New Berlin council adopts zoning-code update, awards utility and July 4 festival contracts

The New Berlin Common Council on March 11 unanimously adopted a zoning-code update, approved a professional services contract for sanitary sewer flow monitoring and infiltration/inflow (I&I) work, and approved four contracts for the city’s July 4 festival, including fireworks and a drone show.

The zoning-code update, adopted as Ordinance 2702 updating Chapter 275, was recommended to the council by the Plan Commission. The ordinance makes a number of clarifying and streamlining changes across zoning rules, including revised language on animals, accessory structures, nonmetallic mining reclamation and floodplain definitions. A staff member identified in the meeting as Nikki said many changes are refinements rather than substantive policy shifts.

Nikki told the council the update standardizes setback rules for certain mechanical equipment. "So the big thing is over the years air conditioners have met a 5-foot setback and they fall under the same section as generators which say…