Plan commission recommends annexation of 1222 Van Buren Street to Fort Atkinson and 1‑lot CSM; utility hookup noted

The Fort Atkinson Plan Commission on Sept. 24 voted to recommend that the City Council approve annexation of the property at 1222 Van Buren Street (to be addressed 113 Wilson Avenue) and a one‑lot certified survey map so the parcel can connect to city utilities.

Planning staff Chad Draeger said the certified survey map (CSM) “is essentially combining these parcels, which is attaching, this other parcel to the main parcel to the city, for the annexation.” He told the commission the property’s existing single‑family use is proposed to remain single family and that staff is recommending SR‑7 zoning to match the adjacent city parcel. Draeger also said county and city ordinances require connection to public utilities where public access exists and that public water and sewer are available on Wilson Avenue.

The combined CSM is intended to attach an intervening parcel owned by the applicant to the main parcel so the annexed land has public access and can legally hook to city utilities; Draeger said the septic system was failing and that connection to city sewer and water is part of the rationale for annexation. “I do I'm also proposing to move that address to a Wilson Avenue address rather than the Van Buren Street,” Draeger said during the presentation.

Commissioners asked whether the property would create an “island” inside the town and whether a narrow connecting strip would be required. Draeger replied that the narrow strip would not be created and that islands can lawfully exist when land is annexed. The commission also discussed a roughly 10‑foot‑wide strip (described by staff as a “balloon string”) bordering nearby condominiums; Andy, a survey participant, told commissioners the condominium association currently owns that strip and that annexation of that strip is optional for the association.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory to the City Council. Draeger told the commission the annexation ordinance would require up to three readings at council if the council pursues final approval. A motion to recommend approval was moved and seconded on the floor; the commission voted in favor and the motion carried.

Discussion (not a final annexation by the council) focused on ensuring access to public utilities, matching the SR‑7 zoning on the adjacent city parcel, and the 10‑foot condominium strip that remains outside city limits unless the condo association opts in. The staff report did not list additional conditions for the commission’s recommendation.