Plan commission approves PUD overlay, site plan and survey map for 12-unit duplex development on Stratford Road

The West Bend City Plan Commission on a recorded vote approved a planned unit development (PUD) overlay, a site plan and a certified survey map to allow six duplex buildings (12 units total) on roughly 1.57 acres on the west side of Stratford Road, about 450 feet north of Highmount Road.

Staff introduced the application (ZPU-25-009, SP-25-025 and CSM-25-015) and recommended approval with conditions. Staff described consolidation of eight pre-platted lots into a single lot, required utility extensions (including a water loop from Jackson Drive), a shared stormwater facility for all units, and reduced in-between-building separations intended to preserve a 12-foot separation at the property’s north edge while meeting fire-code spacing between buildings. Architectural materials discussed included LP cedar-textured siding, LP trim and a roof tile system.

During public comment, Linda Smeaton of 2116 Stratford Road asked whether the PUD would make the property “just like one big main property,” and sought clarification about setbacks and landscaping along the adjoining Northwestern property line. Staff and the applicant showed renderings and explained the proposal locations for rear-loaded garages (northern buildings have garages off the back; southern buildings include garages under the building) and the planned additional landscaping along the north edge and near the stormwater pond.

Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on garbage-collection logistics for 12 dwelling units. Staff and the applicant explained city crews require carts to be at the curb for automated pickup and that options include a screened central collection area with private servicing or individual residents wheeling carts to Stratford Road; the commission discussed enforcement and practicality of a private corral versus individual curb placement.

Procedurally, the commission initially moved and then withdrew a motion after staff noted the public hearing for one item had not been formally opened; the hearing was then opened, public comment was taken, the hearing closed, and the commission reconsidered the motion.

A motion to approve the three related items as a set carried after discussion of conditions. The commission recorded one dissenting vote; the motion otherwise passed. Staff confirmed conditions specific to each item are part of the approval.

The commission’s approvals allow the developer to proceed to the next steps in the permitting and platting process subject to the listed conditions and any required permitting for utilities, stormwater and public improvements.

Next procedural steps: final engineering, compliance with the recorded conditions and any required permits for utilities and stormwater before construction may begin.