Plan Commission approves conditional use to expand parking for regional engineering firm at Pankratz Street site

MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Plan Commission on July 28 approved a conditional use permit allowing an office campus near the Dane County Regional Airport to expand its surface parking beyond the maximum allowed under the Transit‑Oriented Development (TOD) overlay.

The application, for property addressed 1502–1702 Pankratz Street in Alder District 12 (Legistar 88775), was filed by MSA Professional Services. Planning staff reported the site is zoned Suburban Employment within the TOD overlay, and that the underlying TOD maximum parking would limit the site to roughly 78 stalls without conditional‑use relief. The applicant proposed creating roughly 180 stalls to serve its existing and planned workspace and training functions.

City staff noted the applicant currently has about 110 employees at the Madison office and expects up to about 180 on‑site employees with the planned office expansion; the applicant estimated a peak parking demand of up to 220 stalls when accounting for fleet vehicles, park-and-ride uses and large training events. Staff’s analysis concluded the conditional‑use standards could be met and recommended approval; the commission voted to approve the request.

Applicant testimony: Architect Jim Traitik and MSA representative Mike Stuntz told the commission that MSA has used the site since 2018, operates regional training programs there, and frequently finds the existing lot full. Stuntz said the office serves as the company’s regional hub and hosts training and client meetings that draw employees and visitors from outside the city. He described existing transportation demand management efforts — bike parking, showers, an “eco challenge” and occasional bus-pass subsidies — but said a large share of staff live outside Madison and need a vehicle for work that requires hauling equipment to job sites.

Opposition and concerns: Matt Golic, who identified the relevant ordinance language for the TOD overlay, opposed the exemption, saying the proposal conflicts with the TOD overlay’s purpose to “support investment in and use of public transit and bicycle connections.” Several commissioners asked for quantitative parking evidence; the applicant supplied photographs showing frequent full occupancy but did not submit a formal multi‑day parking count. Commissioner McHughill voted against the approval; the motion passed on roll call.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Schollay moved that the commission find the conditional‑use standards met and approve the request; the motion carried. During roll call several commissioners recorded “aye” and one commissioner (Commissioner McHughill) recorded “no.” The commission’s approval was recorded and staff will continue permit processing under the conditions listed in the staff report.

Clarifying details: Planning staff noted the zoning trigger: the code requires conditional‑use review when an increase exceeds 20 stalls and is more than 10% above the maximum. Staff also recorded that the applicant anticipates displacing some existing surface parking where office expansion occurs, and proposes a south‑lot expansion to achieve the 180 stalls.

Ending — next steps: Staff will finalize conditions in the permit packet and proceed with administrative approvals for the associated office expansion subject to the conditional‑use decision.