Board of Zoning Appeals grants variance to Bethesda LLC for rebuild at 576 Elizabeth Street

The Waukesha City Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a dimensional variance Feb. 16 that will allow Bethesda LLC to rebuild a manufacturing building at 576 Elizabeth Street 6 inches from the rear lot line, where a 25-foot rear-yard setback is required.

City staff (referred to in the hearing as Charlie) told the board the portion of the rear building to be reconstructed sits within a prior footprint and that adjacent properties, including the neighboring Ares Industries facility, also extend to the lot line. Charlie said the removed rear section had been in disrepair and that the applicants wish to rebuild in essentially the same location before pursuing planning commission approval.

Mark Rollinger, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the new footprint would be no larger than the portion previously on the site and that the proposal responds to operational needs tied to loading and unloading near the railroad. “I’m more here if you guys have any questions,” Rollinger said, and answered board questions about demolition timing, height, and neighbor notification; staff said earlier sections were removed around 2018–2020 and notices go to properties within 100 feet.

Board members who spoke during deliberation said they saw no material detriment to adjacent properties and noted the rebuild largely stays within the historical footprint. One member cited the potential benefit of increased manufacturing activity and tax base. Staff read the four findings required under the zoning code for a dimensional variance, and the board affirmed each finding before chair Christy D'Angelo moved to grant the appeal.

The board approved the motion by voice vote. The chair told the applicant the approval allows the project to move forward to planning commission review.

What happens next: with the variance granted, the applicant may proceed to planning commission review and then to permit submittal as required.