On Nov. 20, 2025, the Port Washington Plan Commission reviewed wave 2 of a proposed zoning code rewrite, which includes draft Articles 8, 9, 16, 26 and 27 and appendices A and B. The session was framed as a feedback opportunity; formal action is expected in later rounds.

Craig Huebner of Grama, one of the consultant team, explained Article 8 is intended to create alternative development options and a new planned-unit approach for nontraditional projects — examples cited included cottage courts, conservation subdivisions and mixed residential developments. "Think of your OPD right now, your overlay districts...this is what this article is meant to supplement," Huebner said, describing the intent to provide more structured, repeatable standards rather than ad hoc case-by-case exceptions.

Commissioners discussed three recurring questions: whether limited commercial uses should be permitted within certain mixed-residential plan developments to encourage walkability, whether a 125% cap on density relative to the underlying zoning is appropriate or whether the commission should retain flexibility to exceed that cap in exceptional cases, and how to codify previously approved PUDs so they are searchable within the code. Several commissioners signaled support for a stated density cap and for including cottage housing as an option; others recommended that any limited commercial uses be located along arterials or entry points rather than embedded inside neighborhoods.

Staff described Article 16 as carryover land-use definitions and procedures; Articles 26 and 27 update nonconforming-use rules and align them with state statute. Commissioners asked about floodplain mapping and whether a local creek mitigation project might prompt a new FEMA flood study and map updates; staff said a new study could be submitted to the state and FEMA for approval if warranted. Appendix A consolidates the land-use table and Appendix B contains the use descriptions and standards; staff said these will require more outreach and a longer runway before final adoption.

Consultants said wave 3 of draft chapters will be presented in coming weeks with additional public outreach. Commissioners were asked to provide written feedback to staff and the consultant team ahead of the next draft.