Plan Commission OKs Willow Run preliminary plat with wetland and connector conditions

The Pewaukee Plan Commission on a voice vote moved to concur with staff and approve the Willow Run preliminary plat, a 25‑lot single‑family subdivision that the applicant says will be delivered as single‑family rental homes. City staff told the commission the plan meets RS‑6 zoning at about 3.06 dwelling units per acre and recommended approval subject to standard engineering and environmental conditions, including DNR approval of wetland impacts and completion or concurrence on a wetland delineation.

Why it matters: Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on how wetlands, setbacks and drainage would be handled on lots that include natural resources. Staff said the city’s preference is to put natural resource wetlands in outlots and to place setbacks either in outlots or in recorded easements, and to mark wetland complexes with cedar posts as required by the development agreement. That approach is intended to make limitations clear to future property owners and to simplify future maintenance and city access for stormwater work.

Key details: Staff said the plan includes a condition requiring final engineering review of grading, erosion control, utilities and stormwater and recommended that any remaining wetlands and associated setbacks be placed within outlots where feasible. Commissioners raised repeated concerns about sump pump discharge and icing on public streets; staff responded that setbacks and a prohibition on discharging directly to the curb would be required so pumps are directed onto ground that can absorb flow rather than into public rights‑of‑way.

The applicant showed renderings and said the product will include four floor plans (two ranch, two two‑story) with two‑car attached garages and that they were curating a wait list; the applicant said the current rental range being discussed was "4,000 to $4,500 a month." Commissioners pressed about materials (applicant said cement‑board/hardie plank siding, no masonry) and mailbox arrangements (CBUs), and staff said the post office must still approve final CBU locations.

Sidewalks and connectivity: The commission directed staff to work with the developer to locate a pedestrian connector from Field Hack across/around an emergency gate to Road A (or Road C) with a preference for keeping the connector outside the city right‑of‑way so the developer or HOA would maintain it. The motion was amended to give staff latitude to place that connector inside or outside the right‑of‑way depending on engineering and lot‑layout constraints.

Outcome and next steps: The commission approved the plat with the conditions in the staff report and the amended direction for staff to work with the developer on a connector. Final engineering and permitting remain to be completed before any building permits are issued.