Plan Commission advances zoning code rewrite, creates RN‑1 through RN‑4 residential categories

The Waukesha Plan Commission on June 25 reviewed a revised draft of the city's zoning district and use standards that would replace nine existing residential districts with four new Residential Neighborhood districts labeled RN‑1 through RN‑4.

Under the draft presented by staff, RN‑1 would cover larger suburban single‑unit lots, RN‑2 would cover smaller single‑unit lots and some duplexes, RN‑3 would cover central‑city smaller lots and low‑scale multifamily up to four units, and RN‑4 would encompass larger multifamily and mixed‑pattern areas. Staff said the change was intended to simplify the code and reduce the number of existing legal nonconforming situations.

The proposal matters because it changes how properties are regulated for setbacks, lot coverage and allowed housing types; the code change would make many longstanding residential uses conforming in place rather than nonconforming, while allowing a broader range of housing types in some districts.

Charlie (staff member) said the new district names were…