Oconomowoc council approves duplex permit and lot split for 437 S. Franklin St.

On April 1, 2025, the City of Oconomowoc Common Council approved a conditional use permit, 5-2, to allow construction of a duplex at 437 South Franklin Street and separately approved a certified survey map to divide the existing parcel into two lots.

The conditional use permit authorizes the property owner to build a two-family residence in the TR (traditional residential) zoning district, subject to the city’s conditional-use standards. Jason Gallo, city planning staff, told the council the Plan Commission reviewed the proposal and recommended approval.

The duplex design includes two kitchens, two separate exterior accesses, two on-site parking stalls per unit (a minimum of four parking spaces overall), two one-car garages separated by a firewall, separate utility meters, and two separate addresses to be assigned by the police department. Gallo said the applicant submitted a stormwater/drainage plan and that city engineering and public works staff reviewed it and “it shouldn't cause any adverse impacts to the neighbors.” The land division to split the single lot into two was considered and approved by the council after the conditional-use action.

Neighbors who spoke during the public hearing expressed safety, flooding and character concerns. Gwendolyn Bishop, a resident at 438 South Franklin Street, said, “I am concerned about construction traffic, for the safety of the kids in the neighborhood.” Several other neighbors cited a high water table and regular ponding on the vacant lot proposed for development; Charlie Bagdasian and Devon Bagdizian, who live adjacent to the site, said the new building would feel “tighter” against existing homes and could worsen basement drainage that some residents already contend with.

The applicant, identified in the meeting as Marcus Pearlberg, said he owns the property and described the project as an investment intended to fit the block’s character. He said planned rents would be about “1,500 a month per unit.” Pearlberg said the front of the building was intentionally designed with a single front door and interior foyer to preserve a single-family appearance from the street.

Council discussion focused on whether the application met the city’s conditional-use standards and whether the project would change neighborhood character or cause undue adverse impacts. Alderman Rosick said he believed the proposal would “result in a substantial or undue adverse impact on the character of the neighborhood” and voted against the permit. After debate, the roll-call vote on the conditional-use permit was: Shellpepper Aye; Maroney Aye; Douglas Nay; Rosick Nay; Ellis Aye; Spiegelberg Aye; Mulder Aye (approved 5-2). The separate certified survey map to divide the lot into two passed on a unanimous roll call.

With approvals complete, the item will move to the permit and land-recording steps required by city process: addresses will be assigned, required utility meters and impact fees will be set, and any building permits or basements will be subject to standard site-specific tests such as borings for groundwater. Council members and staff noted that a second duplex on the adjoining lot was shown as a possible future phase in the applicant’s materials but would require its own approvals.

The council closed the public hearing and moved on to other agenda business. The Plan Commission recommendation, the stormwater review by city engineering, the council votes and the certified survey map approval were recorded in the meeting minutes.