Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals adopts 2026 calendar, approves mixed set of variances and special uses; several items continued for neighborhood outreach

The Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals met Nov. 6 for a multi‑hour session that included adoption of the 2026 meeting calendar, a bulk consent‑agenda vote, a pair of corrections to older approvals so they “run with the land,” and a series of contested public hearings that produced approvals, split votes and adjournments.

Board Chair Derek Lohlenberg opened the public hearing and the board first approved the 2026 meeting calendar and then adopted the administrative consent agenda, which contained many routine dismissals and some staff‑recommended approvals. The board returned to individual items for public testimony and technical review by city departments (DPW, DNS and DCD).

Among items decided at the meeting:

- Correcting prior approvals to "run with the land": The board revised two long‑standing approvals for transmission towers so the decisions continue with the property rather than expire. City staff said the updates were required to comply with a 2013 state law that limits municipal time restrictions on such approvals. The board voted to correct the records and make those approvals run with the land.

- 5638 W. Appleton Ave. (light motor vehicle sales): The applicant, who said he will operate a small vehicle sales lot, agreed to DPW and DCD conditions requiring a decorative metal fence…