Oshkosh Planning Commission approves Clear Wells replacement plans and multi-year staging permit

The Oshkosh Planning Commission on Nov. 19 approved a package of actions to allow replacement of three aging clear wells at the city water-filtration plant, including a general development plan and specific implementation plan, architectural approval for two reservoir buildings and a pump station, and a conditional use permit to extend a construction staging area through June 30, 2028.

Staff said the project will reuse existing clear-well footprints, add intermediate and high-lift pumping stations and five parking stalls, and is expected to take two to three years. Planning staff recommended several base standard modifications (BSMs): reduced front and street-side setbacks to allow use of existing foundations, a six-foot decorative security fence (where front-yard fencing is normally limited to four feet), retention of existing 25-foot light poles (standard is 23 feet), and reduced street-front landscaping in exchange for exceeding total landscaping points by 10 percent.

Linda Moore, Jacobs Engineering Group project manager, told the commission the design team has coordinated with city reviewers and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and that decorative precast panels and landscaping work are being refined with Psyche Design. She said the construction window will allow the Lakeshore Drive reimagination work to proceed once major plant work is completed.

During technical questioning, commissioners sought clarity on when final landscaping plans would return to the commission. Planning staff said final landscaping and fencing review authority largely rests with the Department of Community Development, but that any major changes during or after construction would require amending the SIP and would return to the commission and common council.

The commission also approved an architectural plan that includes quarry stone, patterned concrete, brick, split-face CMU and precast decorative panels intended to harmonize with the public-utility character of the site. Beth Wyman, a nearby business owner, spoke during public comment on the architectural review, urging more street-front green space and asking how the commission would ensure a proper landscaping plan.

Because staging of heavy equipment and trailers is expected to impact shore access and paved surfaces during construction, staff recommended and the commission approved a conditional use permit extending a temporary use permit to allow contractor staging, material storage and field offices from spring 2025 through a permit expiration date of June 30, 2028. Staff noted the TUP extension will require restoration of affected areas to pre-use conditions and that the temporary use is necessary for project completion.

All three related votes were approved by roll call: the GDP/SIP, architectural review and CUP extension each passed on 8–0 votes.

The planning commission’s approvals allow the project to proceed to the next steps of permitting and coordination with state regulators; conditions in the staff reports require final landscaping/fence details to be reviewed and any significant changes to return to the commission.