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Mayville commission to revisit zoning code after members call B1/B2 rules 'a mess'
Summary
Commissioners discussed a broad rewrite of Mayville’s zoning code (B1, B2, M1) to simplify inconsistent listings, add service‑industry allowances with employee caps, and consider tiny‑home options; the commission tabled the item to the Sept. 25 meeting for further drafting.
Members of the Mayville Planning Commission agreed to defer a series of zoning‑code revisions after a wide-ranging discussion about inconsistencies in the city’s commercial and industrial districts and possible changes to encourage small businesses and alternative housing.
One commissioner who reviewed the packet told colleagues the B1 and B2 sections are inconsistent and ‘‘a mess,’’ pointing to duplicative language that lists the same uses as both principal and conditional. The commissioner recommended making the central business district list the baseline uses, with B2 and M1 adding or excluding specific uses.
Commissioners and staff discussed practical fixes. Suggestions included adding a generic ‘‘service industry’’ principal use in appropriate districts but limiting that category by employee count (for example, allowing service businesses as a by‑right use when below an employee threshold and requiring conditional use review for larger operations), clarifying where pet grooming and pet stores are permitted, and removing duplicate entries that create uncertainty for prospective businesses.
Commissioners also discussed tiny homes as a potential part of the city’s housing mix. Speakers noted examples from other Wisconsin communities where tiny‑home subdivisions are allowed if the units sit on foundations, have utilities and meet minimum lot sizes (presenters cited a 4,000‑square‑foot lot example). The commission discussed coordinating zoning changes with the planned 30‑year comprehensive plan update.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to table the zoning code revision work so staff and commissioners could prepare specific ordinance language and review the business‑zoning sections further; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The commission set the next meeting for Sept. 25 at 4:00 p.m. and asked members to review commercial‑zoning lists and provide written recommendations in advance.
What happens next: staff and volunteers will draft clearer ordinance language for B1/B2/M1, including proposed employee thresholds, explicit service‑industry language and an approach for tiny‑home regulation; the commission will consider those drafts at the September meeting.
