Plan Commission approves land-use map amendment for 1705 Oshkosh Avenue over neighbor objections, 5-3

The Oshkosh City Plan Commission voted 5-3 on Feb. 4 to amend the comprehensive land-use map designation for 1705 Oshkosh Avenue from light-density residential to neighborhood commercial. The action will allow a future rezoning and site plan review that the applicant says would repurpose the existing Victorian house for offices or professional suites.

Planning staff said the property sits at the southwest corner of Oshkosh Avenue and Northwestfield Street, is currently zoned Single-Family Residential 5 (SR5) and that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan shows light-density residential for the site. Staff stated that neighborhood commercial uses already exist on corner parcels nearby, and recommended approval of the amendment from light-density residential to neighborhood commercial.

Will Steiner, representing Rolok LLC (the applicant), described possible buffer solutions such as fencing or vegetation and said if the property were not rezoned the owner might pursue short-term rental uses such as an Airbnb or bed-and-breakfast. Residents who spoke during public comment opposed the amendment, citing loss of residential character, proximity of parking lots to bedrooms, potential impacts on property values and a belief that the change conflicts with the corridor’s comprehensive plan guidance.

During the hearing, members and staff clarified several code and process points: short-term rentals are allowed up to 180 days per year and can operate under existing residential rules without requiring additional parking or screening; an owner may add up to four uncovered parking spaces by right but rear screening would be required (minimum 5-foot fence or evergreen shrubs). Staff also said TID/TIF 35 is a city-initiated tax-increment financing district with no current development agreements and that the city is prioritizing funds for the Oshkosh Avenue–Sawyer Street intersection reconstruction.

Commission debate split along preservation-of-plan and property-reinvestment lines. Vice Chair Kiefer said he opposed the amendment because it would undermine the comprehensive plan the commission previously adopted. Other commissioners argued the parcel is a “tweener” at a signalized intersection whose size and corner location make it more suitable for limited commercial use and that the city’s zoning code contains buffering requirements to protect neighboring residences. The motion to adopt staff findings and recommend the map amendment passed on a roll call vote, 5-3. The item will go to the Common Council for first reading on March 11 and a final vote on March 25.