New Berlin plan commission advances broad zoning code updates

The City of New Berlin Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 3 and then voted to approve a set of zoning code amendments to Chapter 275 intended to clarify and reorganize multiple sections of the city’s zoning code.

Staff said the amendments correct a figure number in zoning district maps, add “recreation” to the Department of Community Development’s powers and duties, remove protest-petition language to conform with Act 16, and modify who issues occupancy permits. The changes also reorganize sign-permit language, allow detached garages in certain residential districts, clarify rules for development within environmental corridors, and reword numerous measurement and site-plan sections for clarity.

Staff noted new and revised definitions for terms including ‘‘patio,’’ ‘‘pavilion,’’ ‘‘pergola,’’ ‘‘accessory dwelling unit’’ and ‘‘assisted living facility,’’ and said the city restored several floodplain definitions to satisfy Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requirements. The amendments also move language adopted by Ordinance 2689 into the zoning code for special events.

After the public hearing drew no speakers, the commission voted unanimously to approve the amendments and forward them to the Common Council for final action. Staff said the amendments had previously been reviewed by the city Code Committee and that the Planning Commission’s recommendation will go to the council for adoption.