Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Code topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Consultant outlines Sheboygan City draft zoning code emphasizing objective standards and easier updates
Summary
A consultant presented a four‑article rewrite that would consolidate rules, favor objective standards to meet state law (Act 67 and Act 16), and allow more housing types; staff said the draft is advisory and will return for Plan Commission and Common Council review.
Sheboygan City’s Committee of the Whole heard a detailed presentation March 24 from Sam Schultz of Von Breen & Roper on a proposed rewrite of the municipal zoning code, which the consultant described as a four‑article framework designed to streamline administration and replace subjective conditional‑use decisions with objective standards.
Schultz told the committee the draft groups regulations into procedures and administration; district and lot/structure rules; use tables and specific use standards; and citywide design regulations, including landscaping, parking, lighting and signage. “Objective approval situations are more important,” Schultz said, adding the approach reduces legal risk and makes it easier for staff to determine compliance.
The consultant cited state changes — 2017 Wisconsin Act 67, which limits subjective bases for denying conditional uses, and 2023 Wisconsin Act 16, which constrains post‑submission conditions on residential permits — as reasons to adopt clearer, objective standards. “If something complies with the code as it’s written, [the zoning administrator] can sign off on zoning compliance,” Schultz said.
Director Zein summarized the project timeline and earlier Plan Commission reviews. He told the committee the rewrite is intended to be a “living document,” with staff bringing regular updates back to the Plan Commission and Common Council as conditions change.
The draft includes measures to expand housing options by right — such as accessory dwelling units, townhomes and cottage courts — and tighter, consolidated tables for setbacks, height limits and impervious surface coverage. Schultz said objective site‑design standards and consolidated overlay districts (for wetlands, lakeshore and woodlands) will make the code easier to read and revise.
City staff and the consultant emphasized the Committee of the Whole was meeting for discussion and public comment only; formal adoption must follow Plan Commission review and Council action. Administrator Bradley and other staff also noted that very large projects still typically require comprehensive‑plan amendments, map changes or development agreements that would come to the Council regardless of ministerial zoning approvals.
Next steps: staff will incorporate Committee feedback into the next draft, the Plan Commission will review the revised code, and the Council must approve any text or map changes before the ordinance is adopted.
