Plan Commission advances draft zoning districts after months of review; resident raises concern about RN‑4 mapping

The Waukesha City Plan Commission reviewed a revised draft of the city's zoning district and use standards Tuesday, moving forward with a framework that replaces several existing residential categories with four numbered "Residential Neighborhood" districts.

Charlie (planning staff) told the commission the change was intended to simplify and better align zoning with existing development patterns. "The proposal basically what we've done is we've given up on trying to come up with names that are descriptive and it'll be just residential neighborhood 1 through 4 instead," Charlie said during the presentation.

The draft consolidates the current nine residential districts into four: RN1 through RN4. Staff described RN1 as larger‑lot, single‑unit areas; RN2 as smaller single‑unit and some duplex areas; RN3 as smaller central‑city lots with some multifamily; and RN4 as the district that would allow higher‑density multifamily near the central city and on arterial corridors. Staff said uses now nonconforming in some locations would become conforming under the mixed‑use commercial and RN4 definitions.

The changes prompted a public comment from Lisa Saub of 434 Madison Street, who said the map shows a stretch north of Qdoba and near Albert Street as RN4 and that area is currently single‑family housing. "I'm wondering if there should be a concern there of the people that their houses may be gone for new development in the future," Saub said, adding that a recent local survey showed 69% of respondents did not want increased density on Delafield Street. Charlie and other staff stressed that the draft does not automatically trigger redevelopment or demolition and that single‑family and duplex uses will remain permitted under many of the new districts.

Commissioners asked staff to review specific street‑level boundaries flagged by speakers and noted the commission can adjust the map where existing lot patterns make RN4 inappropriate. Staff said further code sections (natural resources, signs, subdivision standards) are in progress and expected later in the summer.

The commission did not adopt the draft as final ordinance at the meeting; the presentation was a review and staff asked commissioners to send additional boundary recommendations. The zoning update will return for further review and formal adoption steps, including public hearings and common council action.

Ending: Staff told commissioners they are trying to reflect what is already built on the ground rather than create an aspirational map; members requested follow‑up on several flagged blocks and the schedule for the next code sections.