Plan commission moves to reduce patio setback to 5 feet, renames section to include retaining walls and decorative posts

The Cross Plains Plan Commission on Aug. 4 voted to revise local zoning language so patios may be built up to 5 feet from side and rear lot lines and to change the title of section 84.108 to explicitly include fencing, retaining walls and decorative posts.

The change follows a homeowner appeal to the zoning board of appeals that was denied 4–1 and a staff recommendation to revise the ordinance so similar cases can be addressed through the code rather than individual appeals. Carly (planning staff) presented background and said the homeowners had pursued an appeal after the current 10-foot setback made a proposed patio infeasible.

The move matters to homeowners on small corner lots who said current rules leave them with little usable outdoor space. Ben, filling in for Sonia at Van de Waal Engineering, told commissioners he…