[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6172088,"mediaKeyId","5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019","parentId",5393157,"title","Germantown planning panel approves 2050 plan amendment to revise sewer service area","audioSeconds",1525,"startMs",1853000,"endMs",3378000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019&start=1853&end=3378","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019/thumbnail_1853000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6172088/Germantown/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Germantown-planning-panel-approves-2050-plan-amendment-to-revise-sewer-service-area","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172088-553570673c1dc42f56ed81009e4a5c6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773664153&Signature=mSbv1Je801-QdhgjNTfAB-3D345i1rLZj5FAJaoL1SgXyh8ld2cq3iy1M1E6nTUO0Zhy7xGFDEKNVxoICnMjusgDwrVkKuVV9uR7MLwY7-z5CKVBbz-W1AhW-IMNrXjQLJlttsWmZHOEaCiG-ZtGNB-liq0VBoHKggOtrd1I1TdNtnhTUigEKd6VbYkW6UtxIAHMcmHsFQsEnQ0krkv2C1VQ~xo02ciBg1Fxzc9kUaP4JegRETz1cl0MtBNsI9W1sOSsDcuO0jrHXJQikyqAp5j-9sbW2ZGshRAzF63Ih2zwo~8ZDybPs9CayETi3wA2oRl7SLhaRR~T85lHvqW2nA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Germantown, WI","date","2025-07-15T13:00:42Z","article","Germantown Plan Commission on Monday recommended approving amendments to the village’s 2050 comprehensive plan to update sanitary sewer service area maps and related text, a change staff said is needed to match a proposed local sewer service area plan that will go next to SEWRPC and state review.

The amendment would add about 1,369 acres to the village’s sewer service area and remove about 197 acres, and staff recommended approval “to ensure consistency between our plan and the future local sanitary sewer service area plan,” said Jeff Retzoff, village staff member, during the public hearing and discussion.

Why it matters: The sewer service area map determines where the village and regional agencies plan to provide wastewater service and can affect future development, infrastructure costs and municipal charges tied to areas included in the sewer service area.

What the commission heard and decided
Staff described a multi-year update to the sanitary sewer service area plan that SEWRPC (identified in materials as “Sewer Pack”) requested: SEWRPC allowed a 2023 extension request but asked the village to complete a comprehensive update of the local sewer service area because the plan had not been updated since 1983. Retzoff said the proposed local plan and the comprehensive-plan text and map updates reflect parcels the village expects could be served through 2050 and track actions earlier this year by the Utility Advisory Board, the Public Works and Highway Commission, and the Village Board.

At the public hearing residents raised concerns about losing rural character north of Freistadt and the Holy Hill corridor. Resident Melanie Smythe said the maps “wip[e] out a section of the rural area” and asked for more neighborhood meetings before such changes. A written comment from Chad Dean, identified as zoning administrator, Town of Germantown, asked whether a small triangular parcel near Highway 145 was included; staff provided an enlarged map showing that parcel is not part of the expansion.

Retzoff summarized the timeline: SEWRPC will publish a draft community assistance report and a joint village/SEWRPC public hearing is expected at the Village Board meeting on July 21; a SEWRPC committee will review the village request in August and the SEWRPC board in September; subsequent submittal to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is expected before year-end.

Commission discussion focused on why roughly 1,400 acres are being added. Retzoff and commissioners noted that the 2050 plan’s neighborhood and district designations, including the Holy Hill Gateway District, already identify many of the added areas as likely locations for future industrial, office or warehouse-type uses. Commissioners said the village historically amended the sewer service area piecemeal when development proposals arrived and that SEWRPC asked for a comprehensive update to avoid that approach. Staff also noted a financial tradeoff: areas inside the sewer service area can carry charges to Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District that the village seeks to manage.

Formal action and next steps
A commissioner moved to approve the proposed text and map amendments to chapters 4 and 7 of the 2050 plan as presented; the motion passed in voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will go to the Village Board and is part of the package the village will forward to SEWRPC and then to the DNR for final regulatory action.

Discussion-only items and residents’ requests
Multiple speakers requested more neighborhood-level outreach before map changes and said the plan’s neighborhood/corridor categories are too broad to reflect existing neighborhoods’ intent. Commissioners noted they will schedule additional review of the 2050 plan, neighborhood meetings and follow-up on the village’s single-family/multifamily mix in future plan-commission work.

Ending note
The comprehensive-plan and sewer service-area amendments are advisory recommendations from the Plan Commission to the Village Board and then to SEWRPC and the DNR; subsequent public hearings at the Village Board and SEWRPC are scheduled as part of the review timeline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Plan Commission 7/14/25","oneSentenceSummary","Germantown Plan Commission on Monday recommended approving amendments to the village’s 2050 comprehensive plan to update sanitary sewer service area maps and related text, a change staff said is needed to match a proposed local sanitary sewer service area plan that will go next to SEWRPC and state review.","taxTitle","Germantown, Washington County, Wisconsin","taxId",69247,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6172073,"Fence approved in drainage easement with 4‑inch clearance; owners told encroachment agreement required",975,4322000,5297000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019&start=4322&end=5297","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019/thumbnail_4322000.jpg","/articles/6172073/Germantown/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Fence-approved-in-drainage-easement-with-4inch-clearance-owners-told-encroachment-agreement-required","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172073-fd45311bdc0ba0c0f40c1bfeeaaa834d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773664153&Signature=NH3iIIu4KZyrvUit5xGSxAUCRcM10m-fAHA4qAADlQEVuzSz151W5UXyCnJDcKTK55pRLVPAz-kfrTjY0iqcbALOvbJWtdF0S37tV2NPh0grU2DVhmq-Wr0LsLN6~tKfgAQN2mYZvfw3nf8SGur9j90xhpKz~gsuuMv23LiUBZ7sB~0Mr9PapQTrHeR4Q-q2ykfHfiBvgVYo~cUfFqtrtGeQs0Xleh5hBte9lWBePYosvk8Q767rWq5g06OoLT2TATKvjJae75kQFr5ZWye2E4GH4X4DlLDUZoAyv0YwveLCdwT8peq8s3cEOrSJYBEA3GdammMu8jsIsRGNuzqstQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plan Commission approved a zoning permit for Justin and Elizabeth Rundle to install a six‑foot privacy fence along the rear of their Brookhollow subdivision lot, allowing the fence to encroach into a public drainage easement with a required field condition and an amendment reducing the requested clearance above grade to 4 inches.

Staff summary and code background
Jordan (village staff) explained the property is encumbered by a 20‑foot storm drainage easement along the rear property line and a 10‑foot storm sewer easement on the south side. The village code allows the Plan Commission to authorize fences within drainage easements if the encroachment will not materially interfere with drainage flow and, for subdivisions, if the homeowners’ association consents in writing. Jordan also noted Brookhollow’s HOA is not active, so the HOA requirement does not apply.

Applicant’s proposal and discussion
The Rundles proposed a solid six‑foot white privacy fence around the rear yard as part of an in‑ground pool installation. Jordan said staff preferred a more “open” fence design (for example, picket or wrought iron) inside the drainage swath to avoid impeding flow, which would avoid a costly stormwater analysis required in an earlier similar case. The homeowners said they planned posts without concrete footings and that fence slats could be removed or swapped if a maintenance need arose. They told commissioners the pool was scheduled to be installed the following week.

Change and approval
Commissioners debated clearance above grade. After discussion and a motion to change the clearance requirement from 6 inches to 4 inches above grade, the amended motion passed on voice vote. The village engineer recommended that if the encroachment is permitted an encroachment agreement be executed to hold the property owners financially responsible for future maintenance or removal if needed.

Administrative notes
Because the Brookhollow HOA is inactive, the code requirement for HOA consent is moot; staff said the alternative HOA requirement (neighbor signatures) would not apply in this circumstance. The approval included the standard condition that an encroachment agreement be drafted and recorded or otherwise secured prior to or as part of issuance of the zoning permit.

Ending
The Rundle fence permit was approved with the 4‑inch clearance and subject to documentation and an encroachment agreement; the owners said they could modify the fence if drainage flow becomes an issue.","Plan commissioners approved a six‑foot privacy fence in a Brookhollow subdivision rear‑yard drainage easement but amended the permitted clearance above grade to 4 inches and required an encroachment agreement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6172078,"Plan commission approves Blifford Lumber storage building with site‑work conditions",367,4074000,4441000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019&start=4074&end=4441","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019/thumbnail_4074000.jpg","/articles/6172078/Germantown/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Plan-commission-approves-Blifford-Lumber-storage-building-with-sitework-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172078-f5c4eed007dd9a4b538b4a5b0cbd93a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773664153&Signature=IlhNkGjqJe-SpxmN26LnnZ1WVcCVP6yxWKDbIEIGXs~9ty~Oe6ddK07w8GgUel8J0WmnpPXX3kTV49O09VvVmpmfdRE5Kh-wAAVu9BrFIMzUBszMReGVSZjLnp4~WuAieXb-ZuR-HPuANhuYaLNq3LYWCwUrPe8KunZZImSVwYjeDU-JCdk8oKKDnpnEJ64bZFNiRB7qTQh5RR0EQkigO1R6gVxMbiJLGBgvKLmb8yZ2JR5Ghh~tufmPIOdFt3~LAmmh8hGMDTWqnR1ZRI2~SygUQWY7SUDYAQT54g~xJ1eETEB4igfKZM0qA6J9R8tvwo7UGpcPdX0dFJzypWRUhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plan Commission approved site and building plans for a 4,800‑square‑foot unheated (non‑conditioned) storage building at Blifford Lumber & Design’s Main Street property, subject to eight conditions staff recommended.

Jeff Retzoff summarized the proposal: the building would be wood post and frame with metal siding and roof to match existing storage structures; the project also adds asphalt and a bioretention basin west of the proposed building and requires preserving a 25‑foot wetland setback.

Staff conditions and rationale
Staff recommended that tree removal and site restoration that began in a prior phase be completed by Sept. 1, that the proposed bioretention basin and related grading remain outside the 25‑foot wetland setback (with the setback delineated in the field before construction), and that remaining technical corrections by the village surveyor and public‑works engineer be made before building permits are issued. The village engineer also requested the owner replace a cracked concrete apron at the Main Street driveway widened in a previous project.

Commissioner Bob asked if the storage building is accessory or principal given a 15‑foot accessory building height limit; staff responded that the building functions as a principal building because of the use and similar existing structures on the lot.

Action
A commissioner moved to approve the site plans as submitted with the eight conditions; the motion passed on a voice vote.","The commission approved a 4,800‑square‑foot unheated storage building for Blifford Lumber & Design, subject to eight staff conditions including tree restoration, wetland setback compliance for a bioretention basin and repair of a cracked driveway apron.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6172083,"Commission approves rezoning, four‑lot survey map for Raul Farms LLC on Bonneywell Road",717,3343000,4060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019&start=3343&end=4060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019/thumbnail_3343000.jpg","/articles/6172083/Germantown/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Commission-approves-rezoning-fourlot-survey-map-for-Raul-Farms-LLC-on-Bonneywell-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172083-c89bccf16d823bbb850d31142ef583b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773664153&Signature=OIsgQVLRltlqRMWuIimvSbbRIYejS8ofwH9hqrkebPqBrzhCtHWSfYtFWwa57Nuez5bC1XtwzLUIXd6LBVC1nh3CTPZd-QuJs5-WkkDAm-TRFGdmCN1Y8YRdDzicU1cydL6EVte6yPeQGfv~tv8R0hZVnBHKVdKsLEKRdPCc2daGD79idIPEpMYBUqXK9z71icHlcZAvSVkwJ7Ivt0WA1EAXkmByH3Ffb3f5JhLgWNDyY~Oayzglqj6FaYDQ5u08drPThzHVJlH8k~aIaUe2xo9UYTlcVksRj3bGqjeuNxyU~4~X47Lc1D7X-1GYHy6nnGL5nBVwq6Z0swZU3ZMErA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plan Commission approved an application to rezone about 115 acres on Bonneywell Road from A‑1 agricultural to A‑2 agricultural and accepted a four‑lot certified survey map that splits the property for estate‑planning purposes.

Accurate Surveying representative Donald Toma said the Rau(l) family’s goal is estate planning and that a local farmer is expected to acquire the farmland portions. The land division creates three developable lots and one outlot that contains pond, wetland and floodplain areas. Staff described the division as consistent with the 2050 comprehensive plan’s Rural Preservation District.

Parcel and lot details
The proposal divides the 115‑acre tract into Lot 1 (24.6 acres), Lot 2 (20.0 acres), Lot 3 (29.6 acres) and an outlot of just under 40 acres that contains wetlands and a pond and remains unbuildable, according to the certified survey map presented to the commission.

Public comment and discussion
Neighbors raised questions about long‑term uses, including the potential for a solar farm in the future. One resident asked, “What if in the future this guy wants to sell it to a solar farm?” Staff responded that state statute allows solar facilities in agriculturally zoned areas and that the village amended its code late last year to require conditional‑use permitting for solar projects, meaning any such proposal would return to the village for separate review. Commissioners noted that local control exists over many land uses, but state law constrains local prohibition of certain solar developments in agricultural zones.

Formal action
The commission approved the certified survey map and then approved the rezoning from A‑1 to A‑2. The final rezoning motion carried 4–1 with Commissioner Russ recorded as opposing the rezoning.","The Plan Commission approved rezoning roughly 115 acres from A‑1 to A‑2 and a four‑lot certified survey map to facilitate estate‑planning lot divisions; commissioners noted future uses remain subject to separate reviews including conditional permits and state law on solar arrays.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6172068,"Commission approves sign packages for Green Bay Packaging and Xylem with standard electrical permit conditions",279,5135000,5414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019&start=5135&end=5414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393157-e4da548eca250c44dc4031de2786d019/thumbnail_5135000.jpg","/articles/6172068/Germantown/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Commission-approves-sign-packages-for-Green-Bay-Packaging-and-Xylem-with-standard-electrical-permit-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172068-d81c9ff86e05b029b5a51f14f18ff7d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773664153&Signature=oX3rLlM4G-Hvu81-iHTh8xQ1~KjLdn3bGkkTGn2bQ~rw2Hbh~coDGaAAQkLYZIV95TRDHw3g8jCXslBTFouDZ8BF05I654Y94LKEv7FfTqKYUjtoLhyQ1xyEouD4lgsAYXxKoj0OBcLYgRXSELCMYGIFffqAhR9dHL-4fN9B6jcCDhV2WbgphSJMjBKjyjJ6MN2ZTRy-I6SBhLz6Mni6N355VEirTa0IOBArCyEHvlyWSUrzqLSXjZJ1fVF-uIIO7vsfeGsCu3u1ab0FkoOiKEpPv6A5H6vaU8tKfafiTnGEf5iAVqDr2sIbK9OaP28rVXL28hQ3X3kkrIIHf4EQmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Plan Commission approved two separate sign packages for industrial properties in Germantown.

Green Bay Packaging
Jordan presented a permanent sign application for the Green Bay Packaging facility on Holy Hill Road that included a 60‑square‑foot illuminated monument sign, directional and visitor‑parking signage, and a wall‑mounted cabinet logo for the northern façade. Staff said the monument, directional and visitor signs complied with code. The proposed wall logo exceeds standard wall‑sign square footage but the Board of Zoning Appeals granted a variance in April allowing the proposed area. Staff recommended approval with standard conditions, including obtaining an electrical permit for illuminated signage.

Xylem (Willow Creek Business Park)
A sign package for Xylem at Willow Creek included a channel‑letter wall sign and small vinyl door graphics. Staff noted the application originally indicated the channel‑letter sign would be non‑illuminated, but the applicant informed staff shortly before the meeting that the sign is illuminated; staff said the change does not alter the recommendation, with the standard electrical‑permit condition added.

Action
Separate motions to approve each sign package passed on voice votes; the approvals included the condition that electrical permits be obtained for illuminated signs prior to installation.","The Plan Commission approved a 60‑square‑foot illuminated monument sign and additional wayfinding and façade signage for Green Bay Packaging and approved wall and door graphic signs for Xylem in Willow Creek Business Park. Board of Zoning Appeals had already granted a variance for a larger wall sign at the Green Bay Packaging site.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Germantown planning panel approves 2050 plan amendment to revise sewer service area

Fence approved in drainage easement with 4‑inch clearance; owners told encroachment agreement required

Plan commission approves Blifford Lumber storage building with site‑work conditions

Commission approves rezoning, four‑lot survey map for Raul Farms LLC on Bonneywell Road

Commission approves sign packages for Green Bay Packaging and Xylem with standard electrical permit conditions