a11fc59cbc90a8&start=5819&end=7395","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898475-45b2c61c26cc3b0193a11fc59cbc90a8/thumbnail_5819000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611283/Milwaukee/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Plan-Commission-approves-accessory-dwelling-unit-zoning-rules-including-owner-occupancy-verification-at-permit-stage","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611283-878653a0beb9af40320b1748b9c015d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770846509&Signature=M41UEsdqw87v-5G4d1pJ0FBRCts3VB9IhVmPO9Ros5x7Y6GT2jWzSUAXn8RKIFcJ1vqFkY9i8AoxTEsjgkG9Mct-ZWuCZv-mnB-erUs517ut3HM8mI03Q-aGemHVecbpiBlZM7gfG~AXdC7Bbi9-pUY2CpZH9tG3wrC19AX~W~OugkBDFr6zQOLvi6HMTXoBsQVX565XGcI57LHBYrn56Xkx62URA7FCGo-ba0FZvXwJVYQTPcuKO35-w8byuv6MCxHw8U-eRqRgtxYN1TIEGcXYSF7ANABStDw~ispcR95uJeC594Xh6-rpHmXxlTY-UzChn~m8Mo~zGVal58FVfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Milwaukee","date","2025-04-07T13:33:00Z","article","The Milwaukee City Plan Commission voted unanimously April 7 to recommend approval of zoning-code provisions to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across the city (file 240,999). The ordinance defines ADUs, sets size and siting standards, and requires at least one owner of the principal dwelling to occupy the principal unit at the time an ADU building permit is submitted.

Department of City Development staff said ADUs historically existed across Milwaukee and that many other U.S. cities have recently legalized them. Staff outlined three ADU forms covered by the amendment: internal (for example a basement or attic conversion), attached additions and detached secondary structures (such as a cottage or a unit above a garage). The proposed ordinance establishes minimum and maximum unit sizes (minimum 300 square feet; maximum 1,000 square feet for internal/attached ADUs; maximum 1,300 square feet for detached ADUs), maintains standard setback and height relationships, and imposes no additional off-street parking requirement.

To address stakeholder concerns about speculative conversions and absentee landlords, the ordinance requires proof of owner occupancy at the time of filing for the ADU permit. Acceptable verification methods listed in the hearing included motor-vehicle registration, state ID, voter registration, a federal or state income-tax return or utility bill. The measure also prohibits exterior fire egress on the primary facade above the second floor to reduce front-stair installations that have raised neighborhood objections.

Sponsors, including Common Council President Michael Perez and Alderman Ormond Baumann, urged the commission to approve the measure as a tool to expand housing options and support intergenerational living. Staff and several councilmembers noted that jurisdictions with ADU rules generally see gradual, scattered uptake — not an immediate wave of new units — which allows the city to adjust regulations if needed.

Commissioner Willie Smith moved to approve file 240,999; Commissioner Jesus Gonzales seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote, all five commissioners voting aye.

Following the commission’s approval, sponsors and staff said they will continue to monitor implementation and explore complementary programs, such as outreach and potential incentives, to encourage equitable uptake by small and emerging local developers and homeowners.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Milwaukee - CITY PLAN COMMISSION on 2025-04-07 1:30 PM - Apr 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved a zoning-text amendment to define and allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) citywide subject to standards including owner-occupancy verification at permit application, maximum unit sizes and a prohibition on front-facing exterior fire stairs above the second floor.","taxTitle","Milwaukee , Milwaukee County, Wisconsin","taxId",2851,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":44,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611288,"Plan Commission rejects proposal to create unmapped RT5 zoning district after extended public comment",3278,2541000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898475-45b2c61c26cc3b0193a11fc59cbc90a8&start=2541&end=5819","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898475-45b2c61c26cc3b0193a11fc59cbc90a8/thumbnail_2541000.jpg","/articles/6611288/Milwaukee/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Plan-Commission-rejects-proposal-to-create-unmapped-RT5-zoning-district-after-extended-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611288-00bbce415c39590d4e4a2c81a714e0d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770846509&Signature=YYMrgW37bg8eDt1fay7WkX3eUvDyP5lG6MH~aUBUMFuTZdOuhcy8kN3z6rkPTK-Lah8UvTdaNg1FleO0jX6sdMtBtO8J5QIi2osenn-cj6RytuNdl8fgSGJINBlEmPKVv96CCYvscAbc2tqF2ivf692mpJfSxKEcNAIrJUCcVqNWU79wX7MfKNgNW5JFfvsq4jlPPACDXFmxbFoVkscUilYn6YefzQUpaPR6618G0vF1jbdf9bbgc~P5bAjsx3wWkGuKnGRDJweMFTIJJlzGZwbleWKiN2ymxeSyC198fXRtta7p~fMiTlvgzyeonCK0CXzAGbLB0F8647wNP9RRog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milwaukee City Plan Commission on April 7 recommended denial of a zoning-text amendment that would have created a new RT5 residential district allowing up to eight dwelling units on qualifying lots. The vote on file 240,997 was 4–1 in favor of denying the ordinance as drafted.

City staff described the proposed RT5 district as similar to RT4 but permitting up to eight units and carrying design controls such as lot-width maxima and limits on driveway curb-cut widths. Staff emphasized that the RT5 district would be unmapped at adoption — meaning the code change alone would not rezone any properties — and that any later rezoning to RT5 would follow the existing map-amendment process and neighborhood notification requirements.

Council President Michael J. Perez and Alderman Ormond Baumann, sponsors of the text amendment, said they view RT5 as a “toolbox” to allow “missing middle” housing on a case-by-case basis. Perez said the district is intended to be used in appropriate locations, such as corners, double lots or walkable corridors, and said changes would still require common-council approval.

The hearing drew extensive public testimony. Dozens of residents and neighborhood representatives spoke, opposing the proposal or urging stronger protections. Speakers raised concerns about insufficient early community engagement, potential for speculative investors to buy and redevelop properties, displacement of long-term residents and uncertainty about how affordable housing or owner-occupancy would be ensured. Several witnesses urged postponement until the city develops paired policies to support local developers and anti-displacement measures.

Commission discussion focused on two themes: the policy merits of creating an unmapped RT5 that could be applied parcel-by-parcel, and whether the plan commission should require additional process protections before the zoning text is adopted. Commissioners acknowledged arguments on both sides. Several commissioners said RT5 has potential value but that the commission lacked sufficient implementation detail and safeguards to adopt it at this time.

Commissioner Jesus Gonzales moved to deny the RT5 ordinance (file 240,997); Commissioner Tariq Moody seconded. Roll call: Renell Washington, Katrina Crane, Tariq Moody and Jesus Gonzales voted to deny; Willie Smith voted no. The motion to recommend denial passed 4–1.

The denial does not change the city’s existing RT4 rules or preclude future proposals; sponsors and staff indicated that any subsequent proposal to map RT5 to a specific parcel would still require neighborhood notice and public hearings under the zoning map-amendment process.","The commission voted 4–1 to recommend denial of the proposed RT5 zoning-text amendment that would have created an unmapped district allowing up to eight units; the meeting included extensive public comment focused on engagement, displacement risk and access to financing.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611293,"City Plan Commission approves five site-specific development items including Third Ward facade changes, church plans and Brady expansion",164,141000,305000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898475-45b2c61c26cc3b0193a11fc59cbc90a8&start=141&end=305","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898475-45b2c61c26cc3b0193a11fc59cbc90a8/thumbnail_141000.jpg","/articles/6611293/Milwaukee/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/City-Plan-Commission-approves-five-site-specific-development-items-including-Third-Ward-facade-changes-church-plans-and-Brady-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611293-81910132fcc6a65a158eb3e5291c0c96/orig.mp4?Expires=1770846509&Signature=NbdC58XSYDQAiFHsaCIL99aA6RtxJG5zHnFfLZMm23V4mupH5tknR9kMAl8kBZbqHME~72qQWJNku20xashGUOiM-Ba4Ug2YYuyYCHLetc-zCfyAol6GXmfRM5Ee93tQfZzuxjx623FJyMb2bW4Np5K6FO4xKJF~-5thO-M8ZH5MlJncReej4niH~zoW0RYjhOvDZQBxXreis-hwMz-u-WCgox2WfxwuLVC4MR5Vh0or7uwhlGO5EGilB-QeDnnYHBU57tIHxplvvtbC4WZNfA62UDFjlMP2uF0iyL62hO7ymy4iatK1N5dm9D5oL1gkeZ5M-GGQf0hld4~xZvdaPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milwaukee City Plan Commission on Monday approved a set of routine land-use items, voting unanimously on five separate files that advanced façade changes, corrective zoning, a church detailed plan amendment, a major industrial expansion and a vehicle-sales reuse project.

Staff presented each file and recommended approval. Commissioners voted in roll-call fashion on each item; no item was rejected. The approvals included one condition requiring the applicant to secure landscaping permission from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) before an occupancy permit is issued for the auto-sales site.

The commission approved a resolution to modify the river-facing façade at 273 E. Erie St. (file 241814). Kristen Connolly of the Department of City Development said the project is inside the Historic Third Ward Riverwalk site-plan review overlay and would replace infill panels in two ground-floor bays with windows to match adjacent openings and increase transparency along the RiverWalk. Architect Daniel Cabara of Rinca told the commission the new openings will serve “student tutoring and study areas,” adding the windows will “provide insight from the RiverWalk into the building.” The commission approved the file on a roll-call vote (Renell Washington, Katrina Crane, Willie Smith, Tariq Moody and Jesus Gonzales — all aye).

The commission corrected mixed zoning for 1026 North 20th St. (file 241529). Connolly explained an administrative error after a 2017 sale left adjoining parcels with mixed zoning; staff recommended assigning RT4 to match adjacent residential properties. Tess Winn of DCD Real Estate told commissioners the owner was aware and supportive. The commission approved the corrective rezoning on a roll call (Washington, Crane, Smith, Moody, Gonzales — all aye).

The commission approved a substitute ordinance to amend the detailed plan development for Holy Cathedral Church (Cathedral Heights) to allow a revised single-phase church building at 7200 W. Florist Ave. (file 241464). Connolly said the revised building will be slightly under 30,000 square feet and accommodate an approximately 1,000-person assembly with accessory ministry space. Liz Luckett, chief financial officer for Holy Cathedral Church of God in Christ, described the congregation’s outreach programs and said the change consolidates ministries into one building. Commissioners closed the public hearing and approved the amendment (Washington, Crane, Smith, Moody, Gonzales — all aye).

The commission approved the third amendment to a detailed plan development for Brady USA’s campus (file 241338), clearing a roughly 100,000-square-foot expansion on the site and adding six new loading docks, expanded parking, landscaping and pedestrian improvements along Good Hope Road. Chris Johns and Nick Micho of EUA described the design; staff noted the addition will retain a 218-foot setback from nearest residential parcels and proposed painted precast materials to complement the existing facility. Commissioners approved the amendment on a roll call vote (Washington, Crane, Smith, Moody, Gonzales — all aye).

Finally, the commission approved a request to allow a light motor vehicle sales facility to return to 3804 S. 20th St., a site in a Development Incentive Zone overlay (file noted during hearing). Connolly said the use is permitted by the overlay with a public hearing and that the applicant will need to secure formal permission from MMSD to place required landscaping on adjacent MMSD-owned land; staff recommended approval conditioned on demonstrating that permission before an occupancy permit is issued. Tom Stachowiak of Stack Design described the adaptive reuse of the former American Freight building; Alderman Michael Speicher spoke in support. The commission approved the file with the staff condition (Washington, Crane, Smith, Moody, Gonzales — all aye).

What the commission did not do: these five approvals were site- and project-specific; the commission’s actions do not change citywide zoning policy beyond the individual approvals and in one case (the auto site) require the applicant to secure off-site landscaping permission before final sign-off.

The commission’s next scheduled zoning-text items followed later in the meeting.

Votes at a glance:
- File 241814 (273 E. Erie St., Third Ward façade): Motion to approve as presented. Moved: Commissioner Renell Washington; Second: Commissioner Willie Smith. Tally: Yes 5; No 0. Outcome: approved.
- File 241529 (1026 N. 20th St., corrective rezoning to RT4): Motion to approve as presented. Moved: Commissioner Willie Smith; Second: Commissioner Katrina Crane. Tally: Yes 5; No 0. Outcome: approved.
- File 241464 (Holy Cathedral Church DPD amendment, 7200 W. Florist Ave.): Motion to close public hearing and approve. Moved: Commissioner Renell Washington; Second: Commissioner Willie Smith. Tally: Yes 5; No 0. Outcome: approved.
- File 241338 (Brady USA phase expansion): Motion to approve as presented. Moved: Commissioner Katrina Crane (motion made jointly); Second: Commissioner Willie Smith. Tally: Yes 5; No 0. Outcome: approved.
- Auto sales facility at 3804 S. 20th St. (Development Incentive Zone): Motion to close public hearing and approve with condition that applicant obtain MMSD permission for required landscaping prior to issuance of occupancy permit. Moved: Commissioner Renell Washington; Second: Commissioner Willie Smith. Tally: Yes 5; No 0. Outcome: approved (conditioned).

What to watch next: the approvals are project-specific; the docket included two separate citywide zoning-text proposals later in the meeting (RT5 and ADU), which drew extended public comment and separate votes.","On April 7 the Milwaukee City Plan Commission unanimously approved five land-use items ranging from façade changes in the Historic Third Ward to a 100,000-square-foot industrial expansion by Brady USA; approvals included conditions in one case related to off-site landscaping.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Plan Commission approves accessory dwelling unit zoning rules, including owner-occupancy verification at permit stage

Plan Commission rejects proposal to create unmapped RT5 zoning district after extended public comment

City Plan Commission approves five site-specific development items including Third Ward facade changes, church plans and Brady expansion