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Resident urges Whitefish Bay to set limits on impervious surfaces in zoning code
Summary
During public comment, resident Rick Stale urged the village to add an impervious-surface calculation to the zoning code, warning that the current code limits building footprints but does not cap driveways, hardscapes or other non-permeable surfaces.
Whitefish Bay — At the Oct. 20 village board meeting, resident Rick Stale urged trustees to consider adding an impervious-surface limit to the zoning code, saying current language caps combined building and accessory footprint but does not limit the percentage of a lot that can be paved or otherwise made impermeable.
Stale, who said he has pulled building permits in Whitefish Bay and served on the board of appeals, noted that neighboring communities such as Hartland use an impervious-surface cap (he cited 30% as an example) that covers driveways, patios and retaining walls. "I don't know what the right percentage is, but I think the board should start thinking about whether there should be a calculation," he told the board.
He asked the board to consider whether someone could effectively convert a front lawn to a concrete parking area or install a basketball court without review and asked staff to advise whether current curb-cut and driveway rules limit that practice.
Board members thanked him for raising the issue and asked staff to examine whether the zoning code should be amended; no formal action was taken at the meeting.
