Waukesha officials review zoning-code rewrite, propose 'node' overlays and looser residential standards

Waukesha City planning staff and their consultants presented the first public draft of a rewritten zoning code at a joint special meeting of the Plan Commission and Common Council, outlining proposed consolidations of residential districts, three “node” overlay types for commercial areas and a suite of dimensional and use changes intended to encourage redevelopment and diverse housing types.

Jennifer Andrews, head of community development, told the joint meeting the city is moving from long-standing zoning toward a code that implements the comprehensive plan: “The comprehensive plan is the overall vision. The zoning is the tool by which we achieve that vision,” she said, noting the work is intended to reduce barriers to redevelopment, encourage accessory dwelling units and broaden housing types where appropriate.

The draft, prepared by consultant Carrie Papalbon of Houssey Levine and staff, would: consolidate several single-family and multi-family zoning categories into a smaller set of residential districts (examples discussed include a “suburban neighborhood” and a “general neighborhood”); create three node overlays—neighborhood, collector and arterial—to guide redevelopment of small commercial centers and aging strip nodes; and modernize nonresidential districts and accessory-use rules. Carrie Papalbon said, “We are the consultants that are helping the city with the zoning code update.”

Why it matters

City officials said the changes are aimed at helping Waukesha redevelop infill sites and aging commercial centers rather than…