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Oconomowoc council tables accessory-structure zoning change after debate over permit limits
Summary
After staff recommended adding permit rules and definitions for carports, gazebos and greenhouses, the council debated whether patios, pergolas and trellises should count as "accessory buildings." Concerns about the existing two-building limit and lot-size variability led the council to table the ordinance for redrafting.
Council members on Aug. 19 debated a proposed zoning-text amendment intended to clarify when accessory structures require building permits and how the city defines common features such as carports, gazebos and greenhouses. Staff presented the draft ordinance and a public handout developed by planning intern Daisy Quinlan, and recommended requiring permits for carports, gazebos and greenhouses while exempting structures 50 square feet or less.
Zoning Administrator Gallo, who introduced the item, said the change was prompted by frequent public inquiries: "I get a lot of phone calls... I didn't know what to say," he told the council, noting staff wanted clearer definitions to provide consistent answers. Council discussion focused on whether features such as patios, pergolas and trellises should be catalogued as "accessory buildings" or treated as landscaping features that typically do not require permits.
Several aldermen raised concerns about a provision in the existing ordinance that limits accessory buildings to two per lot. Council members said the city's wide range of lot sizes makes a flat numeric limit problematic: on large lots multiple outbuildings are normal, while on small lots two accessory items could appear cluttered. Aldermen suggested redrafting to distinguish ‘‘buildings’’ from smaller ‘‘landscaping features’’ and to allow staff discretion based on buildable envelope and setbacks.
No public speakers signed up during the hearing, and a motion to approve the first reading failed for lack of a second. Following further discussion, the council voted to table the accessory-structure ordinance so staff can revise definitions and language and return at a later date.
The ordinance under consideration was listed as ordinance 25-0001105 to create section 17.1103 (accessory building permits) and amend definitions in 17.9036. The council did not take a final vote on adoption; the item will return for additional drafting and review.
