Article 1. General Provisions
This article includes the legal framework for the zoning code, including the authority for the regulations and a listing of the purposes the code is intended to achieve. In addition, the article addresses matters related to liability and how the zoning code relates to public entities and other regulations.
Article 2. Interpretation and Construction
This article describes rules for determining the location of zoning district boundaries, and how various words are used, among other related matters.
Article 3. Definitions
This article includes more than 350 definitions used throughout the code and description of the various land uses recognized in the zoning code.
Article 4. Administrative Bodies
This article explains who is responsible for administering various parts of the code. Those involved include the City Council, Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and the zoning administrator.
Article 5. Reserved
Article 6. General Procedural Requirements
This article addresses (1) matters that generally apply to various review procedures described in Article 7, (2) notice requirements, (3) public hearings, and (4) financial guarantees.
Article 7. Specific Procedural Requirements
This article describes each of the procedures used in the administration of the zoning code. Steps in the review procedures are described along with any decision criteria. Common procedures include text and zoning map amendments, conditional use permits, temporary use permits, variances, zoning permits, occupancy permits, sign permits, and site plan review and approval. Application forms are posted on the Procedures page of this site.
Article 8. Land Use
This article addresses a variety of related topics, including (1) the zoning map and zoning districts, (2) allowable land uses, (3) dimensional standards, (4) general design requirements, (5) site design and architectural standards, and standards for principal, accessory, and temporary land uses.
Article 9. Floodplain Overlay District
This article establishes minimum development standards for areas identified as being in the 100-year floodplain.
Article 10. Reserved
Article 11. Shoreland-Wetland Overlay District
This article includes regulations required by Section 62.231, Wisconsin Statutes, to address wetlands that are more than 5 acres located within a shoreland area.
Article 12. Wellhead Protection Overlay District
Standards are established in this article to protect public wellheads. A protective zone of 1,200 feet is established within which certain land uses that have the potential to contaminate a public water supply are prohibited.
Article 13. Shoreland Overlay District
Building setback standards are established in this article along with standards to manage the vegetation within 35 feet of a body of water.
Article 14. Downtown Design Overlay District
The Downtown Design Overlay District is intended to implement the urban design recommendations of the City's Comprehensive Plan by preserving and enhancing the aesthetic qualities (historical and visual) of the community and by attaining a consistent visually pleasing image for various parts of the City.
Article 15. Reserved
Article 16. Landscaping and Bufferyards
This article includes landscaping standards for parking areas, along streets, within the interior of a lot, and around the perimeter of a building. Bufferyards are required when a new development project abuts another parcel in a different zoning district. Many of the requirements in this section allow the developer a degree of design flexibility.
Article 17. Parking and Loading Facilities
Parking requirements are specified for each of the land uses permitted in the zoning code. Design specifications are described so that parking lots are well designed and function for their intended purpose.
Article 18. Signs and Murals
This article is intended to control the installation, design, and safe construction of signage within the City. Standards are prescribed for lighting, the maximum number of signs allowed on a parcel, and maximum sign area and height, among others.
Article 19. Outdoor Lighting
This article regulates outdoor lighting to help preserve the night sky and prevent light trespass.
Article 20. Reserved
Article 21. Nonconformities
When regulations are adopted or amended, it is possible that existing development becomes nonconforming. This article describes how nonconforming situations are handled.
Article 22. Enforcement
This article describes how the zoning code is to be enforced along with penalties.
