Wauwatosa planners begin targeted zoning update to align code with TOSA Tomorrow plan

The Wauwatosa City Planning Commission held a virtual meeting to introduce a targeted update to zoning chapters intended to implement housing recommendations from the TOSA Tomorrow comprehensive plan. Consultants from Halsey Levine presented a diagnostics report and preliminary recommendations; staff said they will draft code language for later review.

"The purpose of this item is to discuss the targeted zoning code chapter diagnostics and preliminary recommended changes to our zoning code," said Carrie Papalbon, senior planner and project manager with Halsey Levine.

Why it matters: Wisconsin law requires zoning regulations to be consistent with the comprehensive plan, and the commission and consultants framed the targeted update as a narrower effort to bring specific housing‑related portions of the zoning code into alignment with the city’s plan. Commissioners and members of the public raised issues including parking standards, multifamily and student housing near the medical campus, design standards, incentives for "missing middle" housing, and changes to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules.

Most important details

- Scope and process: Consultants said the report covers housing‑oriented recommended changes and non‑housing cleanup items; they emphasized this is an introductory step and that the meeting did not include draft zoning text or formal votes. Staff and consultants said they will prepare draft code language, review it with city staff, hold a Planning Commission workshop (tentatively June or July) and proceed to the…