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Committee Advances Code Changes to Reinstate Design Review for New One‑ and Two‑Family Homes
Summary
The Government Affairs Committee unanimously recommended ordinance amendments that reinstate design review for new single‑family and two‑family homes, streamline staff review for smaller residential changes, and clarify appeal routes to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The Government Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend amendments to the Wauwatosa Municipal Code that would reinstate design review for new single‑family homes and refine the review process for residential additions, garages and accessory dwelling units.
Staff explained the amendments align residential design review processes with the existing commercial and multifamily review framework. Under the proposal, staff would conduct an initial review at the administrative level for many residential changes, with applicants able to request a Design Review Board hearing before pursuing an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The amendments also clarify that historic commercial properties remain under the Historic Preservation Commission's jurisdiction and streamline appeal procedures so the Board of Zoning Appeals, rather than the body that made the design decision, hears appeals.
Committee members praised staff work and noted the change responds to community concerns about out‑of‑scale rebuilds. A committee member asked how the ordinance would treat projects that effectively replace a house “to the studs;” staff replied that if the structure is removed to the degree that it is no longer a habitable single‑family dwelling (for example the loss of a kitchen or bathroom) a new state building permit would be required and the project would be treated as a new home subject to design review board review.
The committee advanced the ordinance to the Common Council with unanimous support.
