Planning commission backs ordinance to limit duplexes to R‑2 and R‑3 districts

The City of Waupaca Planning Commission on July 2 voted to recommend Ordinance 03‑2025 to the City Council. The ordinance would amend Chapter 17.104 of the city code to permit duplexes (two‑family dwellings) only in R‑2 and R‑3 residential districts.

Juliana Stoles, the city’s community and economic development director, told the commission the change would better align permitted uses with the city’s future land use map and preserve single‑family character in neighborhoods that are intended for single‑family housing. "This would be amending the ordinance to only allow for duplexes for 2 family dwellings in the R 2 and R 3 districts," Stoles said.

Commissioners asked whether the city could consider duplex projects in other zoning districts on a case‑by‑case basis. Stoles said property owners could pursue rezoning where duplexes would be appropriate and consistent with surrounding uses; rezoning would be the mechanism to permit exceptions.

Commissioner Eric Olson moved and Commissioner Jake Waller seconded the motion to recommend the ordinance to council. The commission recorded a voice vote in favor and forwarded Ordinance 03‑2025 to the City Council for its public hearing and final action.

If the City Council approves the ordinance, property owners who believe duplexes are appropriate in other districts would need to seek rezoning, and the commission noted the rezoning process remains available for individual parcels.