Middleton plan commission closes hearing on elevated-deck setback change; staff to present findings next meeting

The Middleton Plan Commission on Nov. 25 closed a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that would allow elevated decks to encroach into rear setbacks in all residential districts, and deferred any motion until staff presents findings of fact at the next meeting.

City planning staff summarized the proposal, which broadens a porch-specific allowance for existing structures to include decks and similar elevated elements. According to staff, the proposal is intended as a compromise between Middleton’s older code — which previously allowed decks to be 8 feet from the rear property line so long as they were less than 4 feet in height — and the current code. "This is kind of, a good compromise between our old and then, you know, what we currently have," staff said.

No members of the public were present for the hearing; the chair closed the public-comment period without testimony. Staff told commissioners they will prepare and present the formal findings of fact at the commission’s next meeting, at which time commissioners will be asked to make a motion on the amendment.

Because the commission did not take formal action on the text change, no vote or ordinance citation was recorded. The commission moved on to other business and will consider the findings and any formal motion on the amendment at its next session.