2024-09-03 Packet
Village of Maple Bluff · Dane County · meeting of Sep 3, 2024 · Agenda packets
Open the original document More from Village of Maple Bluff
Text
Extracted automatically from the original. Tables and formatting may not survive; the original document is authoritative.
Zoning Ordinance Update Steering Committee
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
4:00pm
In Person at 18 Oxford Place or Virtual
Take notice that there will be a public meeting of the above governmental body, on the date, time
and place indicated, for purposes of considering the subject matter set forth in the following agenda:
As of March 1, 2022, village meetings have transitioned to hybrid (in person and virtual)
participation. Please follow the link or phone number below to virtually participate in the meeting.
We recommend testing the link before the meeting time. If you have any questions, please call the
Clerk’s Office at 244-3048.
Please join this meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone (audio & video):
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88904221932
You can also dial in using your phone (audio only):
Dial in at (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: 889 0422 1932
Agenda
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Review and discuss Project Timeline
4. Review and discuss Overview of Proposed Zoning Ordinance Update
5. Review and discuss 2nd draft of Chapter 225 Zoning Ordinance
6. Public comment
7. Adjourn
Posted: 8/28/2024 srd
Project Timeline
Zoning Ordinance & Map Update
Revised: August 9, 2024
VILLAGE BOARD MEETING: March 14, 2023
Appoint ad hoc Zoning Ordinance Update Steering Committee
Establish goals, principles, and parameters to guide ordinance update
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING #1: April 19, 2023
Introduce the project’s purpose, goals, parameters, scope, and timeline
Amend and add to an initial list of questions for ordinance update
Preliminary Organizational Activities: April-May 2023
Establish project web page for ongoing project updates
Identify opportunities and limitations of ecode360 to inform ordinance formatting
Analyze Recent Development Reviews and User Experiences: May-July 2023
Survey recent users of zoning processes, including CUPs, variances, design review
Review recent Building Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Plan Commission cases
RELATED VILLAGE COMMITTEE INPUT MEETINGS: June-August 2023
Meet with Building Board (6/13), Zoning Board of Appeals (7/20), Plan Commission (8/14)
Discuss zoning issues and desired ordinance improvements related to each board’s focus
Prepare Preliminary Draft of Web-based Resident Survey: June-early July 2023
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING #2: July 10, 2023
Discuss all work since Meeting #1, including Building Board discussion & user survey
Review and advise revisions to draft resident survey
Revise and Administer Resident Survey; Compile Survey Results: July-September 2023
Preliminary Ordinance Directions Memo: late August-September 2023
Overview of community input and research to date
Updated list of key questions, with potential responses or options
Outline and sample format of updated zoning ordinance
Other chapters of the Municipal Code that may need refining for continuity
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING #3: October 4, 2023
Review resident survey and other participation results since meeting #2
Respond to “preliminary ordinance directions memo” before ordinance drafting begins
Village Board Update: October 10, 2023
Prepare Zoning Ordinance Text—Draft #1: October 2023-March 2024
Prepare draft zoning ordinance (Chapter 225) update
Meet with Village staff on administrative issues
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS #4-#9: February 7, 21; March 21; April 4, 25; May 21
Review Draft #1 of the zoning ordinance text in blocks, and advise changes
Provide opportunity for public participation
Prepare Zoning Map(s)—Draft #1: April-May 2024
Clearly identify the zoning district of each parcel in the Village
Defer adding setbacks to digital zoning map until 2025 when parcel maps updated and
other online GIS work anticipated; adjust zoning text accordingly
Prepare Zoning Ordinance Text—Draft #2: Summer 2024
Incorporate changes from Steering Committee meetings
Prepare draft public guide, identifying major changes from current zoning ordinance
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING #9: September 3, 2024
Review and endorse Draft #2 zoning text and user guide(s) for public review
Decide on desired public review process
Prepare Zoning Ordinance Text—Draft #3; Related Materials: September 2024
Incorporate changes from Steering Committee meeting
Prepare minor changes to other related chapters of Municipal Code for continuity
Public, Plan Commission, and Village Board Review Period: Fall 2024
PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION MEETINGS (2): January-February 2025
Hearing before Plan Commission, preceded by Class 2 Notice, and followed by recommendation
Village Board meeting, at which updated ordinances would be adopted
Prepare Adopted Ordinance Text and Updated Application Forms: March 2025
Overview of Proposed Zoning Ordinance Update
August 26, 2024 Page 1
What is the zoning ordinance?
Maple Bluff’s current zoning ordinance divides the Village into different zoning
districts, and for each zoning district specifies allowable land uses and structures
allowed and required setbacks, building design, signage, and other standards.
The Village’s zoning maps show where the different zoning districts apply and
what minimum front (and usually rear) building setbacks are for each lot.
Why is the Village updating its zoning ordinance?
The update will help preserve the identity of the Maple Bluff community as a
small, attractive, pedestrian-friendly lakeside community with a desirable
character and sense of place. At the same time, the update will reflect the many
changes since the ordinance was last revisited over 20 years ago. These include,
for example, how people live, work, and recreate and what building materials and
signage options are available. Maple Bluff households are increasingly seeking
exterior renovations and additions to meet modern needs, which are guided by
zoning regulations and processes.
Some standards and processes in the current ordinance may differ from those
desired by today’s residents and officials. Relatedly, the current ordinance
addresses setbacks, land divisions, comprehensive plan amendments, and other
topics in a manner that is sometimes confusing, which can result in different
interpretations and disagreements. To better clarify and communicate rules, the
updated ordinance will increase definitions, introduce graphics, and utilize
objective and measurable standards wherever practical. The update will also
clarify and simplify regulations and procedures, saving time and money.
How is the Village updating its zoning ordinance?
In March 2023, the Village Board appointed a Zoning Ordinance Update Steering
Committee to guide the process and approved the committee’s charge. The
Committee is made up mainly of members of the Board, Plan Commission, and
other Village committees. Village staff and the consulting Village Planner are
supporting the Committee. Following the Committee’s work, the updated
ordinance will require a recommendation from the Village’s Plan Commission and
adoption by the Village Board. The process is scheduled to run into early 2025.
Overview of Proposed Zoning Ordinance Update
August 26, 2024 Page 2
How is the Village updated zoning ordinance organized? What are the changes?
The updated ordinance is organized as follows, with the purpose of each article
and significant changes and upgrades from the current ordinance indicated:
Article 1—Introduction: Sets the legal basis and purpose of the zoning ordinance.
No significant changes, but clarified from current ordinance.
Article 2—Zoning Map and Districts: Lists and describes the zoning districts,
where they are mapped, permitted and conditional uses in each district, and
dimensional standards (e.g., setbacks). Significant changes and upgrades from
the current zoning ordinance:
• Defines a shorter list of generally broader land use types, but also some
uses unique to Maple Bluff (e.g., Executive Residence).
• Utilizes a table to show which are permitted or conditional uses in each
zoning district, rather than separate and overlapping lists for each district.
• Based on Village plans, identifies preferred commercial land uses as
permitted uses in the business (now abbreviated “CIM”) district and other
commercial uses as either conditional or prohibited.
• Utilizes another table and a series of graphics to show dimensional
standards (e.g., area, height, setbacks, floor area percentages) for lots,
buildings, and other structures. These types of standards are scattered in
multiple places in the current zoning ordinance.
• Sets maximum fence height of 4 feet within the minimum front and street
side yard setback area, and 6 feet elsewhere.
• Establishes minimum lot area, setback, floor area ratio, maximum
impervious requirements in non-residential zoning districts, often for the
first time.
• Based on the Village Planner’s study of existing conditions, increases by-
right floor area percentages by 5% for sub-10,000 sf lots and ½-1 acre lots.
• Removes the current maximum building footprint percentage
requirement, which the study showed is virtually never relevant given the
overlapping maximum impervious surface area and minimum floor area
percentage requirements.
• Removes the current required adjustment to minimum side yard setback in
R-A district that tends to center new homes on lots but is challenging to
Overview of Proposed Zoning Ordinance Update
August 26, 2024 Page 3
administer, but still generally requires 22.5’ total minimum width of both
side yards and 7’ minimum for any one side yard in the R-A district with
adjustments for different lot widths.
• Establishes minimum setback for all new hard surfaces of 2 feet, which is in
current ordinance limited to back-yard driveways.
Article 3—Land Use Description and Standards: Describes and provides
performance standards for each listed permitted, conditional, and accessory land
use allowed in at least one zoning district. Significant changes and upgrades from
current zoning ordinance:
• Clearly allows accessory suites for extended family members in a single-
family home, but not separate, unconnected accessory dwelling units.
• Establishes a minimum area for new single family houses 1,000 sq. ft.
There is currently no minimum house size in Maple Bluff and only 2% of all
current houses are under 1,000 sq. ft.
• Restricts rental of single-family residences for a period of 6 or fewer days
(i.e., tourist rooming houses), and limits rentals for more than 6 but fewer
than 30 consecutive days. There are currently no local tourist rooming
house regulations in Maple Bluff.
• Modernizes home occupation rules, including vehicle trip maximums and
allowing use of accessory buildings by conditional use permit.
• Sets rules for small on-site energy systems (e.g., solar panels) intended to
encourage their use in a way that respects State law and Village character.
• Limits garage, yard, estate, and in-home sales to four sales per year. There
are currently no garage sale limits in Maple Bluff.
• Updates ordinance to comply with state and federal law related to
manufactured housing, community living arrangements,
telecommunication facilities, etc. so that rights, possibilities, and limits on
local regulations are more clearly understood.
Article 4—General Design and Performance Standards: Provides site and
building design standards for new construction, expansions, and exterior
remodeling. Also provides fence, outdoor storage, driveway, parking, exterior
lighting, and noise standards. Significant changes and upgrades from the current
zoning ordinance:
Overview of Proposed Zoning Ordinance Update
August 26, 2024 Page 4
• Focuses much more on measurable standards, including for design review
for new, expanded, or exterior remodeled residences and for fences.
• Continues recent trend of reducing the types and scope of projects that
require Building Board approval before obtaining a building permit,
including all fences and a list of minor exterior home and site changes.
• Sets a maximum floor area percentage that does not exceed 150% of the
average floor area percentage of neighboring principal buildings,
• Requires one or more windows, doors, and/or other architectural detailing
on each flat wall greater than 20 feet in length.
• Requires most fences to be designed with no greater than 60% opacity
when viewed at a right angle from the fence, but allows 60%+ opacity for
rear yard fences that meet principal building setbacks and do not have that
opacity percentage above 4 feet.
• Limits the amount of illumination attributable to exterior lighting, as
measured at any parcel line, to 1.0 footcandle.
• Generally limits noises at residential parcel lines to no more than 60
decibels (e.g., conversational speech) between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and 70
decibels (e.g., gas-powered car, vacuum cleaner) at other hours.
Article 5—Sign Regulations: Provides exterior signage regulations for residential
and non-residential zoning districts. Significant changes and upgrades from the
current zoning ordinance:
• Puts all non-residential zoning district sign rules in one table.
• Defines and illustrates a wide variety of sign types to clarify regulations.
• Removes content-based regulation and limits political sign regulation
based on U.S. Supreme Court rulings and State law.
• Does not allow yard signs in conjunction with home improvement projects.
Article 6—Land Division and Consolidation: Establishes substantive standards
for the division, modification, and consolidation of lots and parcels, with the
general goals of preserving existing residential and open space character.
Significant changes and upgrades from current ordinance:
• Increases more objective standards for Village review of land division and
consolidation requests by certified survey map, while still considering
surrounding context when approving new lot sizes.
Overview of Proposed Zoning Ordinance Update
August 26, 2024 Page 5
Article 7—Legal Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots: Establishes
requirements for nonconforming conditions legally established prior to the
adoption of this updated zoning ordinance. Significant changes and upgrades
from the current zoning ordinance:
• Clearly allows changes and additions to nonconforming structures (e.g.,
does not meet new setback requirement), as long as the change or
addition does not extend or worsen the nonconformity.
• Allows each substandard lot of record to have a home, if no home ever
crossed a lot line, provided that all setbacks and other dimensional
requirements are met. This is a State law requirement. Currently, each
older platted lot in the Village is allowed a home regardless of whether a
building currently or ever crossed lot lines and whether such lot was joined
with others in a single tax parcel.
Article 8—Procedures and Administration: Establishes the administrative and
enforcement framework for application of the new ordinance, including all land
development approval processes. Significant changes and upgrades from the
current zoning ordinance:
• Much greater clarity in procedures, submittal requirements, and criteria
for review of zoning changes, building projects, land divisions, and
variances—putting them all in one place versus scattered placements.
• Clearly assigns design and site plan approval for major projects to the
Building Board and not the Plan Commission.
• Expands the array of minor projects that do not require Building Board
approval (e.g., patio, deck, and walkway replacements and enlargements
of no greater than 100 square feet).
• Only where a project involves a requested special exception to floor area
percentage requirements will three-dimensional perspective renderings of
the proposed building be required.
• Expands current schematic design review stage from only new homes to
also include projects that involve a 50% or greater floor area expansion,
prior to detailed design stage.
Article 9—Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions: Establishes definitions
to hundreds of terms used in the updated zoning ordinance to help with
understanding and to reduce different interpretations (and disagreements) later.
i
Chapter 225
Zoning
[HISTORY: Adopted ___- ___-2024 by the Village Board of the Village of Maple Bluff,
following the repeal of the previous version of Chapter 225.]
DRAFT August 2024
ii
Table of Contents
Article 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1
§ 225-1-1 Title and effective date................................. ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 1
§ 225-1-2 Jurisdiction, authority, and statutory references. ................................ ................................ ............................... 1
§ 225-1-3 Chapter purpose. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 1
§ 225-1-4 Severability, non-liability, and abrogation. ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 1
§ 225-1-5 Application and interpretation. ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 2
§ 225-1-6 Floodplain, shoreland, and shoreland-wetland zoning. ................................ ................................ ..................... 2
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts............................................................................................... 4
§ 225-2-1 Article purpose................................. ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 4
§ 225-2-2 Zoning map. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 4
§ 225-2-3 Listing and purpose of zoning districts. ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 4
§ 225-2-4 Allowable land uses by zoning district. ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 5
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 7
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards .......................................................................... 1
§ 225-3-1 Article purpose and applicability. ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 2
§ 225-3-2 Residential land use types. ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 2
§ 225-3-3 Institutional and recreational land use types. ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 5
§ 225-3-4 Commercial land use types................................. ................................ ................................ ............................ 7
§ 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures. ................................ ................................ ............................... 11
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards ................................................................ 1
§ 225-4-1 Article purpose and applicability. ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 1
§ 225-4-2 Building design. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 1
§ 225-4-3 Site design. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 2
§ 225-4-4 Fences and walls. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 4
§ 225-4-5 Outdoor storage. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 6
§ 225-4-6 Access, driveways, and parking................................. ................................ ................................ ..................... 6
§ 225-4-7 Exterior lighting. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 9
§ 225-4-8 Noise................................. ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 10
Article 5 Sign Regulations .............................................................................................................. 1
§ 225-5-1 Article purpose and goals. ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 1
§ 225-5-2 Sign type descriptions and measurement. ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 1
§ 225-5-3 Sign prohibitions and limitations. ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 5
§ 225-5-4 Signs in residential zoning districts................................. ................................ ................................ ................ 6
Article 1 Introduction iii
§ 225-5-5 Signs in nonresidential and PUD zoning districts. ................................ ................................ .......................... 7
§ 225-5-6 Structural requirements. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 7
Article 6 Land Division and Consolidation .................................................................................. 1
§ 225-6-1 Article purpose and authority. ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 1
§ 225-6-2 Limitations and exemptions. ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 1
§ 225-6-3 Procedure. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 2
§ 225-6-4 Design requirements. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 2
Article 7 Legal Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots ....................................................... 3
§ 225-7-1 Article purpose and definitions. ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 3
§ 225-7-2 Legal nonconforming uses and structures................................. ................................ ................................ ........ 3
§ 225-7-3 Legal nonconforming/substandard lots. ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 4
Article 8 Procedures and Administration...................................................................................... 5
§ 225-8-1 Purpose. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 5
§ 225-8-2 Amendments to Zoning Map or other zoning regulations. ................................ ................................ ................ 5
§ 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects................................. ................................ ............................... 7
§ 225-8-4 Conditional use permits................................. ................................ ................................ .............................. 12
§ 225-8-5 Design and site plan review. ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 14
§ 225-8-6 Building demolition or removal. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 19
§ 225-8-7 Variances. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 22
§ 225-8-8 Appeals. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 24
§ 225-8-9 Interpretations................................. ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 25
§ 225-8-10 Lot divisions, reconfigurations, and consolidations. ................................ ................................ ...................... 26
§ 225-8-11 Sign permits and procedures. ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 27
§ 225-8-12 Building permits. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 28
§ 225-8-13 Certificates of occupancy. ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 29
§ 225-8-14 Roles and responsibilities................................. ................................ ................................ .......................... 29
§ 225-8-15 Fees and cost reimbursement. ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 31
§ 225-8-16 Violations and penalties. ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 32
Article 9 Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions ................................................................ 1
§ 225-9-1 Word usage. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 1
§ 225-9-2 Abbreviations. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 1
§ 225-9-3 Definitions. ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 2
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE
§ 225-1-1 Title and effective date. through § 225-1-4 Severability, non-liability, and abrogation.
Article 1 Introduction 2-1
Article 1 Introduction
§ 225-1-1 Title and effective date.
This chapter shall be known, cited, and referred to as “Chapter 225” or the “Village of Maple Bluff
Zoning Ordinance,” except as referred to herein, where it shall be known as “this chapter.” This chapter
became effective upon passage and posting according to law, on the date of its repeal and re-
enactment ([insert effective date of recreated chapter]).
§ 225-1-2 Jurisdiction, authority, and statutory references.
This chapter is applicable within the Village’s corporate limits and enacted pursuant to Wisconsin
Statutes. Specific statutory references are occasionally provided solely as a means of assisting the
reader. Such references are not to be considered as all inclusive, may not always be up to date, and
shall not be construed so as to limit the application of this chapter.
§ 225-1-3 Chapter purpose.
This chapter is adopted for the following purposes:
A. Implementing the Village’s Comprehensive Plan;
B. Preserving the identity of Maple Bluff as a small, attractive, independent, pedestrian-friendly
lakeside community with a desirable and distinguishable character and sense of place;
C. Balancing community interest in compatible land use and private property owner rights;
D. Protecting the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare;
E. Securing safety from fire, panic, and other dangers;
F. Promoting adequate light and air, including for solar and wind access;
G. Encouraging the protection of the natural resources, scenic beauty, and the dark night sky;
H. Preventing the overcrowding of land and undue concentration of population;
I. Preserving and enhancing property values;
J. Facilitating adequate transportation, water, sewage disposal, parks, and other public facilities;
K. Promoting high quality and lasting urban design; and
L. Managing growth and the impacts of land development and redevelopment.
§ 225-1-4 Severability, non-liability, and abrogation.
A. The provisions of this chapter are separable in accordance with the following:
(1) If any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge any provision of this chapter to be invalid,
such judgment shall not affect any other provisions of this chapter not specifically included in
said judgment.
(2) If any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge invalid the application of any portion of this
chapter to a particular property, water, building, or structure, such judgment shall not affect
the application of said provision to any other property, water, building, or structure not
specifically included in said judgment.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE
§ 225-1-5 Application and interpretation. through § 225-1-6 Floodplain, shoreland, and shoreland-wetlan
Article 1 Introduction 2-2
(3) If any requirement or limitation attached to an authorization given under this chapter is found
invalid, it shall be presumed that the authorization would not have been granted without the
requirement or limitation and, therefore, said authorization shall also be invalid.
B. This chapter shall not abrogate or interfere with any constitutionally protected vested right or
abrogate, repeal, annul, impair, or interfere with any existing easements, covenants, deed
restrictions, agreements, rules, regulations, or permits previously adopted, issued, applied, or
recorded pursuant to law.
§ 225-1-5 Application and interpretation.
A. In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the
minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and welfare; shall be
liberally construed in favor of the Village; and shall not be construed to be a limitation or repeal of
any other power possessed by the Village.
B. Where property is affected by any regulation in this chapter and by other governmental
regulations, the regulations that are more restrictive or that impose higher standards or
requirements shall prevail. Where there are conflicts between regulations within this chapter, the
regulations that are more restrictive or that impose higher standards or requirements shall prevail.
A regulation imposed by this chapter is more restrictive than another if it prohibits or limits
development to a greater extent or by means of more detailed specifications.
C. Nothing herein contained shall require any changes in plans, construction, size, or designated use
of any building or part thereof, for which a building permit has been issued before [insert effective
date of recreated chapter] and the construction of which shall have been started within one year
from the date of such permit.
D. All plans approved under the predecessor Chapter 225 shall be valid and may be used to obtain a
building permit for not more than one year after [insert effective date of recreated chapter], except
where otherwise subject a different window of applicability under such approval.
E. The re-enactment of this chapter shall not adversely affect the Village's right to prosecute any
violation of the predecessor Chapter 225 or Village actions thereunder, provided that the violation
occurred while that predecessor was in effect.
F. Except as provided in this chapter under provisions for substandard lots, nonconforming uses,
structures, or lots pursuant to Article 7, or by variance pursuant to § 225-8-7, no building,
structure, lot, or parcel shall be hereinafter used or occupied and no applicable permit granted that
does not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
§ 225-1-6 Floodplain, shoreland, and shoreland-wetland zoning.
A. The Village’s floodplain zoning regulations are in Chapter 226 of the Code. The Village does not
guarantee, warrant, or represent that only those areas designated as floodplain pursuant to
Chapter 226 will be subject to periodic flooding, nor that areas of steep slope or other
environmental concern will be mitigated by this chapter, and hereby asserts that there is no
liability on the part of the Village for any flood damages, sanitation problems, or property or
personal damages that may result from reliance on this chapter or Chapter 226.
B. Pursuant to § 61.351, Wis. Stats., the Village hereby creates a shoreland-wetland zoning district for
any and all wetlands of 5 acres or more, and any and all portions of wetlands of 5 acres or more,
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE
§ 225-1-6 Floodplain, shoreland, and shoreland-wetland zoning. through § 225-1-6 Floodplain, shoreland, and shoreland-wetlan
Article 1 Introduction 2-3
which are located in the shoreland as defined in § 225-9-3. Any use or activity that affects any such
wetland shall be subject to Village regulation under NR 117, Wis. Admin. Code. These and other
wetlands are also subject to state and federal regulation not administered by the Village. Structure
setbacks, vegetative buffers, and other regulations are applicable only to any shoreland annexed to
the Village after May 7, 1982 pursuant to § 61.353, Wis. Stats. Activities in or over the shoreland,
shoreline, or surface water may be subject to state and federal regulation not administered by the
Village.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE
§ 225-2-1 Article purpose. through § 225-2-3 Listing and purpose of zoning districts.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 2-4
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts
§ 225-2-1 Article purpose.
Lands within the jurisdiction of this chapter, aside from public and rail rights-of-way and Lake Mendota,
are divided into zoning districts of such number and location as necessary to achieve compatibility of
land uses and the purposes of this chapter. This article establishes the zoning map and describes the
zoning districts, their purposes, permitted and conditional land uses, dimensional standards, and other
applicable district-specific requirements.
§ 225-2-2 Zoning map.
A. The Zoning Map, together with all explanatory materials thereon, is hereby made part of this chapter .
Such explanatory materials include the zoning district designation and the minimum principal building
front, street side, and rear yard setback lines where indicated on said map.
B. Where any uncertainty exists as to the exact location of a zoning district boundary line, a minimum
setback line, or other information shown on the Zoning Map, the location of such line or other
information shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator.
C. Public and railroad rights-of-way do not carry a zoning district designation. In the event of a public
right-of-way vacation (or discontinuance), whereby such vacated right-of-way is attached to
adjoining real property, the Zoning Administrator shall initiate the process under § 225-8-2 to zone
such lands in a manner consistent with the zoning district designation of the adjoining property.
§ 225-2-3 Listing and purpose of zoning districts.
A. The “R-A” Residence zoning district is established to protect, promote, and maintain
neighborhoods of single-family detached residences, with limited other land uses compatible with
a single-family residential setting. The R-A district provides for the lowest residential densities in
the Village, emphasizing large lots with abundant open space designed to generally maintain the
current development pattern. The R-A district was typically referred to as the “A” Residence district
under the predecessor Chapter 225.
B. The “R-B” Residence zoning district is established to protect, promote, and maintain
neighborhoods of single-family detached residences, with limited other land uses compatible with
a single-family residential setting. The R-B district provides for moderate single-family residential
densities designed to generally maintain the current development pattern. The R-B district was
typically referred to as the “B” Residence district under the predecessor Chapter 225.
C. The “CM” Commercial and Mixed Use district is established to accommodate office, retail,
commercial service, mixed commercial/residential, and multiple-family residential uses, with scale,
design, impacts, and location compatible with nearby residential neighborhoods and intended to
create walkable, vibrant spaces. The CM district was typically referred to as the “A” Business
district under the predecessor Chapter 225.
D. The “CIR” Conservancy, Institutional, and Recreational district is established to accommodate
recreational, public, semi-public, educational, religious, and other “gathering” type uses in a
manner that is compatible with nearby residential neighborhoods. The CIR district was typically
referred to as the Land Conservancy district under the predecessor Chapter 225.
E. “PUD” Planned Unit Development district.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE
§ 225-2-4 Allowable land uses by zoning district. through § 225-2-4 Allowable land uses by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 2-5
(1) The “PUD” Planned Unit Development district is established to promote exceptional
environmental design while allowing for greater freedom, imagination, and flexibility in the
development of land than one of the standard zoning district listed above. Developments
within the PUD district shall be characterized by coordinated, professional, unified, and
creative site and building planning and design; thoughtful mixing of compatible uses within the
project and/or with relation to surrounding lands; coordination of architectural styles, forms,
and relationships; community-enhancing spaces and features; safe, efficient, and convenient,
pedestrian and vehicular access; and environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
(2) The PUD district may be applied only to lots with frontage on North Sherman or Sherman
Avenues, are zoned C-M prior to rezoning to PUD, or both.
(3) The following modifications to normal requirements of this chapter may be proposed and
approved within each planned unit development:
(a) Any land use or combination of uses enumerated in Figure 225-2-1 may be permitted.
(b) Flexibility in any dimensional standard in Figure 225-2-2.
(c) Flexibility in site and building design under Article 4 and signage under Article 5.
(d) Flexibility in land division requirements under Article 6.
(4) All such modifications shall be limited to those specified in the approved Specific
Implementation Plan (SIP) for each PUD and enforced as part of this chapter. To the extent that
such modifications are not specified in an approved SIP, the normal requirements associated
the affected categorical areas or most similar standard zoning district(s) shall prevail and be
enforced within the PUD.
§ 225-2-4 Allowable land uses by zoning district.
A. Figure 225.2.1 lists permitted, conditional, and temporary uses within each zoning district
described in § 225-2-3. Article 3 includes a description of each listed land use and performance
standards for many uses.
B. If any land use is not listed as a permitted, conditional, or temporary land use in a zoning district in
Figure 225.2.1, such land use shall be prohibited in such district except as may be allowed under
subsection C. If such an unlisted land use was lawfully established in the zoning district despite its
prohibited status, such land use is a nonconforming use pursuant to § 225-7-2.
C. Where a proposed or existing land use is not encompassed by a use listed in Figure 225.2.1 and
described in Article 3, the Plan Commission is authorized to determine that such land use is similar
enough to one of the land uses listed in Figure 225.2.1 to have the same permitted, conditional, or
prohibited status in a zoning district. All such determinations shall be made by motion, kept on file
by the Zoning Administrator, and based on an evaluation of how such land use compares to a land
use listed in Figure 225.2.1 using the following factors:
(1) The relative characteristics of the unlisted land use, including materials, equipment, processes,
and employment density for nonresidential uses and population density and scale for
residential uses.
(2) The relative amount of site or building area devoted to the unlisted land use, and the relative
size, scale, and density of the use.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE
§ 225-2-4 Allowable land uses by zoning district. through § 225-2-4 Allowable land uses by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 2-6
(3) For nonresidential uses, the relative type and amounts of activity, as measured by traffic,
loading, sales, customer type, products or services produced or sold, hours of operation,
seasonality of use, and other reasonably objective factors.
(4) The relative performance of the land use against different standards in this chapter, such as
noise, lighting, signage, and other factors which tend to have impacts beyond property lines.
Figure 225.2.1: Allowable Uses in Zoning Districts
P = Permitted Use C = Conditional Use 1 T = Temporary Use 4 Empty = Prohibited in District
Land Use Category (numbered)
Land Use Type (lettered)
Zoning District 3
R-A
Residence
R-B
Residence
C-M
Commercial
and Mixed
Use 2
CIR
Conservancy,
Institutional, &
Recreational 2
1. Residential Land Uses (see § 225-3-2 for descriptions and standards for each land use)
A. Single-Family Residence P P
B. Two-Family or Townhouse Residence P
C. Multiple-Family Residence C
D. Executive Residence P
2. Institutional and Recreational Land Uses (see § 225-3-3 for descriptions and standards for each use)
A. Institutional and Educational C C
B. Public Recreation P P
C. Country Club P
D. Marina P
E. Public Service or Utility C C P P
3. Commercial Land Uses (see § 225-3-4 for descriptions and standards for each land use)
A. Office P
B. Sales, Service, or Rental P/C
B. Restaurant or Café P
C. Entertainment or Lodging C
D. Telecommunications Facility C C C C
4. Accessory and Temporary Uses and Structures (see § 225-3-5 for descriptions and standards)
A. Detached Accessory Structure P P P P
B. Home Occupation P/C P/C P/C
C. Small Exterior Communication or
Energy System P P P P
D. Outdoor Alcohol Area C/T C/T
E. Garage, Yard, Estate, and In-Home Sales T T T
F. Outdoor Assembly or Special Event T T T T
G. Temporary Portable Storage
Container or Dumpster T T T T
Notes associated with Figure 225.2.1:
1 See other provisions of this chapter for other activities and situations that may require a conditional
use permit. Where cell lists “P/C” or “C/T”, this means that use may be a permitted or a conditional
use, or a conditional or a temporary use, depending on its characteristics as described in Article 3
2 Aside from essential services, any land use in the C-M district having hours of operation extending
beyond 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. shall be a conditional use, regardless of how listed in this figure.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. through § 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 2-7
3 Within the PUD Planned Unit Development district., any land use or combination of uses in this
figure may be permitted, but only to the extent prescribed by the PUD Specific Implementation Plan.
4 Notwithstanding the limitations in this figure, the Board of Appeals has the authority to permit a
temporary building in the R-A and R-B districts which is incidental to residential construction, with
any such permit to be issued for a period of not more than one year.
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
A. Figure 225.2.2 lists dimensional standards within each zoning district, except as otherwise allowed,
excepted, or limited elsewhere in this section. Nonconforming lots and structures legally created
before establishment of these requirements are addressed in Article 7.
B. Permitted encroachments into principal building setbacks. The following building attachments and
components are permitted to encroach into the minimum principal building setbacks specified in
Figure 225.2.2:
(1) Chimneys, flues, sills, pilasters, lintels, attached ornamental features, cornices, belt courses,
ornamental features, eaves, buttresses, gutters, awnings, canopies, bay windows, and fire
escapes, provided they do not extend more than 3 feet into any minimum principal building
setback.
(2) Attached terraces, steps, porches, decks, stoops, balconies, or similar appurtenances (not
including fire escapes), provided that they meet all of the following:
(a) Are completely uncovered by a roof or overhang.
(b) Do not extend above the floor level of the adjacent building entrance.
(c) Do not extend greater than 5 feet into the minimum front yard principal building setback
and 3 feet into any other principal building setback, except that ramps required for
handicapped accessibility may be as close as 2 feet from any parcel line where no higher
than 4 feet from the established grade.
C. Permitted encroachments into accessory structure, fence and wall, and hard surface setbacks. The
following structures and site features are permitted to encroach into the associated minimum
setbacks in Figure 225.2.2:
(1) Lawn ornaments or accessories (not including play equipment), nameplate and identification
signs, retaining walls less than or equal to one foot above finished upland grade, and yard and
ornamental lights, provided they comply with applicable illumination requirements of § 225-5-
7.
(2) A fence or wall connected to a neighboring fence or wall across parcel lines, provided that all
owners enter into a written agreement that addresses maintenance, access, and liability
responsibilities, with such agreement submitted to the Building Inspector before or with the
application for building permit and recorded with the Register of Deeds prior to issuance of a
building permit.
(3) From any lot line that is also the ordinary high water mark line of Lake Mendota, the
construction, maintenance, repair, reconstruction, replacement, restoration, or structural
alteration of all or any part of any of the following:
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. through § 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 2-8
(a) One of the following structures, following Building Board approval under § 225-8-5 and
Article 4, upon its finding that the proposed structure or alteration will not unreasonably
impair the view of Lake Mendota from any neighboring principal building:
1. A boathouse, all of which must be above the ordinary high water mark.
2. An open sided structure that is not a boathouse, all of which structure must be located
at least 35 feet from the ordinary high water mark, and be not greater than 200 square
feet in area.
(b) A walkway, stairway, pier, and/or rail system providing pedestrian access to the shoreline,
not greater than 5 feet in width.
(c) A fence where located along a bluff as defined in § 225-9-3 or designed to provide security
for public property.
(d) A navigational aid, park or interpretive sign, or boat launching facility located on public
property.
(e) A utility transmission line, utility distribution line, pole, tower, pumping station, or well
pumphouse cover.
(4) Resurfacing of an existing hard surfaced driveway; driveway entrances to streets; and hard
surfaces for walkways, driveways, and parking lots where shared between parcels in
accordance with § 225-4-6.
D. Structure height exceptions. The following structures are permitted to exceed the associated
maximum height requirements in Figure 225.2.2:
(1) Chimneys, mechanical units and their required screening, and roof-mounted small exterior
energy and communication systems mounted to or part of a building , which m ay extend no
greater than 5 feet above the maximum building height.
(2) Fences, gates, and netting (but not walls) where required for security and erected by a public
agency or on public property, by conditional use permit if not erected by a public agency.
(3) Water towers, telecommunication facilities, power and communication lines and poles, small
exterior communication or energy systems, fire towers, monuments, flag poles, and security
features erected by a public agency, provided that outside of the CIR district monuments, flag
poles, and small exterior communication and energy systems may extend no greater than 15
feet above the maximum building height.
(4) In addition to the above allowances, the Board of Appeals has the authority to permit an
accessory building, subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards in harmony with the
general purpose and intent of this chapter, to exceed the maximum height listed in Figure
225.2.2, provided that the top of such accessory building shall not be more than 5 feet above
the mean elevation of the ground adjoining the main building.
E. Other dimensional standard provisions and allowances.
(1) No top of swimming pool, its cover, or an associated building, deck, or surfaced terrace shall be
greater than 2 feet above the height of the adjacent finished grade where located within any
required minimum principal building setback area.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. through § 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 2-9
(2) The following accessory structures shall be located only within the rear yard of the associated
lot: boat houses; dog houses/shelters; dog or cat runs; sport courts and associated structures
and equipment (except where set back at least 80 feet from public street in front yard);
swimming pools, changing rooms, and associated structures and equipment.
(3) Chapter 90 of the Code may contain minimum building separation and other requirements that
affect building placement.
(4) § 225-3-3 D includes unique setback provisions for the Maple Bluff Country Club property.
(5) Within the CIR district, any structure existing as of October 10, 2023 that would otherwise
violate a minimum setback in Figure 225.2.2 shall be deemed a legal nonconforming structure
pursuant to § 225-7-2 if the structure were built pursuant to a full and complete approval of
the Zoning Administrator or other authorized Village official(s), unless it is shown that the
approval was made on the basis of false or misleading information.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: JULY 2024
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. through § 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 2-10
Figure 225.2.2: Zoning District Dimensional Standards
Dimensional Standard R-A Residence R-B Residence
CM Commercial and
Residential Mix
CIR Conservancy,
Institutional, and
Recreational
MINIMUM LOT/PARCEL AREA 11,000 sq. ft. 6,500 sq. ft.
Greater of 6,500
sq. ft., or 1,250 for
each dwelling unit
None
MINIMUM LOT/PARCEL WIDTH 100 feet 75 feet None None
MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA PERCENTAGE
By Right
Parcels greater than 1 acre: 15%;
Parcels between 22,000 sq. ft. and 1 acre: 20%
Parcels between 10,000 and 22,000 sq. ft.: 25%
Parcels less than 10,000 sq. ft.: 30%
100% 30%
By Special Exception per § 225-8-5
Parcels greater than 1 acre: 20%
Parcels between 22,000 sq. ft. and 1 acre: 25%
Parcels between 10,000 and 22,000 sq. ft.: 35%
Parcels less than 10,000 sq. ft.: 40%
125% 40%
MAXIMUM IMPERVIOUS SURFACE % 40% 90% 40%
MAXIMUM STRUCTURE HEIGHT
For Principal Buildings 35 feet 45 feet 40 feet
For Fences and Walls 4 feet within minimum front and street side yard setback; 6 feet elsewhere
For Other Accessory Structures 15 ft, or the principal building height, whichever is
lower 20 feet 20 feet
MIN. PRINCIPAL BUILDING SETBACKS
Front Yard As represented on Zoning Map
None, except 5 feet
for buildings with
dwelling units
Per Zoning Map
Street Side Yard Per Zoning Map Per Zoning Map Same as front Per Zoning Map
Interior Side Yard
7 ft for any one side,
plus…
Where parcel width ≤75 ft:
total of 2 sides = 22.5’ –
0.5’ per each 1 f oot of
width less than 75 feet
Where parcel width >75 ft:
Total of 2 sides = 22.5’ +
0.25’ per each 1 foot of
width greater than 75 feet
6 feet for any one side
14 feet total between
two interior side yards
5 feet, except 12
feet where
abutting a
residential zoning
district (20 feet for
3rd story or greater)
10 feet
Any Yard Abutting Lake Mendota As represented on Zoning Map
Rear Yard not Abutting Lake
20% of lot depth, but
never beyond 25 to 50
foot range, except where
otherwise represented on
Zoning Map
20% of lot depth, but
never beyond 25 to 40 ft
range, except where
otherwise represented
on Zoning Map
Same as interior
side yard 25 feet
MIN. ACCESSORY STRUCTURE SETBACKS
Front and Street Side Yard Same as setback for principal buildings
Interior Side Yard 5 feet
Any Yard Abutting Lake Mendota Same as setback for principal buildings
Rear Yard not Abutting Lake 5 feet
DETACHED GARAGES Not greater than 1 detached garage per parcel, with no detached garage greater that 750 sq. ft.
MIN. FENCE OR WALL SETBACKS
Front and Street Side Yard 5 feet
Interior Side Yard 6 inches
Any Yard Abutting Lake Mendota Same as setback for principal buildings
Rear Yard not Abutting Lake 6 inches, except same as setback for principal buildings where fence opacity is greater than 60%
MIN. HARD SURFACED AREA SETBACK 2 feet
NOTE: See § 225-2-5 for unique or additional requirements, allowances, exceptions, and encroachments associated with the dimensional
standards in this figure.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. through § 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 2-11
Figure 225.2.3: Minimum Principal Building Setback Areas (by Yard) and Building Envelopes for
Different Lot Scenarios
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9 2024
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. through § 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 3-1
Figure 225.2.4: Yards and Setbacks on Typical Lot
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9 2024
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. through § 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 3-2
Figure 225.2.5: Minimum Dwelling Setbacks—R-A Residence District
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9 2024
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. through § 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 3-3
Figure 225.2.6: Minimum Dwelling Setbacks—R-B Residence District
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9 2024
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. through § 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 3-4
Figure 225.2.7: Minimum Setbacks for Fences, Other Accessory Structures, and Other Improvements
(Regular Lot)
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district. through § 225-2-5 Dimensional standards by zoning district.
Article 2 Zoning Map and Districts 3-1
Figure 225.2.7: Minimum Setbacks for Fences, Other Accessory Structures, and Other Improvements
(Corner Lot)
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-1 Article purpose and applicability. through § 225-3-2 Residential land use types.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-2
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards
§ 225-3-1 Article purpose and applicability.
A. This article includes descriptions and performance standards for each of the land use types listed in
Figure 225.2.1 as a permitted, conditional, or allowed temporary use in at least one zoning district.
B. Performance standards included in this article, including parking space minimums, shall be met as
part of new and expanded land uses within the corresponding land use category after [insert
effective date of recreated chapter], except by conditional use permit. Performance standards shall
not apply retroactively to pre-existing land uses that are not expanding in area or in scope, except
where otherwise specifically indicated in this Article 3.
C. Other specifications for parking lots and spaces are provided in § 225-4-6, including potential
reductions to minimum parking space requirements listed in this Article 3.
D. New and expanded buildings and other structures associated with listed land uses shall be subject to
dimensional requirements in Figure 225.2.2 and to design requirements in Article 4 to the extent
made applicable under that article.
E. In cases of mixed-occupancy or mixed-use buildings or sites, the regulations for each land use shall
apply to the portion of the building or site so used.
§ 225-3-2 Residential land use types.
A. Single-family residence.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, a dwelling unit designed for and
occupied by not more than one family and having no roof, wall, or floor in common with any other
dwelling unit or nonresidential principal building. Notwithstanding the above, a dwelling unit may
also be occupied as a community living arrangement for 15 or fewer adults, as defined in §
46.03(22), Wis. Stats.; a community living arrangement for 15 or fewer children, as defined in §
48.743(1), Wis. Stats.; or an adult family home as defined in § 50.01 (1) (a) or (b), Wis. Stats., subject
to applicable standards below.
Performance Standards:
(1) Minimum finished floor area including attached garage shall be 1,000 square feet.
(2) The residence shall be attached to a finished, permanent foundation, such as a concrete
basement, slab, or crawl space.
(3) The single-family residence may contain separate kitchen, dining, bathroom, laundry, living,
sleeping, and recreation areas, generally intended for an extended family member or adult child,
subject to the following standards:
(a) A permanent interior, non-locking access way between all spaces in the residence is
required, except for doors to bedrooms and bathrooms. Connections through attics,
unfinished basements, garages, porches, or non-living areas shall not be sufficient.
(b) Direct incidental access to the separated portion of the residence from the building exterior
may be provided via exterior porches, patios, and decks only.
(c) The building shall appear from the outside as one single-family residence.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-2 Residential land use types. through § 225-3-2 Residential land use types.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-3
(d) A separate address and utility connection or meters are not permitted.
(4) May be a manufactured home as defined in § 225-9-3 and required by federal law to be allowed
where “stick-built” single-family residences area allowed, provided that the manufactured home
meets all requirements of this subsection; all state, federal, and Village construction
requirements; and the building design requirements of § 225-4-2. No mobile home as defined in
§ 225-9-3 is permitted in the Village.
(5) Pursuant to Wisconsin law, adult family homes and community living arrangements for 8 or
fewer persons are permitted uses within the R-A, R-B, and C-M districts; and community living
arrangements for 9 to 15 persons are conditional uses in the R-A and R-B districts and permitted
uses in the C-M district. To the extent permitted by federal law, community living arrangements
and adult family homes shall meet the requirements of § 62.23(7)(i), Wis. Stats.
(6) No single-family residence may be rented to a single family for a period of 6 or fewer days. Any
single-family residence rented to a single family for a period of more than 6 but fewer than 30
consecutive days may be rented to different families in this duration for a maximum of 180
consecutive days in any calendar year. The owner, manager, or operator of any such residence
rented for more than 10 days in any calendar year shall obtain licenses from the State and
Village, and shall in each calendar year notify the Village Clerk of the first such rental date.
(7) Minimum required off-street parking: 2 spaces.
B. Two-family or townhouse residence.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1
, a single building containing 2 to 8
attached dwelling units, with each dwelling unit having its primary individual access to the outdoors
and sharing at least one common wall with an adjacent dwelling unit.
Performance Standards:
(1) Building shall have no common hallways, except within any approved underbuilding parking
area.
(2) A building code-required, fire rated wall must separate the dwelling units from the lowest level
to flush against the underside of the roof.
(3) Individual sanitary sewer and public water laterals and utility meters are required for each
dwelling unit.
(4) Minimum habitable floor area of each dwelling unit shall be 800 square feet.
(5) Each such building proposed to be built as or converted to a zero lot line structure, as defined in
§ 225-9-3, shall meet the following additional performance standards:
(a) The building shall meet the front, side, and rear setbacks required for the applicable zoning
district in which the residence is located, except that the yard with the shared wall shall
have no minimum principal building setback.
(b) The building permit applicant shall provide a signed agreement or covenant specifying
maintenance standards for the common wall, exterior surfaces of the building to maintain a
neat and harmonious appearance over time, and any other common features. Each such
agreement or covenant shall be subject to Village Attorney approval, and then recorded
against all affected properties and continually maintained by the property owners.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-2 Residential land use types. through § 225-3-2 Residential land use types.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-4
(6) No unit in a two-family or townhouse residence may be rented to a single family for a period of 6
or fewer days. Any such residence rented to a single family for a period of more than 6 but fewer
than 30 consecutive days may be rented to different families in this duration for a maximum of
180 consecutive days in any calendar year. The owner, manager, or operator of any such residence
rented for more than 10 days in any calendar year shall obtain licenses from the State and Village,
and shall in each calendar year notify the Village Clerk of the first such rental date.
(7) Minimum required off-street parking: 2 spaces per dwelling unit.
C. Multiple-family residence.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, a single building with 3 to 8
individual attached dwelling units that does not fully meet the description of a “two-family or
townhouse residence,” or any single building with 9 or more attached dwelling units. The same
building may also contain other principal land uses such as ground-floor commercial uses, and
accessory uses such as a common area, exercise room, or leasing office.
Performance Standards:
(1) Minimum habitable floor area of each dwelling unit shall be 500 square feet for each
studio/efficiency unit, 700 square feet for each one-bedroom unit, plus 100 square feet for each
added bedroom.
(2) Shall be serviced by manager with an office or residence fewer than 10 miles away.
(3) Any project with 50 or more units shall have an on-site manager or maintenance person residing
on site and a deliberately designed and improved common recreational facility.
(4) All building entrances shall be secured, either by key or keyless entry provided to residents, with
security cameras provided in parking lots (including underbuilding) and at common entryways.
(5) Secured indoor storage areas shall be provided for at least 50% of dwelling units.
(6) Heating and air conditioning shall be provided within all units and indoor common areas, except
for enclosed parking areas, allowing for occupant control and not allowing in-window units.
(7) Sound mitigation measures shall be provided in all shared walls and floors between separate
units, with a minimum standard Sound Transmission Class meeting the requirements of § 1207
of the International Building Code.
(8) No unit in a multiple-family residence may be rented to a single family for a period of 6 or fewer
days. Any such residence rented to a single family for a period of more than 6 but fewer than 30
consecutive days may be rented to different families in this duration for a maximum of 180
consecutive days in any calendar year. The owner, manager, or operator of any such residence
rented for more than 10 days in any calendar year shall obtain licenses from the State and
Village, and shall in each calendar year notify the Village Clerk of the first such rental date.
(9) Minimum required off-street parking: 1 space per efficiency or one-bedroom dwelling unit; 1.5
space per 2 bedroom unit; and 2 spaces per dwelling unit with three or more bedrooms, except
that minimum parking spaces for any senior-restricted housing may instead be per a parking
demand study submitted by the applicant and approved as part of the conditional use permit.
In addition:
(a) 1 enclosed (e.g., underbuilding, garage) parking space is required per dwelling unit, except
for senior-restricted housing. Such parking is included within the above minimums.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-3 Institutional and recreational land use types. through § 225-3-3 Institutional and recreational land use types.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-5
(b) Designated bicycle parking spaces shall be provided for residents and for guests.
(c) Walkways shall be provided to and from building entrances, parking, public sidewalks, and
bus stops.
D. Executive residence.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, a dwelling occupied by the
current governor of the State of Wisconsin, the current governor’s family, and such other persons
designated by the State to provide security and other essential services (including within separate
guard houses). The dwelling and grounds may be open to private and public tours, State law
enforcement training, meetings of State personnel, and special events sponsored by the State or
Wisconsin Executive Residence Foundation.
Performance Standards:
(1) Fences, gates, lighting, and other measures intended to provide security to the property,
residents, and guests may be installed and maintained. See §§ 225-2-5 D for height allowances.
§ 225-3-3 Institutional and recreational land use types.
A. Institutional and educational.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, typically indoor institutional and
educational facilities such as libraries, museums, community centers, schools, training centers,
group day care centers, religious institutions, and memory and senior care facilities. Does not
include any senior or assisted living facility where occupants occupy separate dwelling units (which
are instead classified as a residential use in § 225-3-2), or any fitness center (except as an accessory
use), country club (which is separately listed), marina (separately listed), arena, auditorium,
convention center, boarding house, rehabilitation center, hospital, jail, prison, cemetery, or similar
land use. Does not include any “little free library” installed as an accessory structure to a residential
or other principal use.
Performance Standards:
(1) There shall be no overnight accommodations for any person, except in a memory or senior care
facility.
(2) Development shall provide an off-street passenger loading area and safe pedestrian and bicycle
access.
(3) Minimum required off-street parking: 1 space per 5 patrons at maximum capacity.
B. Public recreation.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, includes all recreational land uses
located on public property or a public easement, except for a country club or a marina, which are
separately listed uses. Such land uses do include public play courts (such as tennis or basketball
courts not associated with a country club), playfields, playgrounds, picnic areas and shelters,
swimming beaches s, fishing areas, fitness courses, community gardens or orchards, and public
natural and wildlife areas.
Performance Standards:
(1) All community gardens or orchards shall require issuance of a certificate of occupancy per § 225-
8-13 prior to their establishment. The application shall include a plan that demonstrates
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-3 Institutional and recreational land use types. through § 225-3-3 Institutional and recreational land use types.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-6
consideration for and indicates locations of structures, materials storage, equipment storage,
access for deliveries and pickups, water availability, and availability of parking.
C. Country club.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, includes recreational facilities for
members, their families, and invited guests, and may include clubhouse building(s) and
miscellaneous structures incidental to the operation of a country club, including the construction
and operation of a golf course, tennis courts and platform tennis facilities, swimming pool, diving
pool, and work-out facility.
Performance Standards:
(1) Notwithstanding dimensional standards in Figure 225.2.2, the minimum required yard for all
buildings and recreational facilities shall be 150 feet, except that:
(a) All tennis courts, the golf course, and their components such cart paths, protective netting,
and accessory buildings, constructed and maintained within this minimum required yard are
classified as permitted, conforming structures not in violation of any yard requirement,
though such facilities may not be extended any further into the minimum yard.
(b) See § 225-2-5 D (5) for setback allowances for certain previously built structures.
(c) There shall be no minimum yard abutting the railroad right-of-way.
(2) Minimum required off-street parking: 1 space per 5 patrons at maximum building capacity.
D. Marina.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, an establishment providing
docking and mooring and related activities limited to the provisioning or minor repair of pleasure
boats and yachts, and accessory structures including restrooms and concessions other activities that
are clearly incidental to the marina function.
Performance Standards:
(1) Fences, lighting, and other measures intended to provide security to the property and users may
be installed and maintained, and provided that all such fencing is decorative, predominantly
transparent, and otherwise meets § 225-5-4.
(2) No boat, boat trailer, or other vehicle shall be stored within a landscaped area or vehicular
circulation area.
(3) An off-street passenger loading area shall be provided.
(4) Minimum required off-street parking: 1 space per 10 boats kept on the property at maximum
capacity.
E. Public service or utility.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, includes all municipal, county,
state, or federal facilities (except those separately listed in this article); protective service facilities;
utility substations and distribution facilities; water towers; and similar land uses. Does not include
facilities that generate power that is primarily for off-site distribution and use, except where
conducted as an accessory use to another permitted public service or utility use.
Performance standards:
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-4 Commercial land use types. through § 225-3-4 Commercial land use types.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-7
(1) Minimum required off-street parking: 1 space per employee on the largest work shift.
§ 225-3-4 Commercial land use types.
A. Office.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, includes all exclusively indoor
land uses whose primary functions are the handling of information, administrative services, or both,
generally with minimal service to customers on-site. Office uses that are accessory to a principal
residential use of a property are instead regulated as home occupations if meeting applicable
requirements of this article.
Performance Standards:
(1) Minimum required off-street parking: 1 space per 300 square feet of floor area.
B. Sales, service, or rental.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, a typically indoor land use whose
primary function is the sales, service, and/or rental of merchandise or equipment, and/or the
provision of one or more professional or personal services directly to an individual on a walk-in or
on-appointment basis. Does not include any sales or service use accessory to a principal residential
use of a property, which is instead regulated as a “home occupation.” Does not include any other
land use type that is separately listed in this section.
Performance Standards:
(1) The following sales, service, or rental land uses are permitted by right in the C-M zoning district,
except where such use includes a drive-in, drive-up, or drive-through facility.
Figure 225.3.1: Permitted Sales, Service, or Rental Land Use Types
Art, office, stationary, and/or school supply store Graphic or similar design services
Artisan studio Grocery store
Baked goods sales (not commercial bakery for off-site
sale)
Health care office or clinic (but with no
inpatient care and not hospitals)
Bank or credit union (not convenient cash, payday loan,
installment loan, cash for gold, or similar businesses)
Household goods store (including clocks)
Barber or beauty shop Information technology services
Bicycle sales and service Insurance and/or financial services
Book store Jewelry store
Butcher shop (not commercial butcher for off-site sale) Music store
Clothing and shoe sales and repair Nail salon
Confectionary, candy, and/or ice cream store Optical store
Consulting services Photographic studio
Delicatessen Real estate agency
Florist and/or plant shop (not garden center) Toy and/or game sales
Gift store (not sexually-oriented)
(2) Except where the land use is otherwise specifically identified and regulated elsewhere in § 225-
3-4 and Figure 225.2.1, or not allowed in the Village under standard (3) below, all other sales,
service, or rental uses shall require a conditional use permit. These include but are not limited to
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-4 Commercial land use types. through § 225-3-4 Commercial land use types.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-8
any such use including any drive-through, drive-up, or drive-in facility; antique, collectible, and
hobby shops; automotive parts sales (not including vehicle service or repairs); car washes;
convenience stores; department or variety stores; drug store/pharmacies; electronics and
mechanical repair service businesses (not including any small engine repair); furniture and floor
covering sales and repair stores; hardware and home improvement stores; household good
maintenance and repair; liquor sales; tobacco sales; paint and wallpaper sales; phone sales;
secondhand stores; laundromat; massage therapy businesses, medical research laboratories;
small animal veterinary clinics and/or pet grooming; sexually-oriented businesses; tattoo or
body piercing businesses;.
(3) The following uses are prohibited within the Village: motor vehicle and small engine repair and
service (except e-bikes); vehicular fueling stations (not including accessory vehicular charging
equipment); firearm sales and service stores; junkyards and salvage yards; pawn shops;
convenient cash, payday loan, installment loan, cash for gold, or similar businesses; personal
storage facilities (mini-warehouses); veterinary clinics catering to animals larger than domestic
dogs and/or requiring outdoor kennels; animal boarding; CBD, vape, THC, and/or other
establishments selling non-alcohol intoxicating materials.
(4) All loading and outdoor trash and recyclable storage shall be permitted only where clearly
depicted and labeled on the approved site plan and meeting requirements of §§ 225-4-4 and
225-4-5. Loading and unloading shall not involve the use of semi-trucks or trailers greater than
twice per month, nor shall occur outside of the hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
(5) Outdoor merchandise display and activities shall be allowed only where clearly depicted on the
approved site plan; not exceeding 25% of the floor area of the principal use with which they
area associated; meeting all applicable accessory structure setbacks per Figure 225.2.2
; not
affecting visibility and separated from motor vehicle routes, walkways, and parking spaces by a
physical barrier; and not for any sexually-oriented business. When merchandise is fully removed
from any approved display area, or the outdoor activity ceases, all support furniture and fixtures
shall be immediately removed. Seasonal garden shops, tent sales, flea markets, seasonal
roadside stands, Christmas tree lots, fireworks stands, and food trucks are not allowed on
private property in the Village.
(6) Any assembly, repair, or maintenance service shall be performed inside of an enclosed building
with doors and windows to the building closed, and no detectable noise, odor, or vibration at
any property line or other side of a common wall. Indoor floor area devoted to any assembly,
repair, or maintenance service shall not exceed 25% percent of the total floor area allocated to
the principal use, and may be required to be physically separated from other areas available for
public access. Any products assembled on site must be sold or rented on site.
(7) Each approved drive-up or drive-through lane shall be designed to provide for vehicle
movement and stacking that does not impede or impair vehicular and pedestrian traffic
movement, extend into the public street right-of-way, or exacerbate the potential for
pedestrian/vehicular conflicts.
(a) Minimum required off-street parking: 1 space per 300 square feet of floor area.
C. Restaurant or café.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, a type of land use in which food
and/or beverages are prepared and sold on-site and greater than 80% of total sales are derived from
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-4 Commercial land use types. through § 225-3-4 Commercial land use types.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-9
sales of food and/or non-alcoholic beverages. Such land uses include coffee, tea, smoothie, and
related shops that specialize in the sale of non-alcoholic beverages. Any eating or drinking
establishment that includes a vehicular drive-up, drive-through, or drive-in facilities (excepting
short-term parking in a designated parking space for food carry-out by pedestrians) shall instead be
classified as an “entertainment or lodging” land use regulated in subsection D below.
Performance standards:
(1) All loading and outdoor trash and recyclable storage shall be permitted only where clearly
depicted and labeled on the approved site plan and meeting requirements of §§ 225-4-4 and 225-
4-5. Loading and unloading shall not involve the use of semi -trucks or trailers greater than twice
per month, nor shall occur outside of the hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
(2) Outdoor activities shall be allowed only where clearly depicted on the approved site plan; not
exceeding 25% of the floor area of the principal use with which they area associated; meeting all
applicable accessory structure setbacks per Figure 225.2.2; and not affecting visibility but
separated from motor vehicle routes, walkways, and parking spaces by a physical barrier. When
outdoor activity ceases, including seasonally, all support furniture and fixtures that support the
activity shall be immediately removed.
(3) Minimum required off-street parking: 1 space per every 4 patrons based on interior seating
capacity, or at maximum indoor fire capacity if no seating layout provided.
D. Entertainment or lodging.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, includes land uses that provide
commercial entertainment or lodging services within an enclosed building. Lodging uses require
more than one individual room or suite of rooms, with each room or suite having a private
bathroom, including hotels and inns but typically not beds and breakfast or tourist rooming houses.
Also includes eating and drinking establishments not meeting the description or standards for
“restaurant or café” land uses; taverns; nightclubs; cigar bars; brewpubs; theaters; health or fitness
centers; indoor swimming pools; dance, art, martial arts, and other forms of training studios;
bowling alleys; arcades; roller rinks; indoor shooting, archery, and axe ranges; indoor amusement
facilities; and pool halls. Does not include outdoor commercial swimming pools, miniature golf
facilities, amusement parks, drive-in theaters, go-cart tracks, racetracks, and shooting ranges. Uses
that serve or allow the consumption of alcohol outdoors must also meet requirements associated
with the outdoor Alcohol Area” land use.
Performance Standards:
(1) All loading and outdoor trash and recyclable storage shall be permitted only where clearly
depicted and labeled on the approved site plan and meeting requirements of § 225-5-5.
(2) Outdoor activities shall be allowed only where clearly depicted on the approved site plan; not
exceeding 25% of the floor area of the principal use with which they area associated; meeting all
applicable accessory structure setbacks per Figure 225.2.2
; not affecting visibility but separated
from motor vehicle routes, walkways, and parking spaces by a physical barrier; and not allowed
for any sexually-oriented business under any circumstance. When outdoor activity ceases,
including seasonally, all support furniture and fixtures that support the activity shall be
immediately removed.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-4 Commercial land use types. through § 225-3-4 Commercial land use types.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-10
(3) Drive-up, drive-through, and drive-in facilities are allowed only in association with land use
types in this category that provide prepared foods. This shall not prohibit short-term parking in a
designated parking space for carry-out by pedestrians for other uses. Each approved drive-up or
drive-through lane shall be designed so as to not impede or impair vehicular and pedestrian
traffic movement, or exacerbate the potential for pedestrian/vehicular conflicts.
(4) In its approval of any conditional use permit, the Village may establish minimum required stays
or other occupancy limits on any lodging use to the extent consistent with State law.
(5) Minimum required off-street parking: 1 space per every 4 patrons based on interior seating
capacity, or at maximum indoor fire capacity if no seating layout provided.
E. Telecommunications facility.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, includes all broadcasting,
receiving, or relay structures, and similar principal land uses and facilities. Required by Wisconsin
Statutes to be allowed within all zoning districts and subject to limited requirements. Does not
include any facility described elsewhere in this article as a “small exterior communication or energy
system.”
Performance Standards:
(1) The application for conditional use permit and site plan approval materials required under §
66.0404(2)(b), Wis. Stats. in addition to requirements under this chapter.
(2) If the intent is to construct a new, freestanding telecommunications facility, the application
must include an explanation as to why the applicant chose the proposed location and why the
applicant did not choose collocation, including a sworn statement from an individual who has
responsibility over the placement of the telecommunications facility attesting that collocation
within the applicant’s search ring would not result in the same mobile service functionality,
coverage, and capacity; is technically infeasible; or is economically burdensome.
(3) Each permitted telecommunications facility shall be placed or constructed so it may be utilized
for the collocation of antenna arrays to the extent technologically and economically feasible.
The holder of a permit under this subsection shall make the collocation sites required hereunder
available for the placement of technologically compatible antenna arrays and equipment upon
contractual provisions that are standard in the industry and at prevailing market rates allowing
the permit holder to recoup the cost of providing collocation sites and a fair investment return.
(4) Telecommunications facilities and associated equipment shall, to the extent possible, match the
color of existing facilities and be installed in a fashion to lessen the visual impacts of such
installation. Accessory buildings shall meet requirements in § 225-5-2 and Figure 225.5.2.
(5) A new or amended conditional use permit and site plan shall be required for “substantial
modifications” to an existing telecommunications facility, as that term is defined in §
66.0404(1)(s), Wis. Stats. Neither a conditional use permit nor site and building plan approval
shall be required for any modification that is not defined as a “substantial modification,” but a
building permit is required.
(6) A conditional use permit shall not be required for collocation on a proposed or existing
telecommunications facility, provided the collocation does not result in a “substantial
modification,” as that term is defined in § 66.0404(1)(s), Wis. Stats.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures. through § 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-11
(7) The applicant shall provide a written agreement stating that if the telecommunications facility,
antennas, or transmitters are unused for a period exceeding 12 months, the applicant shall
remove the facility including all associated equipment upon written request from the Zoning
Administrator at no cost to the Village within 60 days of such request.
(8) The owner of any telecommunications facility shall maintain insurance against liability for
personal injury, death, or property damage caused by its maintenance and/or operation.
(9) The limitations under the applicable §§ 66.0404(4) or 66.0406(2), Wis. Stats. shall apply to the
Village review of any application for a telecommunications facility,
§ 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures.
A. Detached accessory structure.
Description: In zoning district(s) where allowed per Figure 225.2.1, an accessory structure serving a
principal land use and building on the same parcel (e.g., a house), but not attached to the principal
building, including but not limited to the accessory structures listed in Figure 225.3.2. Does not
include any other accessory structure separately listed in this section, including accessory dwelling
units, small exterior communication or energy systems, donation drop-off boxes or vending
machines, and temporary portable storage containers or dumpsters. Does not include hoop sheds or
any structure historically or typically used as a shipping container, which are not permitted in the
Village.
Figure 225.3.2: Approval Assignments for Detached Accessory Structures*
Zoning Administrator Approval Building Board Approval
Arbors and trellises Boathouses and boat shelters
Barbequing equipment (fixed installation) Carports
Dog houses and shelters Chicken coops and runs
Detached decks, walkways, and patios not
elevated above ground surface
Detached decks, stairs, walkways, and patios
elevated above ground surface
Dog or cat runs Garages
Fences, gates, walls, and netting meeting
applicable requirements of Figure 225.2.2 and
§ 225-4-4
Outdoor kitchens
Fire pits and permanent outdoor fire places Outdoor swimming pools, changing rooms, and
other associated structures and equipment
Flagpoles Recreation buildings such as gazebos, playhouses,
treehouses, greenhouses, garden houses, and
accessory offices
Fountains meeting accessory structure heights
in Figure 225.2.2.
Sheds
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
equipment
Sport courts and associated equipment
Ornamental lights and sculptures meeting
accessory structure heights in Figure 225.2.5.
Any other detached accessory structure not listed in
the “Zoning Administrator Approval” column
Playground equipment
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures. through § 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-12
“Little Free Libraries” of 6 sq. ft. or less
Note: See also performance standard (2) below.
Performance Standards:
(1) Each detached accessory structure shall be subject to applicable design standards in § 225-4-2.
(2) Each detached accessory structure within the “Zoning Administrator Approval” column in Figure
225.3.2 is subject only to Zoning Administrator approval prior to installation, except when the
Zoning Administrator determines that Building Board approval shall first be required based on
particular zoning- or design-related concerns that the proposed structure raises. These and all
detached accessory structures listed in the “Building Board Approval” column in Figure 225.3.2
shall also be subject to Building Board approval prior to installation, per the procedure in § 225-
8-5.
(3) No detached accessory structure shall be constructed on any parcel prior to establishment of a
principal use or principal building on that same parcel.
(4) Each detached accessory structure shall be located on the same parcel as the principal use or
building which it serves.
(5) Each detached accessory structure shall be used, operated, and maintained by the owner or
occupant of the same parcel, and any materials stored therein shall be the property of said
owner or occupant only.
(6) No detached accessory structure shall within a residential zoning district involve the conduct of
any business, profession, or trade, except as allowed for a “home occupation” per § 225-3-5 B.
(7) No detached accessory structure shall be used for human habitation, except for daytime office
use.
(8) Each detached accessory structure shall meet applicable dimensional requirements in Figure
225.2.2, subject to additional provisions and exceptions in § 225-2-5.
(9) No sport court shall be lighted within any residential zoning district.
(10)Outdoor swimming pools, changing rooms, and other associated structures shall be subject to
the following standards:
(a) See Figure 225.2.2 for setback provisions.
(b) All materials and methods in the construction, installation, alteration, addition, remodeling,
plumbing, electrical, and other improvements shall be in accord with applicable State
regulations and Village ordinances.
(c) No swimming pool shall drain into any sanitary sewer nor overflow upon or cause damage
to any adjoining property. Draining a swimming pool into public streets, other public
property, directly into Lake Mendota, or the storm sewer system may occur only with the
prior approval of the Public Works Director.
(d) Each swimming pool shall be completely enclosed by a fence, wall, cover, or other
protective device of sufficient strength to prevent access to the pool from a person weighing
250 pounds or less. Any fence or wall gate shall be securely closed and any such cover or
other protective device shall be securely fastened in place when the swimming pool is not in
use.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures. through § 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-13
(e) If a fence or wall is used for the required enclosure, such fence or wall shall be located not
less than 6 feet from the pool edge; be made of a non-corrosive material; designed and
constructed to not be easily climbable or have voids, holes, or openings larger than 4 inches
in one dimension including from bottom of fence to surface; and otherwise meet associated
requirements of § 225-2-5.
(f) All fence openings or points of entry into a pool enclosure shall be equipped with gates or
doors. Gates or doors shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices located at
the top of the gate or door on the pool side of the enclosure, except the door of any building
that forms a part of the enclosure.
(g) All swimming pools must have, in connection therewith, some filtration system to ensure
proper circulation of the water therein and maintenance of the proper bacterial quality
thereof, and shall have the sides and bottom of a smooth hard surface.
(11)This subsection shall not be interpreted to disallow use of tents and similar fabric structures in
association with special events or in-yard camping by members of the family living on the
premises as may be permitted in the Village, for a period not exceeding 30 days.
B. Home occupation.
Description: An economic activity that is accessory to a dwelling unit and provides family income,
where the principal use of the parcel remains the residence of the person(s) conducting the
economic activity. Includes any State licensed family child care home serving 4 to 8 children.
Performance Standards:
(1) The home occupation shall be conducted only within the dwelling unit and/or an attached
garage, except use of a detached building may be allowed by conditional use permit, such as for
a home office.
(2) A home occupation shall be undertaken only by members of the family residing on the premises.
No outside employees are permitted.
(3) The area used to conduct the home occupation shall not exceed 25% of the first floor area of
the dwelling unit, even if not conducted or only partially conducted on the dwelling’s first floor.
(4) There shall be no exterior alterations to the dwelling that change the character thereof as a
dwelling. Signage shall be limited to that allowed of any other dwelling in a residential zoning
district in § 225-5-5.
(5) No home occupation shall keep any stock-in-trade or include on-site sales or lease of any
commodity, except for those made on the premises and that samples may be kept but not sold
on the premises.
(6) No activity, materials, goods, or equipment incidental to the home occupation shall be
externally visible, except for one licensed car, van, or light duty truck used for the home
occupation and resident.
(7) There shall be no detectable noise, odor, or vibration at any parcel line resulting from the home
occupation.
(8) Appointments shall be limited to infrequent consultation, but not for the general practice of a
profession (e.g., no medical or personal service appointments).
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures. through § 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-14
(9) No home occupation, combined with the principal residential use of the property, shall generate
more than 15 vehicle trips per day, except for a family child care home serving 4 to 8 children.
(10)Accessory child care for fewer than 4 children and a State licensed family child care home
serving 4 to 8 children (not including children of care provider) are permitted home occupations.
Each family child care home serving 4 to 8 children must be licensed by the State and follow
rules and procedures in §§ 48.65 and 66.1017(1)(a), Wis. Stats., and DCF 202, Wis. Admin. Code.
C. Small exterior communication or energy system.
Description: Equipment designed to facilitate personal communication to or from a premises, or to
generate energy primarily for on-premise use. Such communication equipment does not include
“telecommunication facilities” as separately described and regulated in this article and chapter, and
includes antennas of 15 feet in height or less as measured from the highest part of the ground or
roof to the top of the antenna, satellite dishes with a diameter of 20 inches or less, and other
similarly small-scale equipment. Such energy generating equipment includes solar, wind, and
geothermal energy systems that convert energy from the sun, wind, or earth into usable thermal,
mechanical, chemical, or electrical energy, where such energy system is accessory to the principal
use of the parcel, and primarily supplies energy to such principal use. Also includes electrical
generators designed for home use. Does not include any outdoor solid fuel furnace, which are
prohibited in the Village.
Performance Standards:
(1) May be attached to a principal or accessory building, or may be a stand-alone accessory
structure(s), where all associated dimensional requirements in Figure 225.2.2 are met (except as
allowed under § 225-2-5), including for underground equipment associated with such system.
(2) Prior to installation or expansion, each such system shall be subject to Building Board approval
per § 225-8-5, except that roof-mounted solar panel and electrical generator systems and other
systems that are completely underground and/or entirely within existing buildings shall be
subject to Zoning Administrator approval only. Following such approvals, a building permit shall
also be required.
(3) Except by conditional use permit, no such above-ground system or device shall be located in any
front or street side yard, each roof-mounted solar panel shall be mounted flush to the roof
surface (allowing for brackets and panel depth, and except along flat roofs), and each wind
energy system shall be set back from all parcel lines a distance of not less than its height.
(4) Shall be erected and installed in accordance with the state electrical code adopted by reference
in the National Electrical Safety Code, Federal Communications Commission, and the
instructions of the manufacturer. All electrical connections shall be located underground or
within a building.
(5) Shall not be sited or operated in a manner that causes permanent or material interference with
television or other communication signals on any property.
(6) Shall be unlit and finished in rust-resistant, non-reflective finishes and colors.
(7) Clearing of natural vegetation shall be limited to that necessary for the construction, operation,
and maintenance of the system and as otherwise prescribed by applicable law.
(8) No signs shall be permitted on any such system, except for manufacturer’s identification and
warning signs.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures. through § 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-15
(9) All access doors or access ways to electrical equipment shall be lockable.
(10)If the system is an electrical generator, it shall have a maximum 80 decibel manufacturer
standard, positioned at least 5 feet from any residence unless a closer distance is advised safe
per manufacturer documentation, and positioned at least 5 feet from any openable window.
(11)Each wind energy system shall have a minimum height of the lowest extent of each blade of 20
feet above the ground for a freestanding wind turbine and 10 feet above the roof for a building
mounted wind turbine; shall be designed without use of guy wires or similar supports; and shall
be equipped with both manual and automatic overspeed controls.
(a) Each geothermal energy system is subject to the following additional standards:
(a) Mechanical pumps used to move water between heat exchangers and structures shall be
located entirely within principal or accessory structures.
(b) Shall comply with state requirements regarding setbacks from private or public water wells.
(c) Earth moving or drilling activities associated with installation or maintenance of the
underground element of heat exchangers shall comply with applicable requirements in
Chapter 115.
(d) All activities, materials, structures, and products associated with the installation and
maintenance of the system shall comply with applicable state-approved standards and
drilling permit procedures and shall meet the certification standards established by the
IGSHPA or other professional geothermal system accreditation association recognized by
the State of Wisconsin. Materials shall be able to withstand long-term exposure to the levels
of moisture and/or acidity of soils of the site.
(e) Open loop systems using only water as the heat exchange fluid shall be permitted. Such
systems may not be installed directly in a navigable body of water, and discharged water
shall meet the state requirements for thermal and other water pollutants. Discharged water
shall not be directed onto any adjacent parcel or interfere with the function of on-site or off-
site stormwater management structures.
(f) In closed loop systems, only heat exchange fluids certified by the State of Wisconsin for use
with underground heat exchangers may be utilized. Heat exchange fluids shall not pose a
contamination hazard to ground water quality. Fluids removed from closed loop heat
exchangers shall be disposed of in accordance with state and federal requirements.
D. Outdoor alcohol area.
Description: Outdoor alcohol areas are those designated for the service and/or consumption of
alcohol outside of the principal building, often associated with an approved restaurant or tavern use
including outdoor dining areas that allow the consumption of alcohol. Each outdoor alcohol area
shall require a liquor license. Where a temporary use, the outdoor alcohol area shall require Village
Board authorization, but shall not require a conditional use permit and shall not be subject to the
performance standards below.
Performance Standards: The following performance standards shall apply to each outdoor alcohol
area that is not a temporary use, except where otherwise specified by conditional use permit or
preempted by State law:
(1) Shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from any residentially zoned property.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures. through § 225-3-5 Accessory and temporary uses and structures.
Article 3 Land Use Descriptions and Standards 3-16
(2) Maximum allowable area shall not exceed 25% of indoor floor area.
(3) May be required by conditional use permit to be enclosed with a fence, wall, or other barrier.
(4) May be limited to no outdoor bar or service station, and/or to wait staff service only to patrons
seated in the approved outdoor area.
(5) Shall not open earlier than 6 a.m. or remain open later than 11 p.m. on any day.
(6) All applications for conditional use permit approval for an outdoor alcohol area shall include
operational details and site plan details addressing each of the requirements above in addition
to the submittal requirements for conditional use permit approval in § 225-8-4. Where such use
is proposed to include or abut a public right-of-way, parking lot, or driveway, the application
shall include details regarding the specific location of street, parking lot, or driveway
improvements, and how the activity will be kept off of and separated from the street travel way,
parking lot, or driveway.
(7) The availability of adequate parking shall be a consideration in the conditional use permit
process. No outdoor alcohol area shall reduce the number of parking spaces serving all uses on
the premises below, or further below, the minimum required number for the principal use(s) on
the parcel or in the development.
E. Garage, yard, estate, and in-home sales.
Description: Includes the short-term display and sales of household products in a single-family
residence, or single-family residential garage, driveway, or yard, whether such sale is for one or
multiple Maple Bluff resident families.
Performance Standards:
(1) May only be conducted by the occupants of the residence and their guests.
(2) Shall be limited to a maximum of 4 sales per year, with a maximum duration of 3 days per sale
and for the display of objects for sale.
(3) Signs shall be as regulated as “limited-time event signs” under Article 5.
F. Outdoor assembly or special event. Described and regulated in § 192-11 of the Code.
G. Temporary portable storage container or dumpster. Described and regulated in § 166-11 of the Code.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-1 Article purpose and applicability. through § 225-4-2 Building design.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-1
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards
§ 225-4-1 Article purpose and applicability.
A. This article includes substantive expectations for exterior design and appearance buildings, other
structures, sites, and potential improvements and storage of materials on them in order to meet the
following objectives:
(1) Fulfill the purpose of this chapter in § 225-1-3 and the Comprehensive Plan.
(2) Promote the Village’s goals with respect to land use compatibility, property value maintenance
and enhancement, aesthetics, environmental protection and enhancement, visual openness,
pollution control, civic pride, and public health.
(3) Achieve high-quality exterior building, site, and landscape design that reflects the design quality
within Maple Bluff, without favoring any particular architectural style or site design approach.
(4) Respect the attributes of the site, its buildings, neighboring principal buildings.
(5) Not unduly restrain land owner choice to build, expand, remodel, or modernize to meet their
needs and interests.
B. Except where otherwise indicated, the provisions of this article apply to all buildings and sites within
the Village when exterior modifications are proposed in one of more of the categories described in
this article. This article describes the substantive standards for building, other structure, site, and
landscape design, but not the associated Village review procedure. The Village entity charged with
review and approval varies by type of project, as described in § 225-x-x.
§ 225-4-2 Building design.
Each new, remodeled, or expanded building that meets the threshold for design review under § 225-8-5
shall:
A. If a single-family residence, have a floor area percentage that does not exceed 150% of the mean
average floor area percentage of neighboring principal buildings, using assessor records or another
accurate source if available.
B. Have attached garages with garage doors that face a public street only where such doors are either
set back at least 80 feet from the facing street right-of-way, or set back at least 1 foot from the
remainder of the primary building façade and occupying no greater than 50% of the width of that
primary building façade.
C. Incorporate one or more windows, doors, and/or other architectural detailing on each flat wall
greater than 20 feet in length.
D. Incorporate a unified architectural design (including additions) that provides or maintains a general
ratio of solids to voids; repeating scale and proportions; vertical or horizontal directional emphasis;
and compatible doors, windows, trim, decorative features including lighting, siding exposure, siding
corners, lintels, chimneys, and roof style across the building exterior.
E. Incorporate roof, siding, and trim materials that are durable, present a finished appearance to public
streets and neighboring principal buildings, carry across all additions, building walls, and roofs,
unless multiple materials are a legitimate expression of the particular architectural style.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-3 Site design. through § 225-4-3 Site design.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-2
F. Not include exterior exposure of the following materials: non-decorative or non-textured concrete
block, foundation walls, or panels above 2 feet from the adjacent ground surface, plywood,
untreated lumber, asphaltic siding, metal panels with exposed exterior fasteners.
G. If the building is a detached accessory building, have an architectural style, color, material, and
detail that is harmonious with the principal building, and not include any primary building façade
that has more than 75% of its width occupied by garage doors.
H. Locate and design all building-mounted equipment to be integral with the building architecture or
screened from view from public rights-of-way and neighboring principal buildings, except for “small
exterior communication or energy systems” which are instead subject to § 225-3-5 C.
I. Where permitted, design and locate trash and recyclable dumpster enclosures, loading docks, and
overhead loading doors as integral elements to the building and site, screened from view from
public streets and neighboring principal buildings, and otherwise meeting applicable requirements
of §§ 225-4-5 and 225-4-8.
J. Where w ithin the geographic area covered by the Gateway Redevelopment Concept and
Implementation Strategy Plan, comply with applicable building design standards within such plan.
§ 225-4-3 Site design.
Each adjustment to a site that meets the minimum threshold for site plan review or design review under
§ 225-8-5, shall:
A. Meet all drainage, erosion control, and stormwater management requirements of SPS 321.12 and
321.125, Wis. Admin. Code, and of any requirements of Chapter 115 of the Code that are made
applicable to the site adjustment under that chapter.
B. Include site grading, structure siting, and hard and pervious surfaces that:
(1) Compared to pre-development conditions, do not materially alter surface water drainage through
and from the site (e.g., not substantially diffuse stormwater where currently concentrated, and
vice versa); substantially increase the rate or volume of stormwater discharge from the site; or
transmit mud, soil, mulch, or other visible sediment onto any adjacent property , public right-of-
way, or surface water body.
(2) Do not result in the compromise, degradation, defacement, or obliteration of any shoreline or
bluff, or any fill or shoreline enhancement that does not obtain the proper state or federal
permit.
(3) Respect the natural topography of the site and area, while allowing for the creation of earth
forms that add interest to the existing topography.
(4) Minimize the removal of non-invasive mature trees and shrubs without compromising drainage
or structure function.
(5) Allow for the installation and maintenance of groundcover and other landscaping via proper
slopes, topsoil maintenance, and otherwise.
(6) Where required, include retaining walls designed and installed pursuant to best engineering
practices (such as those promulgated under the International Building Code or American Society
of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, “Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures”) and
with a style, height, and materials compatible with other site improvements.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-3 Site design. through § 225-4-3 Site design.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-3
(7) Do not substantially impede pre-construction views to Lake Mendota or to the backyard of any
principal building on adjacent parcels.
C. Provide for the undergrounding of public and private utility and communication wiring connecting to
the building and site, where meeting the project threshold and per the requirements of § 225-8-5 G
(2).
D. For shoreline stabilization projects, use materials that are compatible with the principal building and
other structures on the parcel.
E. Where within the geographic area covered by the Gateway Redevelopment Concept and
Implementation Strategy Plan, comply with applicable site and landscape design standards within
such plan.
F. Except for single-family residences, include trees, shrubs, and other landscaping to present an
attractive street and community appearance, complement existing uses and site development on
nearby lands, and buffer lower density and/or residential uses nearby. Where required by the
Building Board, a landscaped buffer yard shall be at least 25 feet in width and planted in sufficient
quantities to provide an all-season screen within 5 years of planting and have a minimum height of 3
feet at time of planting. The Building Board may allow an alternative approach to meet a similar
standard, such as decorative opaque fence or wall, and/or a berm, in lieu of or in addition to the
landscape planting density and/or width.
Figure 225.4.1: Landscaped Bufferyard Example
G. No species identified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as invasive to Wisconsin is
permitted. Landscape plantings in utility or other easements is at the risk of the property owner.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-4 Fences and walls. through § 225-4-4 Fences and walls.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-4
§ 225-4-4 Fences and walls.
A. Purposes. This section regulates the materials, location, height, and maintenance of fences, walls, and
netting, and associated posts and gates, to achieve the following objectives beyond those described in §
225-4-1 A:
(1) Maintain the visual openness of the Village by minimizing substantial visual barriers between
and among residential properties.
(2) Recognize legitimate interests for fences and walls for certain functions and in certain settings.
(3) Ensure proper visibility, screening, and/or security as the situation demands.
B. Applicability.
(1) Each fence, wall, post, and gate shall be constructed and maintained in a manner that is:
(a) Structurally sound and good repair, including but not limited to being installed and
maintained in a vertically level position; free from broken boards and other components;
and free of rot and peeling, chipped, or flaking coating.
(b) Not adversely affecting stormwater flow, including flow impediments that may result from
the collection of organic materials (e.g., leaves) or debris on or around the structure.
(2) Each fence, wall, post, and gate may be maintained without approval or building permit under
this section. Maintenance includes activities to maintain the structure in accordance with
subsection (1), including painting, staining, cap replacement, and replacement of not greater
than 50% of boards or other non-structural surface material with the same materials and to the
same height within any 5 year period, but does not include any extension or structural
alteration.
(3) The remaining requirements of this section apply to the installation, extension, structural
alteration, and replacement of permanent exterior fences, walls, gates, posts, and netting. These
include but are not limited to boundary fences or walls erected along or near a property line for
the purpose of enclosing a property and/or creating a barrier between parcels; architectural,
aesthetic, or decorative fences erected for a purpose other than enclosing a parcel and/or creating
a barrier between parcels; walls constructed of stone, brick, concrete, or similar substantial
material; netting designed to limit the trespass of balls or other objects; or retaining walls greater
than one foot above finished grade. This section shall not apply to other retaining walls, to arbors,
or to trellises, and shall not apply to temporary fences that are:
(a) Associated with a construction project, not exceeding the term of construction;
(b) Snow fences, provided that such fence is temporary erected to serve its defined purpose
and removed between April 15 and December 1 of each year; or
(c) Designed to enclose space or restrict access during a temporary event not more than one
week in any calendar year.
C. Permit required. Before work is commenced on the installation, extension, structural alteration, and/or
or replacement of any fence, wall, gate, or netting applicable under subsection B(3), a building permit
must be obtained from the Building Inspector following submittal of a complete application form and
supplemental information indicated on that form to ensure the ability of the Village to evaluate the
proposed fence and wall against applicable requirements of this section. The Building Inspector may
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-4 Fences and walls. through § 225-4-4 Fences and walls.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-5
require a Plat of Survey or other site mapping or investigation as the Inspector may allow to verify the
exact location of the proposed fence, wall, gate, or netting relative to a property line.
D. Measuring fence and gate height. The body of the fence or gate, including the tallest picket or plank on
fences so designed, determines the fence height. If the fence or gate has been elevated, such as
through use of an underlying retaining wall or landscape berm, height is measured from the ground
elevation prior to the surface grade modification. In addition, a maximum of 4 inches is allowed above
the ground elevation typically for drainage purposes, and fence and gate posts may extend a maximum
of 6 inches above the body of the fence or gate but only where spaced fewer than 3 feet apart.
E. General requirements. Each fence, wall, gate, post, or netting installed, extended, structurally altered,
or replaced under subsection B(3) shall at all times meet the following requirements:
(1) Placed and maintained within the parcel it is intended to serve.
(2) Not placed on or extend into a public or utility easement where public improvements are
located or public access allowed without approval of an encroachment agreement by the Public
Works Director that assigns to the property owner future responsibility for reinstallation of any
such structure removed or damaged within the easement.
(3) For each fence or gate with a more finished or more decorative side, such side shall face toward
the adjacent parcel or public right-of-way (not including railroad right-of-way). As an example,
exposed posts and lateral supports shall not face toward the adjacent parcel or public right-of-
way unless such components are exposed on both sides.
(4) Not include barbed wire, razor wire, or similar cutting wire electrification (does not include
invisible pet security fences), chicken wire, reflective glass or metal, unfinished cement block
(such as that typically used for building foundations), plywood, untreated lumber, or railroad
ties.
(5) All applicable requirements of § 225-4-3 related to site design.
F. Requirements for permanent fences and walls. For a building permit to be issued for an applicable
permanent fence or wall, the fence or wall shall either be a replacement of the same size, location, and
materials as an existing fence, or shall meet all of the following requirements:
(1) Meets maximum heights and minimum setbacks for fences and walls in Figure 225.2.2, subject
to any permitted exceptions and processes in § 225-2-5 and in subsection (3) where applicable.
(2) Not constructed of chain link, woven wire, or similar design; or with PVC, vinyl, or other plastic
material except for composite materials designed to closely resemble wood and for
underground components. Notwithstanding the above, chain link and synthetic netting is
permitted where paralleling and within 10 feet of a railroad right-of-way or where enclosing an
approved sport court or golf course.
(3) Designed with no greater than 60% opacity, as defined in § 225-9-3, except within a rear yard and
around any swimming pool with minimum setback s equal to the minimum principal building
setbacks in Figure 225.2.2, and with fence opacity greater than 60% not extending greater than 4
feet in fence or wall height.
(4) Consistent in height, materials, style, and color to any existing fence or wall to which it will
attach, except where such existing fence does not meet the requirements of this section.
(5) Any included gates match the height, material, style, and color of the fence or wall.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-5 Outdoor storage. through § 225-4-6 Access, driveways, and parking.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-6
(6) Not constructed parallel to and within 5 feet of another fence, whether or not on the same
parcel.
§ 225-4-5 Outdoor storage.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the use of property for outdoor storage so as to
protect the Village’s aesthetic character and public safety and general welfare. Additional standards for
outdoor storage applicable to specific land uses as specified in Article 3 also apply.
B. Waste/recycling materials and containers. For all land uses without Village-provided residential
waste and recycling collection, all solid waste and recycling materials, containers (i.e., dumpsters),
and stacks (e.g., palates awaiting pick-up) shall be fully screened from public rights-of-way and
adjacent parcels, placed on a hard surface, soundproofed with hatch closure noise mitigation
measures and otherwise meeting § 225-4-8, and meet minimum accessory building setbacks in
Figure 225.2.2. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to temporary portable storage
containers or dumpsters described and regulated in § 166-11 of the Code.
C. Operable vehicle parking and storage. Parking and storage of operable vehicles, including boats, in
residential zoning districts shall be pursuant to Chapter 166, Article 3, and § 212-2 of the Code. Within
other zoning districts, outdoor vehicle storage is not permitted, but temporary outdoor parking for
employees, patrons, residents, and visitors is permitted in designated hard surfaced parking spaces
only .
D. Abandoned and inoperable vehicles and junk. The outside storage of inoperable or unlicensed
vehicles, appliances, and other junk or trash shall be prohibited, and otherwise subject to Chapter 166,
Article III of the Code.
§ 225-4-6 Access, driveways, and parking.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to ensure traffic and personal safety, clear and efficient parking
lots and on-site circulation, proper stormwater management, and aesthetic values through driveway
access, vehicle circulation, and parking requirements.
B. Generally.
(1) Each access point onto a Village street or right-of-way shall have a driveway permit issued per §
86.07(2), Wis. Stats. Such driveway permit can be issued as part of or in conjunction with a
building permit.
(2) Each new or expanded surface parking lot, not including any single-family residential driveway,
shall require design and site plan approval from the Building Board under § 225-8-5.
(3) All new and expanded off-street parking, driveways, and traffic circulation areas shall:
(a) Be surfaced and continuously maintained with a hard surface in good condition free of
potholes and other signs of disrepair. Except within residential zoning districts, all such
surfaces shall be designed to carry a wheel load of at least 6,000 pounds.
(b) Meet the minimum hard surfaced area setback requirement in Figure 225-2-2, except for
resurfacing of an existing hard surfaced driveway and as otherwise allowed within § 225-2-5
C (4).
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-6 Access, driveways, and parking. through § 225-4-6 Access, driveways, and parking.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-7
(c) Meet applicable drainage, erosion control, and stormwater management requirements
described in § 225-4-3.
(d) Be landscaped per § 225-4-3, except for single-family residential driveways, and lighted per
§ 225-4-7 where lighting is proposed.
C. Vehicular access points.
(1) Each parcel shall not have more than one vehicular access point on any one street if its frontage
on said street is less than 100 linear feet. For parcels with greater than 100 linear feet of
frontage on any one street, a second vehicular access point on said street is permitted. No
single-family residential parcel shall have more than 2 vehicular access points to public streets.
(2) No new vehicular access point shall be located closer than 25 feet from the intersection of any two
street rights-of-way. Replacement of an existing driveway may be closer than this 25 foot
separation where the Zoning Administrator determines that such driveway placement does not
impede safe traffic movement.
(3) No new vehicular access point shall be closer than 2 feet from any side or rear parcel line, except
for shared access driveways approved by the Zoning Administrator following recording of
documentation with the Register of Deeds providing for their joint use and maintenance.
D. Driveways and circulation.
(1) Minimum driveway width is 12 feet for each single- and two-family dwelling and for each
designated one-way route, except that hard surfaced width may be reduced to 10 feet where an
additional 3 feet on each side of the driveway is free from obstructions.
(2) Minimum driveway width is 20 feet where serving two-way traffic for multiple-family and
nonresidential uses.
(3) Maximum driveway width at the public street pavement edge is 30 feet.
(4) Maximum driveway width for each single- and two-family dwelling is 20 feet, except that a width
of up to 30 feet is permitted where required to provide a direct path from the garage door(s) to the
public street and the width narrows to no greater than 20 feet within 10 feet of the public street
pavement edge.
(5) Where serving more than one single- and two-family dwelling, the Director of Public Works may
require a turnaround area or other provisions for service and emergency vehicle access.
(6) All access drives shall intersect with the public street at an angle of not less than 75 degrees.
(7) Driveways, parking, and circulation patterns shall be designed to pose no substantial danger to
pedestrians or vehicles traveling in abutting streets, and to minimize interference with the free
and convenient flow of traffic in abutting streets, which may include restrictions on vehicles
backing into public streets except for driveways serving single-family residences.
(8) Circulation patterns and traffic control measures shall conform to the general rules of the road.
E. Vehicle parking.
(1) The minimum number of required parking spaces are stated for each land use in Article 3,
except that the required number may be decreased by up to 25% by design and site plan
approval under § 225-8-5 for joint parking facilities and/or based upon technical documentation
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-6 Access, driveways, and parking. through § 225-4-6 Access, driveways, and parking.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-8
furnished by the applicant indicating that actual off-street parking demand for that particular
use is or will be less than the normal minimum number of spaces.
(2) Off-street parking lots shall be limited to the parking of licensed and operable vehicles not for
lease, rent, or sale. Use of parking spaces and their circulation areas for other purposes such as
outdoor dining or snow storage shall be permitted only if (a) sufficient parking spaces remain
available to meet the associated minimum parking requirement in Article 4 and (b) vehicular and
pedestrian movement and safety is not impeded.
(3) No off-street parking lot shall be used for the parking or storage of vehicles whose drivers and
other occupants are not residing in, employed at, or patronizing uses on the premises, except by
conditional use permit.
(4) For each single- or two-family dwelling:
(a) There shall be not more than 3 in-garage parking spaces sized for cars, trucks, and
recreational vehicles of a similar size.
(b) All vehicular parking in the front or street side yard shall be on a hard surfaced driveway.
(5) For nonresidential or multiple-family residential uses:
(a) All required off-street parking shall be on the same lot as the land use served, except where
permitted by design and site plan approval on an adjacent lot in common ownership with a
recorded restriction against independent transfer, within a shared parking lot including
some parking on the same lot where a shared parking easement agreement is recorded, or
otherwise by conditional use permit.
(b) Where a parking lot is designed to have head-in parking within 5 feet of any parcel line or
walkway, parking lot design shall provide a tire bumper or curb of adequate height that is
properly located to ensure that no part of any vehicle will project beyond the parcel line.
(c) Curbing or other adequate barriers around parking lots and circulation drives may be
required as part of an approved site plan to direct stormwater flows, facilitate safe
pedestrian movement, protect landscaped areas, or direct vehicular traffic.
(d) Other than parking required to serve people with disabilities, the minimum required length
of parking spaces shall be 18 feet and minimum required width is 9 feet. All parking spaces
shall have a minimum vertical clearance of at least 7 feet.
(e) Parking for people with disabilities shall be provided at a size, number, location, and with
signage as specified by State and Federal regulations, and shall count towards minimum
parking space requirement in Article 3 for the associated land use.
(f) Where serving 4 or more vehicles, all parking spaces shall be clearly striped, with each stripe
a minimum of 3 inches wide and repainted as necessary for clear visibility, including for all
parking lots constructed prior to [insert effective date of recreated chapter]
(g) A legally binding instrument for each new or expanded shared parking facility serving users
on more than one parcel shall be prepared by the owners, approved by the Village Attorney,
and recorded with the Register of Deeds.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-7 Exterior lighting. through § 225-4-7 Exterior lighting.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-9
(h) Secure off-street bicycle parking shall be provided within 50 feet of the building entrance, or
in another location where bicyclists would naturally transition to pedestrian mode, in
quantity determined by the approval authority under § 225-8-5.
(i) The approval authority under § 225-8-5 may require electric vehicle charging stations.
§ 225-4-7 Exterior lighting.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the spill-over of artificial light spillover and glare on
nearby properties and traffic, and to encourage a dark sky.
B. Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to all exterior lighting and all interior light visible
from the exterior on private and public property, except for:
(1) Public lighting within public rights-of-way.
(2) Lighting on telecommunications facilities and other tall structures where required by law.
(3) Organized events permitted under § 192-11.
C. Depiction on required site plan. All exterior lighting shall be depicted as to its location, orientation,
and configuration on any site plan, if a site plan is required under § 225-9-4. Otherwise, no Village
approval or permit shall be required for lighting that meets the requirements of this section.
D. Orientation of fixture. All exterior lighting shall be shielded, except for fixtures with light output of
2600 lumens or less. No exterior lighting fixture of greater than 2600 lumens output shall be oriented
so that the lighting element (or a transparent shield) is visible from a property located within a
residential zoning district other than from the property on which the fixture is located. See Figure
225.4.2.
E. Intensity of illumination.
(1) In no instance shall the amount of illumination attributable to applicable exterior lighting, as
measured at any parcel line, exceed 1.0 footcandle.
(2) The maximum average on-site lighting shall be 3.0 footcandles within or adjacent to a residential
zoning district and 6.0 footcandles in all other locations.
(3) Flashing, flickering, moving (such as search spot or search lights), and/or other lighting that may
distract motorists is prohibited.
Figure 225.4.2: Illustration of Required Pole Lighting Orientation and Height
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-8 Noise. through § 225-4-8 Noise.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-10
F. Fixture heights. The maximum fixture height shall be per Figure 225.4.2, whether pole or building
mounted. The height of foundation, pole, and fixture housing shall be included in the measurement.
G. Allowances.
(1) All lighting fixtures existing prior to [insert effective date of recreated chapter] shall be
considered legal nonconforming structures subject to the requirements in § 225-7-2.
(2) The Village may enable new and replacement lighting that does not conform to the
requirements of this section using the design and site plan approval process in § 225-8-5,
provided that the proposed lighting is consistent with the purpose of this section and chapter.
§ 225-4-8 Noise.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the creation of noise that adversely affects
adjoining properties to prevent the creation of nuisances, support enjoyment of property, and to
promote public welfare.
B. Applicability. The standards in this section apply to all uses and activities that create detectable noise,
including all n oises in effect as of or before [insert effective date of recreated chapter ], except as
follows:
(1) As required for snow and ice removal.
(2) Vehicular traffic in public roadways, private driveways, or parking lots, except see § 216-6.
(3) For organized events permitted under § 192-11, except as limited under any such permit.
(4) Within the CIR zoning district, any activity between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. or at any time as required
for general property maintenance such as mowing.
C. Measurement. Sound levels described in this section shall be measured, at minimum, by a Type 2
sound meter that meets ANSI standard S1.4.
D. Standards.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-4-8 Noise. through § 225-4-8 Noise.
Article 4 General Design and Performance Standards 9-11
(1) The sound-pressure level of noise radiated shall not continuously exceed, at a neighboring
principal building used for residential purposes, 60 decibels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and 70
decibels above the ambient noise level at other hours.
(2) If the noise is instead intermittent, such as for most construction activities, the maximum
permitted noise levels in subsection (1) may be increased by 5 decibels between 10 p.m. and 7
a.m. and 10 decibels at other hours. Intermittent noises shall be measured over multiple
occurrences to calculate an average.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-5-1 Article purpose and goals. through § 225-5-2 Sign type descriptions and measurement.
Article 5 Sign Regulations 10-1
Article 5 Sign Regulations
§ 225-5-1 Article purpose and goals.
A. The purpose of this article is to establish standards for signage based on the finding that such
standards further compelling governmental interests, while still being narrowly defined so as to limit
prohibitions on speech on exterior signage in accordance with federal law.
B. The regulations within this article shall be understood and interpreted with reference to the
following goals:
(1) Promote the public welfare, health, and safety of all motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and
nearby residents and occupants.
(2) Aid in the reasonable development and promotion of business.
(3) Ensure effectiveness and flexibility in the design and creativity of signage without creating
detriment to the general public.
(4) Recognize that different zoning districts, land uses, and activities have different characteristics,
and that sign regulations should vary based in part on those differences.
(5) Promote signage that is compatible with its surroundings, both existing and planned.
(6) Assure that signage is not a dominant visual element of the building or site to which it relates,
but instead is integrated with and ancillary to the building and site.
(7) Implement the community vision, goals and objectives, and aesthetic and signage
recommendations in this chapter and the Comprehensive Plan.
C. Each sign lawfully existing as of [insert effective date of recreated chapter] but not meeting one or
more requirements of this article and chapter shall be deemed a nonconforming structure, and the
applicable provisions of § 225-7-2 shall apply.
D. Sign permit applicability and procedures are per Figure 225.5.1 and § 225-8-11.
§ 225-5-2 Sign type descriptions and measurement.
A. Definitions. In addition to the general definition of a sign in § 225-9-3, the following are definitions
of the different purposes, types, and
configurations of signs regulated under this
article:
(1) Abandoned sign. A sign that is no longer
being used in connection with an ongoing
business or other activity on the premises,
a sign that is no longer being used because
the business is discontinued, and/or a sign
that has not been maintained in a manner
that renders it legible.
(2) Arm/post sign. A type of small-scale
freestanding sign mounted on a post or
posts, either with a bracket extending
Example of arm/post sign
Example of arm/post sign
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-5-2 Sign type descriptions and measurement. through § 225-5-2 Sign type descriptions and measurement.
Article 5 Sign Regulations 10-2
outward to support a hanging sign, with the sign attached directly to the side of the post, or
with the sign mounted between two posts.
(3) Auxiliary sign. A sign that provides special information such as price, hours of operation, parking
rules, or warnings. Examples of such signs include parking lot entrance signs, parking lot rules
signs, “no trespassing” signs, menu boards, drive-through ordering stations, and signs that list
fuel prices of gasoline and/or are mounted to (but not above) fuel canopies.
(4) Awning or canopy sign. A sign that is
directly affixed via sewing, painting, or
similar method to an awning or canopy
which is legally mounted to the facade of a
building.
(5) Community information sign. A type of a
permanent, seasonal, or limited-time event
sign, located either on-premise or off-
premise, which displays information of
interest to the general public not directly
tied to a private use or activity; serves as an
identification, entrance, or wayfinding sign
for the Village; or is located on public lands
and advertises sponsors of public events, activities, or facilities thereon.
(6) Feather banner. A sign made of a flexible fabric panel or panels designed to catch and often
flutter in the wind and generally mounted with a pole in the ground. Also known as a feather
flag or flutter flag.
(7) Flashing sign. A directly or indirectly illuminated sign on which artificial light is not maintained
stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.
(8) Freestanding sign. A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles, standards,
or any other type of base on the ground. Freestanding signs include arm/post signs, monument
signs, and pylon signs.
(9) Individual business sign. A sign assigned to a single nonresidential use operating on a site, not
including any nameplate and identification, auxiliary, community information, limited-time
event, political message, regulatory, required, historic, sandwich board/pedestal, or unified
business center sign, as otherwise defined in this section or in § 12.04, Wis. Stats..
(10)Limited-time event sign. A sign intended to be displayed for a certain limited period of time as
specified in this article. Included are retailers’ signs temporarily displayed for the purpose of
informing the public of a “sale” or special offer, garage sale signs, open house signs,
construction signs, real estate signs, signs greater than 11 square feet each with a political
message as defined in Wis. Stats. § 12.04, and personal greeting or congratulatory signs. If a sign
display area is permanent but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign
shall not be considered a limited-time event sign. Also does not include any sandwich
board/pedestal signs.
(11)Marquee sign. A type of sign that is an on-building sign sheltering the entrance and/or entrance
approaches of a theater or other use, includes changeable letters or messages.
Example of awning sign
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-5-2 Sign type descriptions and measurement. through § 225-5-2 Sign type descriptions and measurement.
Article 5 Sign Regulations 10-3
(12)Mobile sign. A sign mounted on a frame or chassis designed to be easily relocated, including
vehicles and/or trailers which have a principal commercial use for signage and portable message
board signs. Does not include any sandwich board/pedestal signs.
(13)Monument sign. A type of freestanding sign with a bottom edge located within one foot of a
ground-mounted pedestal or the ground surface.
(14)Nameplate and identification sign. An
accessory sign containing only the
address or other basic identifying
information of the premises on which
it is located, but not including any
individual business sign as defined
above.
(15)Off-premise advertising sign. A sign
that directs attention to a business,
commodity, service, or entertainment
conducted, sold, or offered on a
premise other than the site where
the sign is displayed. Off-premise
advertising signs include off-premise
“billboards”, but do not include community information signs, sandwich board signs, or unified
business center signs described elsewhere in this section.
(16)On-building sign. A type of sign permanently affixed to an outside wall of a building. On-building
signs include awning and canopy signs, marquee signs, projecting signs, and wall signs, but not
window signs.
(17)On-premise sign. A sign that directs attention to an activity, business, commodity, service, or
entertainment conducted, sold, offered, or manufactured on the site where the sign is located.
(18)Pennant. A sign made of fabric, plastic, or similar material, which may or may not contain
distinctive colors, patterns or symbols of a corporation or business, often in series, and usually
mounted without a frame and hung from poles and structures to allow movement by air. Such
attention-getting displays not
specifically defined as a flag or banner
are considered pennants.
(19)Projecting sign. A type of on-building
sign which is attached directly to a
building wall, projects greater than 18
inches from the building wall, and is
typically mounted perpendicular to the
building wall.
(20)Pylon sign. A type of freestanding sign
erected upon one or more pylons,
poles, or posts, of a scale that is larger
than an arm/post sign.
Example of monument sign
Examples of projecting signs
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-5-2 Sign type descriptions and measurement. through § 225-5-2 Sign type descriptions and measurement.
Article 5 Sign Regulations 10-4
(21)Regulatory, required, or historic sign. A sign used to indicate or
reinforce traffic and other regulations, including stop, yield,
speed limit, “do not enter”, handicapped parking, and one-way
signs, plus any other sign required by government rule or
designation except for any fuel price sign, not subject to
regulation under this article.
(22)Sandwich board/pedestal sign. A non-illuminated, movable sign
placed by hand outside the building while the business is open
and designed to be durable and self-supporting in all weather
conditions. Does not include mobile or limited-time event signs
as described above.
(23)Unified business center sign. A sign displaying the collective
name of a group of uses within a unified business center as
defined in § 225.9.3 and/or the names and/or logos of the
individual occupants of a unified business center.
(24)Wall sign. A type of on-building sign mounted parallel to and
directly on a building façade or other vertical building surface,
projecting not more than 18 inches beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which they
are mounted, generally mounted flush to the wall, and extending no higher than the highest
point of the roof in portion of the building where the sign is mounted.
(25)Window sign. A type of sign mounted on
or within an exterior window; confined
within the transparent glazed area of the
window; not encroaching upon the frame,
mullions, or other supporting features of
the glass; and visible from the exterior
with a primary intent to advertise a
business conducted or product available
within the premises. All permanent
window signs that have their lettering or
graphic elements directly on the glazing
shall be painted, metal leafed, vinyl
transferred, or in some other manner
permanently applied to the window.
(26)Variable message sign (VMS). An
electronic or digital sign which displays words, lines, logos, graphic images, or symbols that can
change automatically or by computer program change to provide different information, and
which includes computer signs, LED and other video display signs, and time and temperature
signs.
B. Sign measurement.
(1) Sign height. See definition of “height” in § 225.9.3.
(2) Sign area. Sign area shall be measured in the following manner:
Example of sandwich board sign
Examples of wall and window signs
Examples of wall and window signs
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-5-3 Sign prohibitions and limitations. through § 225-5-3 Sign prohibitions and limitations.
Article 5 Sign Regulations 10-5
(a) Where a freestanding sign has two or more display faces, the total area of all of the display
faces shall be considered the sign area.
(b) In the case of a sign placed within a frame, a marquee sign, or other structure, sign area
consists of the entire surface area of the sign on which copy could be placed. The supporting
structure or bracing of a sign, including the supports of monument signs not used for copy ,
shall not be counted as a part of the sign area unless such structure or bracing is made a part
of the sign’s message.
(c) In the case of a sign on which the message is fabricated together with the background which
borders or frames that message, sign area shall be the total area of the entire background.
(d) In the case of a sign on which message is applied to a background which provides no border or
frame, such as individual letters to a building face or awning, sign area shall be the area of the
smallest rectangle which can encompass the entire sign message.
(3) Signable wall. A signable wall is defined as a front exterior wall, a street-side exterior wall, or an
interior side or rear exterior wall with a customer entrance to the business's building space and
facing a customer parking lot. No individual wall shall count as more than one signable wall for
purposes of determining the allowable number and area of on-building signs in nonresidential
zoning districts.
(4) Setback. Sign setback shall be the shortest distance between the vertical plane extending from
the property line (or other specified basis for the setback point) to the nearest element of the
sign, whether said sign element is attached to the ground or suspended above the ground.
(5) Clearance. The distance between the bottom of a sign and the surface directly beneath the sign.
§ 225-5-3 Sign prohibitions and limitations.
A. Prohibited signs. The following types of signs and sign configurations shall be prohibited within the
Village, except as provided herein:
(1) Any sign where, by reason of its position, shape, color, or design, interferes with, obstructs the
view of, or may be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device, or making use of
words such as “stop”, “look”, “drive-in”, “danger”, or any other word, phrase, symbol, or
character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse street users.
(2) Any sign that prevents free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, or
attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(3) Any sign impeding traffic or pedestrian visibility or mobility in the determination of the Zoning
Administrator.
(4) Any sign attached to or painted on any public utility or light pole or traffic regulatory structure,
natural feature (e.g., tree or rock), or fence or wall, except where such feature was deliberately
placed and designed for private signage in the determination of the Zoning Administrator.
(5) Any sign, other than a regulatory or government erected sign, within or extending into a public
right-of-way, except where otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator and Public Works
Director based on the relationship to pedestrian and vehicular traffic movement and safety and
utility use and operations within the right-of-way.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-5-4 Signs in residential zoning districts. through § 225-5-4 Signs in residential zoning districts.
Article 5 Sign Regulations 10-6
(6) Any sign designed or positioned to obscure or unduly compete for attention with any other
permanent sign.
(7) Any mobile, inflatable, flashing, fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise moving
sign, pennants, feather banner, or other moving decorations.
(8) Any variable message sign, marquee sign, or other changeable message sign, except by Building
Board approval for information of general public interest or for a community information sign
under subsection B.
(9) Any sign using high-gloss paints, lacquers, varnishes or other “shiny” or reflective surfaces,
including smooth plastics, mirrors, and related materials except transparent glass.
(10)Any sign using fluorescent, “day glow,” or another similarly intense colors.
(11)Any sign associated with construction, alteration, painting, repair of a building, or grading,
landscaping, or surface alteration of a site, except as limited by § 66.1102(5), Wis. Stats.
(12)Any sign attached to a building designed and/or constructed so that the attachment to such wall
extends above a point of bearing with the roof rafters, except that roofs may be used as sign
installation areas if integral to the architectural design of or existing signage on the building in
the opinion of the Building Board.
(13)Any illuminated sign that faces or can be viewed from property located within a residential
zoning district so as to permit the illumination to be directed to or glare into an area within any
residential zoning district, except as permitted in Figure 225.5.1 for neon and related signs.
(14)Any abandoned sign.
(15)Any off-premise advertising sign, structure supporting such sign, or expansion thereto.
B. Community information signs. Community information signs, as defined in § 225-5-2 A, shall be
subject to the following regulations:
(1) May be located in any zoning district by permission of the land owner, or on public property or
rights-of-way if approved under subsection A(5).
(2) If associated with an organized event permitted under § 192-11, shall be allowed up to 48 hours
before the event and up to 24 hours after the event.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection A, may have changeable copy and/or be a variable message sign,
but shall not have any other characteristics of a prohibited sign under subsection A.
(4) Shall not be counted as adding to the area of signage on the property on which it is placed for
the purposes of regulating sign area.
(5) May be subject to restrictions on lighting, color, duration of placement (e.g., seasonal
limitations) as part of sign permit approval, provided that such restrictions are consistent with
the purposes of this article and chapter.
§ 225-5-4 Signs in residential zoning districts.
In addition to the general signage requirements elsewhere in this article, the following signage
regulations shall apply in each residential zoning district and to single-family residential uses in
nonresidential districts:
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-5-5 Signs in nonresidential and PUD zoning districts. through § 225-5-6 Structural requirements.
Article 5 Sign Regulations 10-7
A. Except where disallowed under § 12.04, Wis. Stats. for political signs less than 11 square feet each:
(1) Each on-building sign shall be affixed flat to the wall on the first floor.
(2) No sign shall be illuminated except for nameplate and identification signs.
B. Permanent signage shall be limited to one nameplate and identification sign or similar, not
exceeding 3 square feet per parcel.
C. Limited-time event signs, as defined in § 225-5-2 A, are allowed subject to the following limitations:
(1) There shall be a maximum of two such signs per parcel at any one time, except for window signs
and political signs of under 11 square feet, which are allowed without quantitative limit per §
12.04, Wis. Stats.
(2) Total area of all such signs at any one time shall not exceed 11 square feet.
(3) May only be an off-premise sign with permission of the other property owner.
(4) Shall not be placed on any parcel for greater than 30 consecutive days or 120 days in any
calendar year, except where associated with an active real estate transaction, active
construction project, or election campaign period as defined in § 12.04, Wis. Stats.
(5) Shall be installed no greater than 48 hours before the event and be removed within 5 hours
from the closing or completion of the event, including substantial completion of construction or
completion of a sale or rental. § 12.04, Wis. Stats. may prescribe different time limits for signs
with a political message.
(6) Shall not be among the prohibited signs in § 225-5-3 A.
§ 225-5-5 Signs in nonresidential and PUD zoning districts.
A. In addition to the general signage requirements elsewhere in this article, the signage regulations in
Figure 225.5.1 shall apply within the CM and CIR zoning districts, except for single-family residential
uses in those districts.
B. In the PUD Planned Development district, permitted sign types, number, area, location, and other
characteristics shall be per an approved specific implementation plan under § 225-8-3 E. No signage
excluded from an approved specific implementation plan shall be located on any site zoned PUD.
§ 225-5-6 Structural requirements.
A. No sign or any part thereof, anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be attached, erected, or maintained
that may cover or obstruct any door, doorway, or window of any building that may hinder or
prevent ingress or egress through such door, doorway, or window, or which may hinder or prevent
the raising or placing of ladders against such building in the event of fire. No sign or any part
thereof, anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be attached, fastened, or anchored to any fire escape, fire
ladder, or standpipe.
B. All signs requiring a sign permit shall be constructed and mounted so as to comply with applicable
Village and State building code, and to withstand winds and ice loading during typical Wisconsin
storm events.
C. All illuminated signs shall comply with the applicable electrical code, bear a UL label, be equipped
with a watertight safety switch located where electric current enters the sign, have all parts covering
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-5-6 Structural requirements. through
Article 5 Sign Regulations 10-8
service openings to the electrical supply securely fastened, be connected to an electric power source
by an electrical contractor (unless the only connection to the electric power source is through a
grounded three-prong heavy-duty plug), and be constructed of noncombustible material throughout
if an electrical circuit is attached to or contained within it. All illuminated freestanding signs shall be
supplied power only by underground wiring or internal batteries.
D. Sign supports and braces shall be an integral part of the sign design or hidden from public view. No
mounting and or supports for signs shall be inserted into the face of masonry building walls.
E. Except for regulatory signs, all freestanding signs shall be designed and constructed with footings for
support of such sign that extend not less than 42 inches below the existing ground level. The base or
support(s) shall be securely anchored to a concrete base or footing, except for signs legally installed
in public rights-of-way. The footing and related supporting structure of each freestanding sign
including bolts, flanges, and brackets shall be concealed by the sign exterior or shall be surrounded
by landscaping.
F. The lowest part of all projecting and awning signs shall be at least 8 feet above the adjacent ground
or hard surface to enable safe pedestrian movement beneath. Projecting signs shall be designed and
constructed such that the attachment to such wall does not extend above a point of bearing with
the roof rafters.
G. All temporary signs shall be anchored or supported in a manner that reasonably prevents the
possibility of the signs becoming hazards to public health and safety, and shall be immediately
restored or removed if damaged.
§ 225-5-7 Sign maintenance and removal.
A. All signs and structures appurtenant thereto shall be maintained in a neat and proper state of
appearance, which shall be the responsibility of the permit holder, or the property owner if no
permit was issued. Proper maintenance shall include the absence of loose materials (including
peeling paint, paper, or other material), the lack of excessive rust, the lack of excessive vibration or
shaking, and the presence of the original structural integrity of the sign, its frame and other
supports, its mounting, and all components thereof.
B. If the Zoning Administrator determines that any sign is defective, dangerous, abandoned, in poor
repair per the maintenance standard in subsection A, or otherwise exists in violation of this article or
chapter, then the Zoning Administrator shall notify the sign permit holder or the owner of the
property on which the sign is located that such violation must be corrected within 10 working days
of receipt of receipt of such notice on penalty of automatic revocation of any sign permit previously
granted and summary removal of the sign by the Village at the expense of the owner of the
property. If the Zoning Administrator causes such notice to be sent and the violation is not corrected
within 10 working days, the Zoning Administrator shall revoke any sign permit for the defective or
dangerous sign and may initiate other enforcement actions under § 225-8-16.
C. Any sign illegally placed in a public right-of-way or public property shall be subject to immediate
removal and confiscation without notice by the Zoning Administrator, and without any payment or
return of the sign to its installer or owner.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
through
Article 5 Sign Regulations 10-9
Figure 225.5.1: Sign Regulations Applicable to All Nonresidential Zoning Districts (C-M, CIR) Except for Single-Family Residential Uses
Allowed Sign
Type and
Configuration
Sign
Permit
Required?
Maximum Sign
Quantity Maximum Sign Area Maximum Sign
Height Other Requirements
On-building
advertising
signs
Yes
1 per signable
wall per
separate
occupancy, but
not more than 2
per unique
business/activity
1 sq. ft. per 1 linear
foot of exterior length
of each signable wall,
up to 48 sq. ft. per
occupant per signable
wall. For multi-tenant
buildings, building
owner is responsible
for assignment of
allowable sign area to
individual tenants.
No higher than 20
feet above
adjacent ground
level. For awning
signs, text and/or
logos shall not
project below or
above the awning
surface and shall
not exceed 25% of
the awning area.
Permitted sign materials include solid wood (not particleboard), medium-density-overlay plywood or marine plywood if edge-banded, composite materials designed to
closely resemble wood, brushed bronze, antique bronze, aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, canvas or related durable fabric, architectural glass, stone, masonry, and
concrete.
Sign design and color combinations shall be compatible with those of the building facade on which the sign is mounted and harmonious within the sign. There shall be
not more than four different colors per sign.
Sign illumination shall be limited to direct illumination from a shielded exterior light source, internal illumination of letters or logos only, backlit individual opaque letters
or logos creating a halo effect, and neon or other visible light-emanating gas tube systems. Other internally illuminated on-building signs are not permitted, including
backlit plastic sign panels and illuminated awnings (with or without messages). No lighting element shall be visible from any public road or residentially zoned property,
excluding neon or other visible light-emanating gas tube systems. All neon or other visible light-emanating gas tube systems shall comply with § 225-5-7, be static in
intensity and color, emit illumination not brighter than 0.5 footcandle above ambient lighting conditions 10 feet in front of the sign, conceal all electrical elements, not
be illuminated from 1:00 a.m. until dawn. and not be both visible and within 200 feet from any residentially zoned property.
Graphic elements and letters shall be held to the minimum needed to convey each sign’s message and shall be composed in proportion to the sign area. Sign message
length, complexity, and letter sizes shall provide clarity with consideration to the viewer's position and travel speed.
Monument or
arm/post
advertising
signs (no pylon
signs)
Yes
1 per parcel or
unified business
center,
whichever is less
72 sq. ft. per side, with
no more than 2 sides
per sign. For multi-
tenant buildings,
owner is responsible
for assignment of
allowable sign area.
12 feet
Permitted sign materials are the same as for on-building signs, except for no canvas or related durable fabric or architectural glass.
Sign illumination shall be limited to direct illumination from a shielded exterior light source, backlit individual opaque letters creating a halo effect, or
internal illumination of the sign message only. Internally illuminated plastic panel signs are not permitted.
Sign design and color combinations requirement and graphic elements and letter requirements are the same as for on-building signs.
Sign base shall be constructed of or surfaced with materials similar in type (veneers OK) and color to those used on the newest associated principal
building, and shall be not less than 1 foot narrower than the width of the sign mounted upon it.
Sandwich
Board/Pedestal
Signs
No 1 per unique
business/activity
12 sq. ft. 5 feet Only placed outdoors when associated business is open to customers; not illuminated, having more than two sides, placed off-premise (except where
allowed by the Public Works Director), or designed to resemble a public regulatory sign (such as a stop sign).
Window signs No No limit 25% of each window area N/A Area regulation applies to all permanent and temporary signs in the window.
Nameplate and
Identification
Signs
No 1 per business 4 sq. ft. each 5 feet, if
freestanding Where a freestanding sign, shall be set back at least 2 feet from all front and street side lot lines and 5 feet from other parcel lines.
If an on-building sign (not window sign), shall meet the design requirements for on-building advertising signs above. If a freestanding sign, shall meet the
design requirements for monument or arm/post advertising signs above. Auxiliary Signs Yes
May be limited
by approved site
plan
4 sq. ft. each, with
combined area of all
not exceeding 24 sf
5 ft if freestanding,
except on private
light pole
Limited-Time
Event Signs No
1 per business/
activity and 2 per
lot or unified
business center;
≤2 per business/
activity per
calendar year.
32 square feet, with
narrowest dimension
not less than 2 feet.
5 feet, if
freestanding
Where a freestanding sign, shall be set back at least 2 feet from all front and street side lot lines and 5 feet from other parcel lines.
Shall not be placed on any lot for greater than 30 consecutive days or 120 days in any calendar year, except where associated with a real estate transaction, construction
project, or election campaign period as defined in Wis. Stats. § 12.04.
Shall be installed no greater than 48 hours before event and must be removed within 5 hours from closing or completion of the event, including substantial completion
of construction or completion of a sale or rental. Wis. Stats. § 12.04 may prescribe different time limits for signs with a political message.
If associated with a building permit, shall be erected only after a building permit has been issued, the homeowner's approval has been received, and the project
authorized by the building permit has commenced.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-6-1 Article purpose and authority. through § 225-6-2 Limitations and exemptions.
Article 6 Land Division and Consolidation 8-1
Article 6 Land Division and Consolidation
§ 225-6-1 Article purpose and authority.
A. The purpose of this article is to establish substantive standards for the division, modification, and
consolidation of lots and parcels. Procedural requirements are listed under § 225-8-10. This article is
a local subdivision regulation under § 236.45, Wis. Stats.
B. The regulations within this article shall be understood and interpreted with reference to the
following objectives:
(1) Preserve the existing residential and open space character of the Village.
(2) Ensure compatibility with parcels that contain neighboring principal buildings.
(3) Assure adequate access to public streets and to other public services.
(4) Ensure that land is divided and reconfigured in a technically correct manner.
§ 225-6-2 Limitations and exemptions.
A. All land divisions shall be accomplished by Certified Survey Map under the limitations in § 236.34,
Wis. Stats. This article shall not apply to condominium developments under Chapter 703, Wis. Stats.,
except to the extent that a legal land division is included.
B. No new building, or building expansion, may cross an existing lot as defined in § 225-9-3, or result in
a side yard less than the minimum setback from any side lot line of a lot, without the affected lots
first being legally combined pursuant to this article and § 225-8-10.
C. Unless the land owner elects to prepare a Certified Survey Map, the provisions of this article shall
not apply to:
(1) Transfers of interests in land by will or pursuant to court orders.
(2) Leases for a term not to exceed 10 years, mortgages, or easements.
(3) Combinations of two or more lots or parcels into fewer lots, or sale or exchange of land
between owners of adjoining property, provided that an accurate Plat of Survey showing the
combination or land to be transferred has been submitted to the Zoning Administrator,
including a signature certificate, and indicating the location for monuments placed at all new lot
corners, and the Zoning Administrator approves such Plat of Survey, upon a finding that:
(a) Additional lots or parcels are not created.
(b) No dimension is reduced below the minimum required under Figure 225.2.2, or no further
below if the requirement is not currently met.
(c) Such land combination or exchange is not contrary to § 225-7-3 C (if zoned R-B) or any prior
Village approval affecting the land.
(d) The submitter of the Plat of Survey provides reasonable assurance that the Plat of Survey will
be recorded with the appropriate County office, and provides the Zoning Administrator a
recorded copy prior to issuance of any associated building permit.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-6-3 Procedure. through § 225-6-4 Design requirements.
Article 6 Land Division and Consolidation 8-2
§ 225-6-3 Procedure.
Aside from that allowed under § 225- 6-2 C (3), the lot division, reconfiguration, and consolidation review
procedure is as specified in § 225-8-10.
§ 225-6-4 Design requirements.
A. No land shall be divided in a manner that would create any lot intended for development that is
unsuitable for development (or further development) for reason of flooding; adverse soil or rock
formations, composition, or conditions; or negative impact on wetlands and waterways.
B. The area of each new divided lot shall be within 25% of the median area of existing lots with
neighboring principal buildings, regardless of whether the new lot would otherwise meet the
applicable minimum lot area requirement in Figure 225.2.2.
C. Where two or more existing lots in the R-B district are proposed to be consolidated such that the
consolidated lot has a width of greater than 100 feet, all new buildings and expansions to existing
buildings shall comply with setbacks applicable to the R-A district in Figure 225.2.2.
D. Side lot lines shall be at or near right angles to straight street lines or radial to curved street lines on
which the lot fronts.
E. Every new or reconfigured lot shall front or abut a public street to which it may legally take access.
F. No new flag lot as defined in § 225-9-3 is permitted, except where pre-existing development
patterns necessitate use of a flag lot.
G. Actual setbacks shall not be reduced below the minimums required under Figure 225.2.2, or any
further below such minimum. In other words, no new nonconforming structures or greater
nonconformities may be created by any land division, lot line adjustment, or consolidation.
H. The land division, reconfiguration, or consolidation shall be configured such that existing and
prospective driveways meet all requirements of § 225-4-6.
I. Where present, lot lines shall generally follow any defined drainageway unless the owner(s) commit
to realigning the drainageway in a manner that meets applicable requirements of § 225-4-3 A and B.
J. The Director of Public Works or Village Engineer may require easements where necessary for
electric power and communication wires and conduits; storm and sanitary sewers; and gas, water,
and other utility lines; and/or stormwater drainage and management.
K. The proposed lots shall not present any unreasonable impediment to the provision of municipal
services in the opinion of the Public Works Director.
L. The land divider shall cause gas, electrical power, and telecommunications facilities to be installed in
such a manner as to provide adequate service to each lot. No new utilities shall be located overhead
on any lot, and any existing overhead utilities on the lot(s) shall be buried except where exempted
under § 225-8-5 G (2).
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-7-1 Article purpose and definitions. through § 225-7-2 Legal nonconforming uses and structures.
Article 7 Legal Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots 8-3
Article 7 Legal Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
§ 225-7-1 Article purpose and definitions.
The purpose of this article is to establish requirements for nonconforming conditions legally established
prior to [insert effective date of recreated chapter] or subsequent amendments thereto. All such terms
are as defined in § 225-9-3.
§ 225-7-2 Legal nonconforming uses and structures.
A. Continuance.
(1) Any nonconforming use lawfully existing upon [insert effective date of recreated chapter], or upon
any subsequent amendment to this chapter, or any structure containing a nonconforming use, may
be continued at the size and in a manner of operation existing upon such date, subject to
allowances and exceptions in this section.
(2) Any nonconforming structure lawfully existing upon [insert effective date of recreated chapter], or
upon any subsequent amendment to this chapter, may be continued at the size and in a manner of
operation existing upon such date, subject to allowances and exceptions in this section.
B. Modification and Expansion.
(1) No nonconforming use, or structure containing a nonconforming use, shall be expanded,
enlarged, extended, remodeled, reconstructed, moved, or otherwise modified unless the use is
first changed to a permitted or conditional use in the applicable zoning district, or otherwise
qualifies under subsection (3).
(2) A nonconforming structure may only be expanded, extended, enlarged, or moved in a manner
where such expansion, extension, enlargement, or movement complies with the dimensional
and other requirements of this chapter, including but not limited to those in Figure 225-2-2.
(3) A nonconforming structure may otherwise be repaired, rebuilt, renovated, remodeled, and
maintained pursuant to § 62.23(7)(hb), Wis. Stats. Ordinary maintenance and repair of a
nonconforming use, structure containing a nonconforming use, or nonconforming structure is
permitted, which shall otherwise include:
(a) Necessary repairs and incidental, non-structural alterations that do not exacerbate the adverse
impacts of the nonconforming use in relation to the purpose of this chapter.
(b) Replacement of, or substitution for, machinery or equipment not involving structural
alterations to associated structure; painting, decorating, paneling, the addition of acoustical
ceilings; installation or replacement of heating, electricity , plumbing (including fixtures), and
insulation systems; replacement of doors, windows, and other non-structural components;
and construction or replacement of a conforming detached accessory building.
(4) Whenever a nonconforming use, structure containing a nonconforming use, or nonconforming
structure is damaged or destroyed, the use and structure may be restored to the size, location,
and use that it had immediately before the damage or destruction occurred, or larger if
necessary for the structure to comply with applicable state or federal requirements, if the
following apply:
(a) The use or structure was damaged or destroyed on or after March 2, 2006.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-7-3 Legal nonconforming/substandard lots. through § 225-7-3 Legal nonconforming/substandard lots.
Article 7 Legal Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots 8-4
(b) The damage or destruction was caused by violent wind, vandalism, fire, flood, ice, snow, mold,
or infestation.
C. Discontinuance. When any nonconforming use is discontinued for a period of 12 consecutive
months, or is changed into a conforming use, any future use of the associated structure or land shall
conform with the provisions of this chapter.
A. Nonconforming signs.
(1) Each nonconforming sign may be maintained, which includes maintaining the existing
appearance of the sign; replacing the supporting structure with identical materials; or changing
the sign message without increasing or reconfiguring sign area.
(2) No nonconforming sign or supporting structure shall be altered, extended, enlarged, converted,
or moved to a new location without being brought into compliance with the requirements of
this chapter, and obtaining a sign permit if required under Figure 225.6.1 and § 225-8-11.
B. Nothing in this section shall preclude the Zoning Administrator from initiating remedial or
enforcement actions under § 225-8-16 when a nonconforming use, structure containing a
nonconforming use, or nonconforming structure is declared unsafe or presents a danger to the
public health, safety, or welfare.
§ 225-7-3 Legal nonconforming/substandard lots.
A. Building allowance on substandard lots. A legal lot of record as defined in § 225-9-3, existing on
[insert effective date of recreated chapter], but not meeting the minimum lot area and/or width
requirements of the associated zoning district per Figure 225.2.2, may be utilized as a building site
for a permitted use (but not for a conditional use) in the associated zoning district, if all of the
following apply to such lot:
(1) Has never been developed with a principal building (including an attached garage) placed partly
on an adjacent lot, whether or not such lot is or has been in common ownership.
(2) Has never been legally combined with another legal lot by recorded document with the Register
of Deeds. Consolidation of lots for parcel identification and taxing purposes alone is not
considered a legal combination, but is instead defined as a parcel in § 225-9-3.
(3) Is developed to comply with this chapter and other applicable chapters of the Code, including
but not limited to all setback and floor area percentage requirements of Figure 225.2.2.
B. New lots to meet standards. On or after [insert effective date of recreated chapter], no lot shall be
created or altered so as not to meet the dimensional requirements in Figure 225.2.2, or so as to be
less conforming with any such requirement if already a nonconforming lot.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-1 Purpose. through § 225-8-2 Amendments to Zoning Map or other zoning
regulations.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-5
Article 8 Procedures and Administration
§ 225-8-1 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to establish the administrative and enforcement framework for application
of this chapter, including all land development approval processes.
§ 225-8-2 Amendments to Zoning Map or other zoning regulations.
A. Initiation. An amendment to the Zoning Map (“rezoning”) or to the written zoning regulations of this
chapter (“text amendment”) may be initiated by the Village Board, Plan Commission, Zoning
Administrator, or any member of the general public who resides in or owns land or a business in the
Village, except as may be limited by § 225-8-3 A for any rezoning to PUD.
B. Application requirements. No application for amendment to the Zoning Map or written zoning
regulations shall be placed on an agenda as an item to be acted upon until the Zoning Administrator
has certified acceptance of a complete application. Prior to publication of the required notice of
public hearing, the applicant shall provide the Zoning Administrator with a digital copy plus a
sufficient number of hard copies of the complete application as determined by the Zoning
Administrator. A complete application shall be comprised of all of the following:
(1) A completed application form furnished by the Zoning Administrator, except that no Village
body, staff, or official shall be required to complete an application form.
(2) For requested Zoning Map amendments:
(a) A map with a graphic scale and a north arrow showing the entire subject property included
in the proposed map amendment including lot boundaries and dimensions of the subject
property, and all other lands within 300 feet of the boundaries of the subject property.
(b) Unless provided by the Zoning Administrator or Village Clerk, names and addresses of the
owners of all property within 300 feet of the subject property as they appear on the current
tax records.
(3) For requested zoning text amendments, the section(s) of this chapter proposed to be amended,
the desired outcome of the proposed amendment, and the proposed revised language to the
extent practical or requested by the Zoning Administrator.
(4) Written justification for the proposed amendment, consisting of the reasons why the applicant
believes the proposed amendment is consistent with the applicable review criteria in subsection
G.
(5) The required application fee and commitment to reimburse the Village for any consultant
services it may utilize in the review of the application, except where the application is filed by
the Village Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Administrator.
C. Notice of public hearing. Following acceptance of a complete application, the Village Clerk shall
schedule a public hearing before the Plan Commission. Notice of the time, place, and purpose of
such hearing shall be given by publication as a Class 2 Notice in conformance with the requirements
of § 62.23 (7)(d), Wis. Stats. The Village Clerk shall also send said notice to the applicant and, for
Zoning Map amendments, all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property and the clerk
of any municipality whose boundaries are within 1,000 feet of the subject property at least ten days
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-2 Amendments to Zoning Map or other zoning
regulations.
through § 225-8-2 Amendments to Zoning Map or other zoning
regulations.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-6
prior to the public hearing. Failure to send said notice or failure to meet the time requirements
herein, provided it is unintentional, shall not invalidate proceedings under this subsection.
D. Public hearing and recommendation. The Plan Commission shall hold a public hearing on each
proposed amendment. Before or at the hearing, the Zoning Administrator or designee shall provide
to the Commission and applicant an evaluation of the proposed amendment, with reference to the
criteria in subsection G. Following the public hearing and consideration of comments provided
therein and from the Zoning Administrator or designee, the Commission shall review the proposed
amendment and provide a recommendation to the Village Board that the application be granted as
requested, modified, or denied, or the Commission may instead provide no recommendation.
E. Action. Following the completion of the step in subsection D., the Village Clerk shall schedule the
proposed amendment for Village Board action. The Village Board shall act to approve by ordinance
or deny the proposed amendment, with any approval as requested or with modifications. Any action
of the Village Board may be appealed directly to the Circuit Court under associated procedures in §
225-49, Wis. Stats. Each denial shall include reasons for such denial against the criteria in subsection
G. No application that has been denied (either wholly or in part) shall be resubmitted for a period of
12 months from the date of said order of denial, except on grounds of new evidence or proof of
change of factors found valid by the Plan Commission.
F. Required vote. Action to approve or reject each proposed amendment shall be by majority vote of
members of the Village Board voting on the proposed amendment, except as follows:
(1) Protest. In the event of a protest against a proposed amendment to the Zoning Map, duly signed
and acknowledged by the owners of 20% or more either of the areas of the land included in
such proposed change or by the owners of 20% or more of the land immediately adjacent
extending 100 feet therefrom, or by the owners of 20% or more of the land directly opposite
thereto extending 100 feet from the street frontage of such opposite land, such changes or
amendment shall not become effective except by the favorable vote of 3/4 of the members of
the Village Board voting on the proposed amendment. In the event of protest against
amendment to the text of the regulations of this chapter, duly signed and acknowledged by 20%
of the number of persons casting ballots in the last general election, such amendment shall not
become effective except by the favorable vote of 3/4 vote of the members of the Village Board
voting on the proposed amendment.
(2) Downzoning. If the amendment relates to downzoning, as defined in § 66.10015(1)(as), Wis.
Stats., then approval of that amendment shall require a 2/3 vote of the Village Board, except
that if the down zoning is requested or agreed to by all persons who own the land(s) affected by
the proposed down zoning, the downzoning may be approved by a majority of the Village Board
voting on the proposed amendment.
G. Review criteria. No proposed amendment to the Zoning Map or written zoning regulations shall be
approved unless the Village Board finds that such amendment meets the following criteria:
(3) Is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
(4) Is consistent with the purposes of this chapter and the article(s) and section(s) to which it
relates.
(5) Will maintain or advance compatibility of allowable land uses and zoning districts.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects. through § 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-7
(6) For each proposed amendment to the written zoning regulations, addresses deficiencies or
omissions as compared to the current language of this chapter, such as changes in the land
market, new methods of development or providing infrastructure, changing governmental
finances, or an error or internal inconsistency in this chapter.
(7) For each proposed Zoning Map amendment, accomplishes at least one of the following:
(a) Corrects a technical mapping error.
(b) Addresses an inconsistency between the zoning designation and the existing land use,
provided that such inconsistency was unintended.
(c) Responds to changed factors such as the availability of new data or trends; changed growth
patterns or rates; the presence of new roads, other infrastructure changes, additional
development, or other zoning changes in the vicinity.
(d) If to the PUD zoning district, meets associated criteria in § 225-2-3 E. and § 225-8-X Y.
§ 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects.
A. Applicability. This section establishes the procedural steps for approval of a planned unit
development (PUD) zoning district and development project. As of [insert effective date of
ordinance], there were no approved PUDs in the Village. The steps for obtaining final PUD approval
include a pre-application conference, rezoning/General Development Plan (GDP), and Specific
Implementation Plan (SIP), as described in this section. The purpose and locational limitations for
the PUD district and development form is described in § 225-2-3 E.
B. Initiation. Any person, firm, corporation, or organization having an ownership interest(or a
contractual interest scheduled to become an ownership interest) in the land for which a PUD
approval is sought, or the Village Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Administrator, may file any
PUD application further described in this section.
C. Pre-application conference. Prior to the filing of a rezoning petition and PUD GDP, the prospective
applicant shall attend a pre-application conference with Village staff, arranged through the Zoning
Administrator or designee. A preliminary sketch and a preliminary narrative outline with reference
to subsection D. (1) (b) shall be submitted in advance of the pre-application conference. The Zoning
Administrator may refer the matter for Plan Commission input prior to the submittal of a GDP.
D. General Development Plan (GDP) application requirements and review procedure.
(1) Application requirements. No application for rezoning to PUD or a GDP shall be placed on an
agenda as an item to be acted upon until the pre-application conference step is concluded and
the Zoning Administrator has certified acceptance of a complete application. Prior to publication
of the required notice of public hearing, the applicant shall provide the Zoning Administrator
with a digital copy plus a sufficient number of hard copies of the complete application as
determined by the Zoning Administrator. A complete application shall be comprised of all of the
following:
(a) All of the materials required for a Zoning Map amendment under § 225-8-2 B.
(b) Narrative report including the following information: overview of the request and the
nature of the development; development vision, objectives, themes, and images;
assessment of economic feasibility; expected target markets and demonstration of
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects. through § 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-8
community need; total area, current zoning district designation, and legal description of the
site covered by the GDP; relationship of the development to surrounding land uses and the
purpose of the PUD district and Comprehensive Plan; names and address of all owners,
developers, and professionals include in the application; outline of the organizational
structure proposed for the purpose of providing any necessary private services and/or
maintenance of common areas; preliminary list of land uses proposed to be allowed within
the development as permitted-by-right, conditional, and/or temporary uses; preliminary list
of proposed departures from the standards of development that would otherwise be
applicable under the Village’s standard zoning district(s); preliminary development schedule
indicating the approximate dates when the SIP will be submitted, construction will
commence and be completed included any stages; and development components expected
to be delivered in each stage if applicable.
(c) Maps drawn by an architect, civil engineer, or comparable professional to a recognized
scale; including a graphic scale, date, north area, title, and preparer’s contact information;
and including the following information: location and existing conditions, including the area
within 300 feet of the site, and showing existing land uses and buildings, streets, other
existing improvements, easements, lot lines, and natural features (e.g., mature trees), and
environmentally constrained land; preliminary development plan showing and quantifying
proposed general areas to be retained in open space, recreation, stormwater management,
mature tree preservation, and landscaping, existing and proposed uses, public streets, and
paths; number and type of dwelling units; projected population and employment;
availability of or requirements for new or extended roads and other municipal services;
relationship of the proposed uses and improvements to surrounding properties; and a
staging plan if the development will or may be built in stages.
(d) Schematic architectural plans and/or design principles demonstrating the character of the
proposed buildings, along with a generalized program of proposed signage and lighting.
(e) The required application fee and commitment to reimburse the Village for any consultant
services it may utilize in the review of the application, except where the application is filed
by the Village Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Administrator.
(2) Notice, hearing, recommendation, and action. The procedure for rezoning to a PUD district and
action on a GDP shall be the same as required for any other Zoning Map amendment as set forth
under § 225-8-2, with the following additions and amendments:
(a) Following Plan Commission recommendation and before Village Board action, the Building
Board shall review the application for design and site planning matters under its authority as
prescribed in this chapter, to the extent possible under the level of detail provided with the
GDP.
(b) The Village Board action, and preceding it in order the Plan Commission and Building Board
recommendations, may be to approve the GDP as presented, approve the GDP with
conditions, or reject the GDP.
(3) Recording. Each approved GDP, once any modifications have been made per approval
conditions, shall be recorded by the applicant with the County Register of Deeds’ office.
(4) Effect of GDP approval. Approval of the rezoning and GDP, and GDP recording, shall entitle the
applicant to prepare the Specific Implementation Plan (SIP) in accord with the approved and
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects. through § 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-9
recorded version of the GDP and all conditions of its approval. Such GDP approval shall become
null and void if the SIP has not been submitted within 5 years of the date of Village Board
approval of the GDP. The rezoning to PUD shall take effect only once the events listed in
subsection C(2)(b) have occurred.
E. Specific Implementation Plan (SIP) application requirements and review procedure.
(1) Scope of SIP. The SIP may cover only a portion of the GDP area, except as may have been
restricted by GDP approval.
(2) Application requirements. No application for SIP approval shall be placed on an agenda as an
item to be acted upon until the GDP has been recorded and the Zoning Administrator has
certified acceptance of a complete SIP application. The applicant shall provide the Zoning
Administrator with a digital copy plus sufficient hard copies of the complete application as
determined by the Zoning Administrator. Said complete application shall be comprised of the
following, except where reduced by the Zoning Administrator based on unique circumstances
associated with the development:
(a) Narrative report describing the proposed SIP, including specific project themes and images
(e.g., drawings, photos, renderings), and an evaluation of the proposed SIP in relationship to
the previously approved GDP and conditions of its approval (including an explanation of why
the SIP does not include the full area of the approved GDP, if applicable).
(b) A location map and a legal description of the site covered by the proposed SIP.
(c) A specific list of proposed permitted-by-right, conditional, and temporary land uses within the
SIP area, including reference to allowable uses in standard zoning districts if desired.
(d) A specific list or table including proposed dimensional requirements, including in each of the
categories (rows) in Figure 225.2.2 applicable to standard zoning districts.
(e) A precise description of the type, number, and size of dwelling units; a description of the
type and amount of square feet devoted to nonresidential uses; the estimated population
and number of employees; and projected character and volume of truck and automobile
traffic to be generated by the development.
(f) Specific site data including gross and net land areas, treatments of land proposed for
development and common open space, total number of building sites and/or occupancies,
and total acres or square footage expected to be devoted to each projected land use.
(g) For multi-building SIPs, a detailed development plan map professionally drawn to a
recognized scale showing the precise mix and locations of projected land uses; densities of
use areas and development sites; building setbacks and massing; streets, paths, sidewalks,
main driveways, and parking areas; parks, squares, and other common open spaces; and
street trees and other natural elements.
(h) Whether and to what extent accessory structures and ancillary features often allowed or
anticipated in developments will be allowed within the SIP area, with reference to
applicable articles and sections of this Chapter and determined sufficient by the Zoning
Administrator to enable effective zoning administration over the SIP area in perpetuity.
(i) Site and building plans meeting applicable requirements of § 225-8-5 C. (4)-(7).
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects. through § 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-10
(j) Detailed signage plan and lighting plan, each demonstrating a unified or compatible sign and
lighting theme throughout the SIP area, and with signage plan meeting requirements of §
225-8-11 B.
(k) If applicable, a demolition plan meeting requirements of § 225-8-6 C and depicting any
demolition to occur on the site, and/or an environmental assessment or remediation plan.
(l) If applicable, a Certified Survey Map of the SIP area meeting requirements of § 225-8-10 B.
(m) A development schedule indicating the approximate date when construction of the
development (and each stage if a staged development) is expected to begin, conclude, and
the expected pace of development. If staged, the anticipated pace of development and
types and quantities of development, open space, and amenities in each stage (also include
staging plan map).
(n) Agreements, bylaws, provisions, or covenants that will govern the organizational structure,
use, and maintenance of the development.
(o) The required application fee and commitment to reimburse the Village for any consultant
services it may utilize in the review of the application, except where the application is filed
by the Village Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Administrator.
(3) Action. Following Zoning Administrator determination of a complete application, the Plan
Commission shall approve as presented, approve with modifications and/or conditions, or reject
the SIP, providing the reasons for any rejection. Following any Plan Commission action to
approve as presented or to approve with modifications and/or conditions, the Building Board
shall approve, approve with modifications and/or conditions, or reject the SIP for building and
site design matters under its authority, providing the reasons for any rejection. Both the Plan
Commission and Building Board must approve the SIP for such approval to be effective.
(4) Recording of SIP; rezoning of lands. The applicant shall record the approved SIP, including any
required modifications, with the County Register of Deeds. The rezoning of the SIP area to PUD
shall become effective and the Zoning Administrator shall cause the Zoning Map to reflect the
rezoning once the applicant has provided the Zoning Administrator with a digital copy of the
recorded SIP along with any recorded Certified Survey Map or other document required as part
of the SIP approval.
(5) Lapse of SIP approval. Final SIP approval shall terminate and the SIP shall be deemed null and
void for any undeveloped part of the SIP area if an SIP is granted final Building Board approval
and thereafter 5 years have lapsed without the applicant or owner securing a building permit
within the SIP area for an authorized use, or if the approved SIP includes a staged
implementation program, and 5 years have lapsed between (i) the acceptance of public
infrastructure or initial occupancy of a building in a stage preceding the final stage and (ii)
commencement of construction of the next stage. In the event the land affected by either such
circumstance has been rezoned to the PUD district, the Zoning Administrator shall initiate an
application to rezone the undeveloped land in the PUD area from the PUD district back to the
zoning district over the land before PUD, or the nearest comparable standard zoning district
listed in § 225-2-3.
F. Review criteria.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects. through § 225-8-3 Planned unit development districts and projects.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-11
(1) Before the Village Board approves any GDP, and the Plan Commission approves any SIP, the
respective body shall find that the associated application and development, with conditions as
determined necessary, meet the following criteria:
(a) Consistent with the purpose and applicability of the PUD district in § 225-2-3 E., the
Comprehensive Plan, in the case of an SIP the approved General Development Plan (GDP)
and any required conditions of its approval, and all applicable zoning requirements to the
extent not modified by the approved GDP or SIP.
(b) PUD zoning is not being used to circumvent or diminish high-quality land use and site and
building design or as a substitute for standard zoning district(s) that would enable
implementation of the development plan in a substantially similar form, but instead is being
used where conforming to standard zoning district(s) would be impractical or significantly
compromise the development vision.
(c) Development will be arranged and designed consistent with sound planning and
development principles, compatible with the physical nature of the site, and properly and
compatibly related with nearby land uses and transportation, utility, stormwater
management, and recreational facilities.
(d) Development will not adversely affect the anticipated provision of municipal services, such
as fire and police protection, street maintenance, water, sanitary sewer, storm water
management, and public parks and open spaces.
(e) Development will not create traffic or parking demand incompatible with, or which cannot
be safely accommodated by, the existing or proposed facilities to serve the development.
(f) Development will adequately provide for the permanent preservation, improvement, and
maintenance of common open space.
(g) Development will proceed on a schedule that is reasonable considering its scope and its
proposed stages, with the development remaining viable if not all stages are completed.
(2) Before the Building Board approves any SIP, such Board shall find that all applicable
requirements in § 225-5-2 and 225-5-3 and the criteria in § 225-8-5 F. are met. The scope of
such sections shall define the scope of Building Board review and action on the SIP.
G. Amendments to previously approved PUDs. There were no approved PUDs as of [insert effective
date of ordinance]. If and when one or more PUDs are established in the Village, the procedures for
their minor and major amendments are as follows:
(1) Minor amendments. The Zoning Administrator may authorize a minor amendment to a
previously approved GDP or SIP. A minor amendment is an amendment to an approved GDP
and/or SIP required by engineering, topographic, lot and parcel configuration, or other
circumstances not foreseen at the time such plan(s) was approved, provided that the
amendment does not result in any change in the approved use, character, or vision of the
development; the intent of the Village approval authority in its GDP and/or SIP approval; any
approved dimensional requirement by more than 5%; or any other amendment specifically
listed in the approved GDP and/or SIP as not being a minor amendment.
(2) Major amendments. Each amendment to the GDP not classified as a minor amendment under
subsection (1) shall instead be classified as a major amendment, and must be approved by the
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-4 Conditional use permits. through § 225-8-4 Conditional use permits.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-12
Village Board, following recommendations from the Plan Commission and Building Board, per
the process and submittal requirements in subsection D. Each amendment to the SIP not
classified as a minor amendment under subsection (1) must be approved by the Plan
Commission and Building Board, per the process and submittal requirements in subsection E.
§ 225-8-4 Conditional use permits.
A. Initiation. Any person, firm, corporation, or organization having an ownership interest(or a
contractual interest scheduled to become an ownership interest) in the land for which a conditional
use is sought may file a conditional use permit application, where such use or activity is a
conditional use as listed in Figure 225.2.1 or elsewhere in this chapter.
B. Application requirements. No application for a conditional use permit shall be placed on any agenda
as an item to be acted upon until the Zoning Administrator has certified acceptance of a complete
application. Prior to publication of the required notice of public hearing, the applicant shall provide
the Zoning Administrator with a digital copy plus sufficient hard copies of the complete application
as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Said complete application shall be comprised of all of
the following:
(1) A completed application form furnished by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) A map with a graphic scale and a north arrow showing the entire subject property including lot
and parcel boundaries and dimensions, and all other lands within 300 feet of the boundaries of
the subject property. If the conditional use permit is proposed for only a portion of a lot or
parcel, said map or another map shall clearly indicate the portion of the lot or parcel to which
the conditional use permit would apply.
(3) Unless provided by the Zoning Administrator or Village Clerk, names and addresses of the
owners of all property within 300 feet of the subject property as they appear on the current tax
records.
(4) A written description of the proposed conditional use describing the type, duration, and density
of activities, buildings, and structures proposed for the subject property and their general
locations (indoors and out); expected number and type of employees and patrons; expected
hours of operation; expected traffic volumes including trucking (including vehicle weights/sizes);
any likely noise, odors, or vibrations that may be experienced outside the subject property;
whether any hazardous materials would be kept on site and where; proposed timing and
phasing for the conditional use; and other unique operational characteristics.
(5) If site and/or exterior building alterations are proposed or required, site and building plans,
drawn to scale, with all alterations clearly marked and labeled. If proposed or required
alterations reach the threshold for requiring design and site plan approval under § 225-8-5, then
the applicant shall also or subsequently file a design and site plan approval application for the
project meeting applicable requirements in § 225-8-5.
(6) Written justification for the proposed conditional use permit, consisting of the reasons why the
applicant believes the proposed conditional use permit is consistent with the applicable review
criteria of this section.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-4 Conditional use permits. through § 225-8-4 Conditional use permits.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-13
(7) The required application fee and commitment to reimburse the Village for any consultant
services it may utilize in the review of the application, except where the application is filed by
the Village Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Administrator.
C. Notice of public hearing. Following acceptance of a complete application, the Village Clerk shall
schedule a public hearing before the Plan Commission. Notice of the time, place, and purpose of
such hearing shall be given by publication as a Class 2 Notice in conformance with the requirements
of § 62.23 (7)(d), Wis. Stats. The Village Clerk shall also send said notice to the applicant and all
property owners within 300 feet of the subject property at least ten days prior to the public hearing.
Failure to mail said notice or failure to meet the time requirements herein, provided it is
unintentional, shall not invalidate proceedings under this section.
D. Public hearing and recommendation. The Plan Commission shall hold a public hearing on each
proposed conditional use permit. Before or at the hearing, the Zoning Administrator or designee
shall provide to the Commission and applicant an evaluation of the proposed amendment, with
reference to the criteria in subsection F. Following the public hearing and consideration of
comments provided therein and from the Zoning Administrator or designee, the Commission shall
review the proposed conditional use permit and provide a recommendation to the Village Board
that the application be granted as requested, granted with conditions, or denied, or the Commission
may instead provide no recommendation.
E. Action. Following Plan Commission recommendation, the Village Clerk shall schedule the proposed
conditional use permit for Village Board action. The Village Board shall act to grant or deny the
proposed conditional use permit, with any grant as requested in the application or with conditions.
Such conditions may include a limited duration, transfer limitation, required deed restrictions, or
other restrictions. Each conditional use permit shall be approved by resolution. Each denial shall
include reasons for such denial against the criteria in subsection F. Any action of the Village Board
may be appealed directly to the Circuit Court under associated procedures in § 225-49, Wis. Stats.
No application that has been denied (either wholly or in part) shall be resubmitted for a period of 12
months from the date of said order of denial, except on grounds of new evidence or proof of change
of factors found valid by the Zoning Administrator. The Village Clerk shall provide each approved
conditional use permit to the applicant.
F. Review criteria.
(1) If the applicant meets, or agrees to meet, all of the applicable requirements specified in this
chapter and conditions imposed by the Village Board, the Board shall under § 62.23(7)(de)2.a.,
Wis. Stats. grant the conditional use permit. The Board may require written agreement from the
applicant in a form prescribed by the Village Attorney.
(2) Any decision to grant or deny the permit must be supported by substantial evidence, as that
term is defined in § 62.23(7)(de)1.b., Wis. Stats. Any condition or modification must be related
to the purpose of this chapter, reasonable, measurable to the extent practicable, and based on
substantial evidence.
(3) To the extent consistent with subsections (1) and (2), no conditional use permit shall be granted
unless the Village Board finds that the use authorized thereby meets the following standards:
(a) Proposed use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and this chapter.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-5 Design and site plan review. through § 225-8-5 Design and site plan review.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-14
(b) Proposed use will not result in a substantial or undue adverse impact on neighboring
principal buildings, neighborhood character, the natural environment, or other matters
affecting the public health, safety, or general welfare.
(c) Proposed use maintains compatibility among land uses, land use intensities, and land use
impacts as related to parcels with neighboring principal buildings.
(d) Adequate measures have been or will be taken to minimize traffic congestion and excess
parking in the public streets.
(e) Proposed use will be adequately served by, and will not impose an undue burden on, any
improvements, facilities, utilities, or services provided by public agencies.
(f) Proposed use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement
of the parcels with neighboring principal building as anticipated under the Comprehensive
Plan.
(g) Potential public benefits of the proposed use outweigh its potential adverse impacts.
G. Change of ownership. Unless the Board approved a conditional use permit with a transfer limitation,
all requirements of the approved conditional use permit shall be continued regardless of ownership
or operation of the subject property or use and shall run with the land, except as otherwise limited
by this chapter or by any specific related condition attached to the conditional use permit.
H. Grandfathered conditional uses. A use now regulated as a conditional use that was established or
approved as a legal land use prior to [insert effective date of recreated chapter] shall be considered
as a legal, conforming land use without having to obtain a conditional use permit, so long as any
previously approved conditions of use are followed and the conditional use is not modified pursuant
to subsection I.
I. Modifications. Any modification, alteration, or expansion of any conditional use, whether previously
granted a conditional use permit or grandfathered under subsection H, shall require application and
Village consideration of a new or amended conditional use permit following the procedures outlined
for original granting of a conditional use permit in this section.
J. Revocation.
(1) A conditional use permit shall be automatically revoked if the conditional use authorized
thereunder is not established and maintained within two years following its granting, or if, once
established, any conditional use (including grandfathered conditional uses) has been
discontinued for a period exceeding one year.
(2) Modification, alteration, or expansion of any conditional use in violation of any approved
conditional use permit for such use, without approval by the Village Board, shall be considered a
violation of this chapter and shall be grounds for Board revocation or modification of said
conditional use permit. Any such revocation or modification shall follow the procedures outlined
for original granting of a conditional use permit in this section, including public hearing
notification to the applicant and owner.
§ 225-8-5 Design and site plan review.
A. Applicability. This section shall apply to all development activities that result in construction,
reconstruction, expansion, and exterior remodeling of principal buildings, and of detached accessory
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-5 Design and site plan review. through § 225-8-5 Design and site plan review.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-15
structures where required under § 225-5-3 A, and for new and expanded parking lots for non-
residential and multiple-family residential uses.
B. Initiation. Any person, firm, corporation, or organization having an ownership interest (or a
contractual interest scheduled to become an ownership interest) in the land for which design and
site plan approval is sought may file a design and site plan approval application.
C. Application requirements. No application for design and site plan approval for a described “minor
change” in subsection D shall be acted on by the Zoning Administrator, and no other application
shall be placed on any Building Board agenda as an item to be acted upon, until the Zoning
Administrator has certified acceptance of a complete application. The applicant shall provide the
Zoning Administrator with a digital copy plus sufficient hard copies of the complete application as
determined by the Zoning Administrator. Said complete application shall be comprised of the
following, except where reduced by the Zoning Administrator based on unique circumstances
associated with the development, “minor changes” described in subsection D, or preliminary
consultation described in subsection F:
(1) A completed application form furnished by the Zoning Administrator, which shall include an
estimate of construction value in time and materials.
(2) Contextual site information, including photographs and layout of the current structures on the
site and of all neighboring principal buildings as defined in § 225-9-3.
(3) Existing and proposed lot area, lot dimensions, floor area percentage of all buildings, and other
data necessary to determine compliance with all applicable dimensional requirements in Figure
225.2.2. and § 225-4-2.
(4) Two-dimensional structural elevation drawings, in both black and white and color, of all exterior
sides and roof of the proposed structure or proposed remodeling or expansion of the existing
structure, meeting the following standards:
(a) Drawn to a recognized architectural scale, including a graphic scale bar and north arrow or
elevations clearly labeled by facing direction.
(b) Including a title block that indicates the name, address, and phone/fax number(s) of the
current property owner, developer, and professionals involved in the project.
(c) Indicating the date of the original plan and the latest date of revision to the plan.
(d) Depicting exterior materials, texture, color, and overall appearance of all exterior surfaces,
including mechanical equipment and lighting. Samples of the exterior building materials may
be required for unique materials or textures.
(e) Indicating existing and proposed building height as defined in § 225-9-3.
(f) Clearly showing and labeling existing versus proposed areas and features.
(5) Where the project involves a requested special exception to floor area percentage requirements
in Figure 225-2-2, three-dimensional perspective renderings of the proposed structure from
multiple angles on the ground and air, and in relation to the placement and bulk of neighboring
principal buildings as defined in § 225-9-3.
(6) Overhead site plan map(s), drawn to a recognized scale and including the following information:
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-5 Design and site plan review. through § 225-8-5 Design and site plan review.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-16
(a) A title block that indicates the name, address, and phone/fax number(s) of the current
property owner, developer, and professionals involved in the project.
(b) The date of the original plan and the latest date of revision to the plan.
(c) A north arrow and a graphic scale.
(d) All property lines and existing and proposed right-of-way lines with bearings and dimensions
clearly labeled, which may be combined with other required features necessitate a
professional survey depending on a variety of factors including project complexity and
proximity of features to minimum requirements of this Chapter.
(e) All existing and proposed easement lines and dimensions with a key provided and explained
on the margins of the plan sheet as to ownership and purpose.
(f) All required minimum building setback lines applicable to the zoning district.
(g) All existing and proposed buildings, structures, and hard surfaced areas, including building
entrances, walks, drives, decks, patios, fences, utility poles, drainage facilities, and walls.
(h) The location and dimension of all driveways and access points onto public streets.
(i) Location and dimension of all existing and proposed parking, loading, service, and outdoor
storage areas, including a summary of the number of parking stalls provided versus required
by this chapter.
(j) Delineation and labeling of shoreline, floodplains, wetlands, slopes of 10% or greater, and
mature trees.
(k) Existing and proposed sanitary sewer, water, electrical, and communication pole and line
locations, connections, and relocations.
(l) A grading plan showing existing and proposed grades, including any retaining walls (with
materials indicated), and proposed stormwater management features.
(m) If required under § 115-6 of the Code, an erosion control plan meeting associated
requirements.
(n) If required under § 115-7, a stormwater management plan and calculations meeting
associated requirements.
(o) Proposed exterior signage, if any. If including or associated with an exterior sign requiring a
sign permit under Figure 225.5.1 or § 225-8-11, a sign permit application under § 225-8-11.
(p) An exterior lighting plan complying with the requirements of § 225-4-7, and including
catalog pages or similar for all proposed fixtures, and a photometric plan for nonresidential
and multiple-family residential developments.
(q) For nonresidential and multiple-family residential developments, a landscape plan meeting
the requirements of § 225-4-3 F.
D. Action on minor changes. Except as provided in subsection E, the following defined “minor changes”
shall be subject to Zoning Administrator approval, approval with conditions, or denial with reasons
tied to non-compliance with this Chapter, following verification of a complete submittal and prior to
issuance of a building permit:
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-5 Design and site plan review. through § 225-8-5 Design and site plan review.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-17
(1) Window replacements of similar size and design, not including modifications between single and
divided pane design.
(2) Garage and people door replacements of similar size, with minimal design modifications and
material changes acceptable.
(3) Roof replacements with similar materials, with minimal roof design or structural modifications.
(4) Exterior siding replacements of similar design, with minimal structural modifications but
material changes acceptable.
(5) Patio, deck, and walkway replacements and enlargements of no greater than 100 square feet,
where meeting applicable dimensional requirements in Figure 225-2-2 and with material
changes acceptable.
(6) Driveway replacements of the same size, where meeting applicable dimensional requirements in
Figure 225-2-2 and with material changes acceptable.
(7) Fence and wall replacements of same size, location, and materials as the existing fence, where
meeting applicable dimensional requirements in Figure 225-2-2.
(8) Fence and wall replacements, plus new fences and walls, meeting applicable requirements of
Figure 225-2-2 and § 225-4-4.
(9) Those detached accessory structures including “small exterior communication or energy
systems” that are specified for Zoning Administrator approval under § 225-3-5 A and C.
Any decision of the Zoning Administrator on a proposed “minor change” design and site plan review
application may be appealed to the Board of Appeals per § 225-8-8.
E. Action on other changes and special exceptions.
(1) The Building Board shall take final action on an application for design and site plan approval in
one of the following circumstances:
(a) When the Zoning Administrator determines that any structure or improvement otherwise
classified as a “minor change” in subsection D has has unique circumstances and/or raises
subjective design-related characteristics.
(b) For all design and site plan review applications not classified as a “minor change” in
subsection D.
(c) As prescribed in §§ 225-2-5 C (3) (a) and 225-3-5 A (2).
(2) In one of the circumstances described under subsection (1), and upon Zoning Administrator
verification of a complete design review application, the Village Clerk shall schedule a meeting
of the Building Board to consider the application. Before or at the meeting, the Zoning
Administrator or designee shall provide to the Building Board and applicant an evaluation of the
application, with reference to the criteria in subsection F. The Building Board shall act by motion
to approve or deny the proposed application, as requested or with conditions to meet
applicable requirements of this chapter. Each denial shall include reasons for such denial. Any
decision of the Building Board on a proposed design and site plan review application may be
appealed to the Board of Appeals per § 225-8-8.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-5 Design and site plan review. through § 225-8-5 Design and site plan review.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-18
(3) Prior to Building Board final action on any new principal building, or 50% or greater floor area
expansion of any existing principal building, the Building Board shall conduct a schematic design
review of each such proposed project. Schematic design review is considered a preliminary
review in which the applicant and professional representatives shall present and discuss the
basics of the project with the Building Board before an application meeting all requirements in
subsection C is submitted. Schematic review shall focus on site layout, building massing and
primary façade elevations, architectural theme and materials, and relation to neighboring
principal buildings as defined in § 225-9-3, which shall be the basis of presentation materials or
submittals for the schematic design review stage.
F. Review criteria.
(1) No design and site plan approval shall be granted unless the Zoning Administrator or Building
Board, as applicable, finds that the application, as limited by any enforceable conditions, will
meet all applicable requirements of this chapter, including but not limited to the following:
(a) Dimensional requirements Figure 225.2.2, as may be modified by § 225-2-2.
(b) Any use-specific performance standards related to design within Article 3.
(c) Building design requirements of § 225-4-2.
(d) Site design requirements of § 225-4-3.
(e) Where consisting of or including a sign, applicable requirements of Article 5.
(2) No special exception to normal floor area percentage requirements in Figure 225-2-2 shall be
granted unless the Building Board finds that the exception(s) authorized thereby, as limited by
any enforceable conditions, will meet all of the following criteria:
(a) Will be consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter and this section.
(b) Will otherwise meet all requirements of this chapter, including but not limited to those
building and site design requirements in §§ 225-4-2 and 225-4-3.
(c) Will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan including any applicable guidelines therein.
(d) Will not negatively affect the reasonable use and enjoyment of neighboring principal
buildings.
(e) Will not be hazardous, harmful, or otherwise adverse to the natural environment.
(f) Will not negatively affect the safe and efficient installation, use, and maintenance of public
facilities serving the area, including but not limited to roadways, sidewalks and paths, and
utilities.
(g) Is supported by evidence that the normally applicable floor area percentage requirement
does not reasonably provide for the function of the proposed project.
(h) Benefits from mitigating factors such as nearby public open space, extensive mature tree
cover, generous setbacks, and/or unique topographic features or architectural features or
techniques that reduce apparent building scale.
G. Post-approval actions.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-6 Building demolition or removal. through § 225-8-6 Building demolition or removal.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-19
(1) The Village Clerk shall provide notification of each approved or denied design and site plan
review application to the applicant, including any conditions of approval.
(2) The owner shall cause to be buried all overhead power and communication lines, and removal
of associated poles, on the parcel within 6 months of building permit issuance, and shall prior to
building permit issuance sign a commitment to this effect, except when:
(a) Proposed construction value, including time and materials, is less than $50,000, adjusted
annually beginning January 1, 2026 in an amount equal to the change in the Consumer Price
Index for the Midwest regional in the prior year, and/or.
(b) The private utility company indicates in writing that it will prohibit such action.
H. Effect of denial. No application that has been denied (either wholly or in part) shall be resubmitted
for a period of 12 months from the date of said denial, except on grounds of new evidence or proof
of change of factors found valid by the Zoning Administrator.
I. Modification of an approved design. Changes between development and/or land use activity on the
subject property and the approved design review application is a violation of this chapter. To void
such violation, an approved design shall be revised and approved via the procedures for original
approval above, so as to clearly and completely depict proposed modifications to the previously
approved design, prior to the initiation of said modifications.
J. Sunset clause. The design approval shall expire in cases where all buildings and other improvements
authorized thereunder are not commenced within one year of approval and fully developed within
two years of approval. In such case, no additional site development shall be permitted on
undeveloped portions of the subject property. The Building Board (or Zoning Administrator for
“minor changes”) may extend this period, as requested by the applicant.
§ 225-8-6 Building demolition or removal.
A. Applicability and limitations.
(1) This section applies to:
(a) Every person who provides building demolition or removal services in or to the Village, or
who owns, sells, leases, or lets for hire, uses, designs, installs, repairs, operates, maintains,
or grants possession of any equipment, materials, or apparatus relating to said services in
the Village.
(b) Buildings greater than 200 square feet in area that are proposed for demolition, razing,
and/or destruction, and/or removal from a parcel on which they are constructed.
(2) No building within the Village shall be razed or removed without a demolition permit issued by
the Building Inspector, following approval from the Building Board following the procedure in §
225-8-5 E (2) and satisfaction of the criteria
(3) If the applicant intends to build a new building on the demolition site, no demolition permit will
be issued without application for and issuance of a building permit for the new or replacement
building.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-6 Building demolition or removal. through § 225-8-6 Building demolition or removal.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-20
B. Initiation. Any person, firm, corporation, or organization having an ownership interest(or a
contractual interest scheduled to become an ownership interest) in the land for which building
demolition is sought may file an application for building demolition or removal.
C. Application requirements. No application for demolition permit shall be placed on any agenda as an
item to be acted upon until the Zoning Administrator has certified acceptance of a complete
application. The applicant shall provide the Zoning Administrator with a digital copy plus sufficient
hard copies of the complete application as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Said complete
application shall be comprised of the following:
(1) The name of the person or firm who is applying to demolish the building and their qualifications
for such work.
(2) Present location of the building by address and parcel number.
(3) Site or plot plan prepared by the applicant indicating the exact placement of the building on the
site.
(4) Executed insurance certificate per subsection D below.
(5) The date or timeframe within which the demolition will occur.
(6) Approved method of demolition, and any conditions associated with approved method.
(7) Proposal for the discontinuance of gas, electrical, sanitary sewer, and water services.
(8) The required application fee and commitment to reimburse the Village for any consultant services
it may utilize in the review of the application , except where the application is filed by the Village
Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Administrator.
D. Review criteria. No application for demolition permit shall be granted unless the Building Board
finds that such demolition, as may be limited by any enforceable conditions, will meet all of the
following criteria:
(1) Will be consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter and this section.
(2) Will otherwise meet all requirements of this chapter, including but not limited to applicable
building and site design requirements in §§ 225-4-2 and 225-4-3.
(3) Will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan including any applicable guidelines therein.
(4) Will not negatively affect the reasonable use and enjoyment of neighboring principal buildings.
(5) Will not be hazardous, harmful, or otherwise adverse to the natural environment.
(6) Will not negatively affect the safe and efficient installation, use, and maintenance of public
facilities serving the area, including but not limited to roadways, sidewalks and paths, and
utilities.
(7) Is supported by evidence that the existing building with modifications does not reasonably
provide for the function of the proposed project.
E. Other requirements.
(1) Insurance. A certificate of professional, commercial liability, personal injury, and property
damage insurance for the person or firm demolishing or removing the building shall be required
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-6 Building demolition or removal. through § 225-8-6 Building demolition or removal.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-21
in amounts determined by the Village Attorney and listing the Village as an additional named
insured. Such insurance shall not be cancelled or reduced before the demolition is complete.
(2) Utility discontinuance. At least 30 days prior to the commencement of demolition or removal,
the permittee shall notify in writing all public and private utilities with services to the building of
the proposed demolition, requesting instructions for the discontinuance of such services. As
provided by such instructions or otherwise by law, the permittee shall cause to be discontinued
all such services, remove all meters and regulators, and cap and close any well, prior to the
commencement of building demolition to the extent possible. All sewer and water laterals shall
be located and sealed at a point outside the foundation line, with the plug or seal not covered
until inspected and approved by the Director of Public Works or designee.
(3) Property protection and dust control. The permittee shall install a snow fence, lighted barricade,
or such other barrier around the demolition site, and shall maintain such barrier over the
duration of demolition and until the excavation is filled per subsection E. If the demolition or
removal operation causes excessive dust in the determination of the Building Inspector, the
building and site shall be sufficiently dampened or other dust control measures taken. The
Building Inspector may stop the demolition operation if it becomes apparent that damage
beyond that intended, with reasonable probability, will ensue if the operation is continued.
(4) Accessory structures and other site improvements. The demolition or removal of the principal
building from a parcel shall require the permittee to raze or relocate all accessory structures and
other improvements on that same parcel such as driveways, unless demolition or relocation is
proposed to accommodate a new principal building on the same parcel with construction
commencing within six months of relocation. Should construction of such new principal building
not actually be commenced in such timeframe, upon order of the Building Inspector such
accessory structures and other improvements shall be immediately raised by the permittee or
by the property owner at the time.
F. Site restoration. Within 30 days following building demolition or removal, the permittee shall:
(1) Remove all rubble, rubbish, and other debris from the excavated area and other locations on the
site to a licensed solid waste disposal facility or another site that will allow the deposit of such
materials under all State and Village laws, ordinances, and regulations.
(2) If not completely removed, break up basement floor slab to allow free vertical drainage.
(3) If not completely removed, excavate all basement walls to a point four feet below finish grade.
(4) Verify that all utilities, openings, pipelines, drains, and similar have been properly capped and
otherwise discontinued, and complete any remedial action to complete such discontinuance.
(5) Fill all basements, crawlspaces, and other excavated areas and voids resulting from the building
demolition to within four inches of finished grade. All fill shall be granular material free from
debris and organic material, placed in layers of 12 inches or less, and compacted to not less than
95 percent of Modified Proctor (ASTM D-1557).
(6) Grade the excavation and all other disturbed areas to not greater than a 3:1 slope.
(7) Spread a layer of arable topsoil capable of supporting perennial grasses over the disturbed area
to a minimum depth of four inches, and install silt fence, silt socks, or other measures to ensure
proper erosion control.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-7 Variances. through § 225-8-7 Variances.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-22
(8) Seed the site with a perennial grass capable of survival in climate zone 5a and water and
otherwise maintain until the grass is established.
On the failure of the permittee to perform any of the above actions, the Village may instead perform
said action(s), charging the permittee or property owner for the full cost of such action(s).
G. Inspections. Each permittee shall, within 24 hours after the demolition or removal has been
completed and within 24 hours after seeding the demolition site per subsection E, report such
actions to the Building Inspector. The Inspector shall thereupon inspect the site and direct any
remedial action required to ensure compliance with this section and the permit. The Building
Inspector may inspect the site at any other time to verify compliance.
H. Sunset clause. Each demolition permit shall expire in cases where all buildings and other
improvements required to be removed are in fact removed within 6 months of permit issuance. The
Building Board may extend this period, as requested by the applicant.
§ 225-8-7 Variances.
A. Applicability. The procedure in this section shall apply in cases in which a person applies for a
variance to one or more terms of this chapter, except where an alternative approach to modify such
term(s) is specified in this chapter.
B. Initiation. Any person, firm, corporation, or organization having an ownership interest (or a
contractual interest scheduled to become an ownership interest) in the land for which a variance is
sought may file a variance application.
C. Application requirements. No variance application shall be placed on any agenda as an item to be
acted upon until the Zoning Administrator has certified acceptance of a complete application. The
applicant shall provide the Zoning Administrator with a digital copy plus sufficient hard copies of the
complete application as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Said complete application shall be
comprised of the following, except where reduced by the Zoning Administrator:
(1) A completed application form furnished by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) A map with a graphic scale and a north arrow showing the entire subject property including lot
boundaries and dimensions of the subject property, and all other parcels within 300 feet of the
boundaries of the subject property.
(3) Unless provided by the Zoning Administrator or Village Clerk, names and addresses of the
owners of all property within 300 feet of the subject property as they appear on the current tax
records.
(4) A written description of the proposed variance describing the type of specific requirements of
the variance proposed for the subject property.
(5) All known existing property and building conditions that do not conform with then-current
requirements of this chapter (non-conformities).
(6) A scaled and dimensioned site and/or building plan of the subject property, including existing
conditions (including those requiring a prior variance) and proposed changes.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-7 Variances. through § 225-8-7 Variances.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-23
(7) Written justification for the requested variance consisting of the reasons why the applicant
believes the proposed variance is appropriate, particularly as evidenced by compliance with the
criteria in subsection F below.
(8) The required application fee and commitment to reimburse the Village for any consultant
services it may utilize in the review of the application, except where the application is filed by
the Village Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Administrator.
D. Notice of public hearing. Following acceptance of a complete application, the Village Clerk shall
schedule a public hearing before the Board of Appeals. The Village Clerk shall, not less than one
week before the hearing, post notice of the time, place, and purpose of such hearing and send said
notice to the applicant and all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property. Failure to
post or send said notice or meet the time requirements herein, provided such action is
unintentional, shall not invalidate proceedings under this section.
E. Public hearing and action. The Board of Appeals shall hold a public hearing on each requested
variance. Before or at the hearing, the Zoning Administrator or designee shall provide to said Board
and the applicant an evaluation of the requested variance, with reference to the criteria in
subsection F. Following the public hearing and consideration of comments provided therein and
from the Zoning Administrator or designee, Said Board shall act to grant or deny the proposed
variance, with any approval as it was requested or with conditions. Each variance runs with the land
in question. Each variance shall be approved by motion and transcribed in an order from the Board
or its designee. Each denial shall include reasons for such denial against the criteria in subsection F.
No application that has been denied (either wholly or in part) shall be resubmitted for a period of 12
months from the date of said order of denial, except on grounds of new evidence or proof of change
of factors found valid by the Zoning Administrator. The Village Clerk shall provide each approved
variance order to the applicant.
F. Review criteria. No variance shall be granted unless the Board of Appeals finds that a literal
enforcement of the provisions of this chapter would result in practical difficulty or unnecessary
hardship, so that the spirit of this chapter shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and
substantial justice done. For purposes of this chapter, the terms “practical difficulty” and
“unnecessary hardship” are synonymous. The property owner shall bear the burden of proving
“practical difficulty” and “unnecessary hardship” as follows:
(1) For an area variance, by proving that strict compliance with this chapter would unreasonably
prevent use of the property for a permitted purpose or would render conformity with this
chapter unnecessarily burdensome.
(2) For a use variance, by proving that strict compliance with this chapter would leave the property
owner with no reasonable use of the property in the absence of a variance.
(3) By proving that the practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship is based on conditions unique to
the property, rather than considerations personal to the property owner, and that the
unnecessary hardship was not created by the property owner.
G. Sunset clause. The variance approval shall expire in cases where all buildings and other
improvements authorized thereunder are not commenced within one year of approval and fully
developed within two years of approval. In such case, no additional site development requiring said
variance shall be permitted on the subject property. The Board of Appeals may extend this period,
as requested by the applicant.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-8 Appeals. through § 225-8-8 Appeals.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-24
§ 225-8-8 Appeals.
A. Initiation. Appeals to the Board of Appeals may be taken by any person aggrieved by any order,
requirement, decision, determination, or interpretation of the Zoning Administrator or designee
under this chapter, decision of the Building Board on a proposed design and site plan review
application, or where otherwise this chapter allows an appeal to said Board. Such appeal shall be
taken within 30 days of the order, requirement, decision, determination, or interpretation in
question.
B. Application requirements. No application for appeal shall be placed on any agenda as an item to be
acted upon until the Zoning Administrator has certified acceptance of a complete application. The
applicant shall provide the Zoning Administrator with a digital copy plus sufficient hard copies of the
complete application as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Said complete application shall be
comprised of the following, except where reduced by the Zoning Administrator:
(1) A completed application form furnished by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Written justification for the requested appeal consisting of the reasons why the applicant
believes the proposed appeal is appropriate and the associated action was made in error.
(3) All records at the applicant's disposal related to the action appealed.
(4) The required application fee and commitment to reimburse the Village for any consultant
services it may utilize in the review of the application, except where the application is filed by
the Village Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Administrator..
C. Stay of proceedings. An appeal shall stay all legal proceedings and construction in furtherance of the
action appealed from, unless the Zoning Administrator certifies to the Board of Appeals that by
reason of facts stated in the certificate a stay would, in his or her opinion, cause immediate peril to
life or property. In such cases, proceedings and construction shall not be stayed otherwise than by a
restraining order that may be granted by the Board of Appeals, or by a court of record on
application, on notice to the officer from whom the appeal is taken, and on due cause shown.
D. Notice of public hearing. Following acceptance of a complete application, the Village Clerk shall
schedule a public hearing before the Board of Appeals. The Village Clerk shall, not less than one
week before the hearing, post notice of the time, place, and purpose of such hearing and send said
notice to the applicant and all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property. Failure to
post or send said notice or meet the time requirements herein, provided such action is
unintentional, shall not invalidate proceedings under this section.
E. Public hearing and action. The Village Administrator shall forthwith transmit to the Board of Appeals
all application materials and all papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from
was taken. At the hearing, the applicant may appear in person, by agent, or by attorney. Said Board
shall reach its decision within 30 days after the hearing and thereafter the Village Clerk shall
transmit a written copy of its decision to the applicant.
F. Appealable actions. The scope of review of a decision of Zoning Administrator or any other
administrative officer shall be a de novo review before the Board of Appeals. The scope of the
review of any appeal to a decision of the Building Board shall be limited before the Board of Appeals
to whether:
(1) The Building Board kept within its jurisdiction;
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-9 Interpretations. through § 225-8-9 Interpretations.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-25
(2) The Building Board proceeded on a correct theory of law;
(3) The Building Board's action was arbitrary, oppressive, or unreasonable and represented its will,
not its judgment against applicable provisions of this chapter; and
(4) The evidence was such that the Building Board might have reasonably taken the action in
question.
§ 225-8-9 Interpretations.
A. Applicability. This section assigns responsibility for the official interpretation of the provisions of this
chapter, and describes the required procedure for securing such interpretation, except as may be
otherwise prescribed in this chapter.
B. Initiation. A request for an interpretation may be initiated by the Village Board, Plan Commission,
the Zoning Administrator, or any member of the general public who resides in or owns land or a
business in the Village.
C. Request requirements. Each request for an interpretation shall be comprised of the following:
(1) Indication of the part of the text of this chapter for which the interpretation is requested and
the specific questions the applicant has regarding said text.
(2) If the requested interpretation relates to the application of this chapter to a specific property:
(a) A scaled and dimensioned map or site or building plan for the subject property, which
accurately reflects the current conditions of the property, along with any proposed changes,
with sufficient details relevant to the interpretation.
(b) A written description of the reason for the requested interpretation and how the proposed
interpretation relates to type of activities, buildings, and structures currently located on,
and proposed for, the subject property.
(3) The required application fee and commitment to reimburse the Village for any consultant
services it may utilize in the review of the application, except where the application is filed by the
Village Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Administrator.
D. Action. Upon Zoning Administrator receipt of a complete request, such Administrator shall issue an
interpretation in writing, and shall promptly provide such interpretation to the applicant and keep it
on file.
E. Review criteria. In making each interpretation, the Zoning Administrator shall evaluate each
complete request against the following standards:
(1) Consistent with the purpose of this chapter, other chapters of the Municipal Code, and
Comprehensive Plan.
(2) Shall not reduce protections or increase potential harm to the public.
(3) Provides a just balance between the rights of the applicant and all others who may be affected
by interpretation.
(4) Shall not substitute Administrator’s own judgments for the legislative acts of the Village Board.
(5) Shall not allow the establishment of any land use or development that was previously
considered and rejected by the designated Village approval authority.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-10 Lot divisions, reconfigurations, and
consolidations.
through § 225-8-10 Lot divisions, reconfigurations, and
consolidations.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-26
§ 225-8-10 Lot divisions, reconfigurations, and consolidations.
A. Applicability and initiation. Each person required to prepare a Certified Survey Map (CSM) under
Article 6 shall submit with the Zoning Administrator an application for CSM approval.
B. Application requirements. No application for CSM approval shall be placed on any agenda as an item
to be acted upon until the Zoning Administrator has certified acceptance of a complete application.
The applicant shall provide the Zoning Administrator with a digital copy plus sufficient hard copies of
the complete application as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Said complete application
shall be comprised of the following, except where reduced by the Zoning Administrator:
(1) A completed application form furnished by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) The CSM shall include all required contents under Chapter 236, Wis. Stats., and the following
information:
(a) All the certificates required by § 236.21, Wis. Stats.; and certification that the CSM fully
complies with all of the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Location of existing property lines, buildings, drives, paths, streams and watercourses, dry
runs, lakes, ponds, wetlands, floodplains (by type), shoreland zoning areas and setbacks,
rock outcrops, mature trees; environmental corridors, and other similar significant features
within the land being divided or adjusted.
(c) Any easements, unique building setback lines, buildable areas, “build-to” lines, or similar
areas.
(d) All existing structures.
(e) If the CSM contains private road(s), the following note: “Notice of Possible Limitation of
Public Services: This CSM contains private roads. As a result, certain public services
including but not limited to road maintenance, snow plowing, and garbage collection may
be limited.”
(3) The required application fee and commitment to reimburse the Village for any consultant
services it may utilize in the review of the application, except where the application is filed by
the Village Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Administrator.
C. Recommendation. Upon Zoning Administrator verification of a complete CSM application, the
Village Clerk shall schedule a meeting of the Plan Commission to consider the application. Before or
at the meeting, the Zoning Administrator or designee shall provide to the Commission and applicant
an evaluation of the proposed land division, with reference to applicable criteria in this chapter.
Following the consideration of this evaluation, the Commission shall review the proposed CSM and
provide a recommendation to the Village Board that the application be granted as requested,
granted with conditions, or denied, or the Commission may instead provide no recommendation.
D. Action. Following Plan Commission recommendation, the Village Clerk shall schedule the proposed
CSM for Village Board action. The Village Board shall with 60 days of a complete submittal act to
approve or deny the proposed CSM, with any approval as requested in the application or with
conditions. Each CSM approval shall be by resolution. Each denial shall include reasons. Any action
of the Village Board may be appealed directly to the Circuit Court under associated procedures in §
225-49, Wis. Stats. No application that has been denied (either wholly or in part) shall be
resubmitted for a period of 12 months from the date of said order of denial, except on grounds of
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-11 Sign permits and procedures. through § 225-8-11 Sign permits and procedures.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-27
new evidence or proof of change of factors found valid by the Zoning Administrator. The Village
Clerk shall provide notice of each such action to the applicant.
E. Recordation. Each approved CSM shall be submitted for recording with the county Register of Deeds
within 6 months from the date of the last approval and within 24 months from the date of the first
approval, or the Village approval shall be deemed void. No CSM shall be submitted for recording
until the Village Clerk has inscribed his or her certification of Village approval on the CSM. The
Village Clerk shall cause the certificate inscribed upon the CSM attesting to such approval to be duly
executed and the plat returned to the subdivider for recording, upon verification of CSM approval
under this section and satisfaction of all conditions imposed by that approval to the extent possible.
F. Following recording. No Village building or zoning permit associated with a land division, subdivision,
or condominium development shall be issued until the associated CSM is recorded. The subdivider
shall install survey monuments placed in accordance with the requirements of § 236.15, Wis. Stats.
§ 225-8-11 Sign permits and procedures.
A. Permit requirements. Each sign located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged,
converted, or structurally altered shall require a sign permit following application for said permit
and in advance of such action, subject to the following allowances and exceptions:
(1) No sign permit shall be required for the cleaning, repainting, replacing with the same sign text,
graphics, and area, repair to previous condition, maintenance of a sign or sign structure as
described in § 225-5-8 A, or replacement of a sign face in a multiple-sign freestanding structure
where such replacement does not require any structural alteration.
(2) No sign permit shall be required for any sign in a residential zoning district, for a single-family
residential use regardless of zoning district, or for the types and configurations of signs indicated
as not requiring a sign permit in Figure 225.5.1.
(3) Any sign permit granted hereunder may not be assigned or transferred to any other sign.
(4) All signs at one premise may be included under one sign permit, if applied for at the same time.
B. Application procedure. Each application for a sign permit shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator
on a form provided by that office, and shall include all of the following to be considered a complete
application:
(1) The name and address of the permit applicant, the sign designer, and property and business
owner.
(2) A scaled and dimensioned plan showing, at a minimum, the location of the proposed sign on the
subject property; the location of all existing signs on the subject site; all property lines and
buildings in the subject site; and parking areas, driveways, public roads, and buildings within 100
feet of the proposed sign.
(3) A diagram of the proposed sign, drawn to a recognized scale, and listing and depicting the type,
height, width, total square footage of the sign, square footage of each sign component, method
of attachment, structural support including footings, method of illumination, and sign materials,
colors, and message.
(4) The subject property’s zoning designation and lineal footage on each abutting public street.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-12 Building permits. through § 225-8-12 Building permits.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-28
(5) A summary of existing signage on the subject property, including quantity, location, type, and
area of all signs on the property, both before and after the installation of the proposed sign(s).
(6) Evidence that the structural requirements of § 225-5-7 will be met.
(7) Written consent of the owner of the premises and building upon which the sign is to be erected.
(8) The appropriate sign permit fee, per the Village’s fee schedule, except that no Village-proposed
sign shall require a fee, and commitment to reimburse the Village for any professional
consultant services required to review the permit application.
C. Action on sign permit application.
(1) Following receipt of a complete permit application for any auxiliary, sandwich board, limited-
time event, nameplate and identification, or window sign, the Zoning Administrator shall review
said application and shall issue or deny a sign permit in writing.
(2) For all other signs requiring a permit, upon the receipt of a complete application, the Zoning
Administrator shall schedule the application on a meeting agenda of the Building Board (or Plan
Commission if the applicant is simultaneously seeking another action from the Plan
Commission). If the Building Board (or Plan Commission) authorizes issuance of a sign permit,
the Zoning Administrator shall then, in writing, issue a sign permit based on the submitted
application and the Building Board’s authorization including any conditions.
(3) Any action under subsections (1) or (2) shall be subject to appeal to the Board of Appeals.
(4) Any sign permit may be issued with conditions necessary to meet requirements of this chapter.
(5) Denial of a sign permit shall not result in total or partial reimbursement of permit fees paid.
D. Enforcement and revocation.
(1) Any sign permit may be revoked by the Zoning Administrator in the event that the applicant has
failed to comply with the provisions of this chapter, the submitted sign permit application, the
sign permit, or any conditions that may have accompanied the permit at the time of granting.
(2) Any sign permit shall be null and void and automatically revoked in the event that construction,
installation, or manufacture of the sign has not been commenced within 180 days from the date
of the issuance of such permit. If work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for
a period of 90 days any time after commencement, the original permit shall become null and
void and automatically revoked. A new permit shall first be obtained to complete the work, and
a new permit fee shall be required.
(3) A sign subject to any revoked permit shall be removed by the licensee, sign owner, or property
owner within 30 days of such revocation, and/or shall be subject to enforcement under § 225-8-
16.
(4) Revocation shall not result in total or partial reimbursement of fees paid.
§ 225-8-12 Building permits.
Requirements for building permits are prescribed in Chapter 90.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-13 Certificates of occupancy. through § 225-8-14 Roles and responsibilities.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-29
§ 225-8-13 Certificates of occupancy.
A. Applicability. A certificate of occupancy from the Building Inspector shall be required prior to any
occupancy of any of the following buildings or portions of buildings:
(1) Each newly-constructed single-family dwelling
(2) Each newly-constructed or expanded nonresidential and mixed use building.
(3) Each change in occupancy or use of any nonresidential building space (e.g., change in
commercial tenant).
B. Initiation. Every application for a building permit shall be deemed to be an application for a
Certificate of Occupancy. Every application for a Certificate of Occupancy for a new use or change in
use of a building or portion thereof shall be made directly to the Building Inspector.
C. Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy. No Certificate of Occupancy for shall be issued until
construction has been substantially completed and the premises inspected and certified by the
Building Inspector to be in conformity with the plans and specifications upon which the building
permit was based, this chapter, and Chapter 90.
D. Temporary occupancy. The Building Inspector may issue a temporary Certificate of Occupancy for a
building, premises, or part thereof, pursuant to any rules established by the Village Board, with a
deadline to achieve a full Certificate of Occupancy and complete all outstanding work required
under this chapter, Chapter 90, any Village approval thereunder, and the plans and specifications
upon which the building permit was based.
E. Termination of a Certificate of Occupancy. It shall constitute a violation of this chapter for any
person, firm, corporation, or voluntary association, either owner or agent, to occupy a building in
the Village without having first obtained a Certificate of Occupancy. Any Certificate issued upon a
false statement of any fact that is material to the issuance thereof shall be void. Whenever the fact
of such false statement shall be established to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector, said
Inspector shall forthwith revoke the Certificate of Occupancy by notice in writing to be delivered to
the holder of the void Certificate upon the premises where the violation has occurred, or if such
holder be not found there, by mailing said notice of revocation by Certified Letter to the last known
address. Any person who shall proceed thereafter with such work or use without having obtained a
new Certificate of Occupancy shall be deemed guilty of violation of this chapter.
F. Certificates for existing occupancies. Upon a written request from the owner, the Building Inspector
may issue a Certificate of Occupancy for any building or premises existing on [insert effective date of
recreated chapter], certifying after inspection the extent and type of use made of the building or
premises and whether or not such use conforms to the provisions of this chapter.
§ 225-8-14 Roles and responsibilities.
A. Zoning Administrator
(1) Designation. The Village Board shall designate the Zoning Administrator. As permitted by law,
the Zoning Administrator may designate another employee or contractor of the Village to
perform the duties of the Zoning Administrator, on a recurring, occasional, or case-by-case
basis. Where a duty in this chapter is assigned to the Zoning Administrator, it shall be assumed
that his or her designee may also perform such duty except where otherwise restricted by law.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-14 Roles and responsibilities. through § 225-8-14 Roles and responsibilities.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-30
(2) Duties. Except where otherwise assigned in this chapter, the Zoning Administrator shall
interpret and administer, issue permits required by, and perform other duties described within,
this chapter. Tn addition thereto and in furtherance of said duties, the Zoning Administrator
shall:
(a) Be permitted access to premises and structures during reasonable hours to make those
inspections as the Zoning Administrator deems necessary to ensure compliance with this
chapter. If, however, the Zoning Administrator is refused entry after presentations of his
identification, said Administrator may procure a special inspection warrant in accordance
with § 66.0119(2), Wis. Stats.
(b) Maintain permanent and current records of this chapter, including but not limited to all
maps, amendments, conditional use permits, sign permits, variances, appeals,
interpretations, and applications.
(c) Receive, file, and forward all applications, plus staff evaluations, for all procedures governed
by this chapter to the designated bodies.
(d) Investigate complaints made relating to compliance with this chapter.
(e) Institute, in the name of the Village, any appropriate actions or proceedings against a
violator of this chapter, as provided by § 225-8-16.
(f) Request assistance and cooperation from the Village Police Department, Village Attorney,
Village Clerk, Public Works Director, and other Village staff and consultants as the Zoning
Administrator deems necessary, either as a designee or advisor.
(g) Make available to the public reports and documents concerning this chapter and actions
thereunder.
B. Board of Trustees. The Village Board shall have the duties with respect to this chapter as so indicated.
C. Village Plan Commission. The Village Plan Commission, together with its other statutory duties, shall
have the duties with respect to this chapter as so indicated. Membership shall be pursuant to §
62.23(1), Wis. Stats.
D. Board of Appeals.
(1) Established. The Board of Appeals shall consist of five primary members and two
alternates who shall be appointed by the Village President and approved by the Village Board.
The members of the Board shall serve without compensation. The Village President shall
designate one member as chair, and the Village Clerk shall serve as secretary of the Board. The
terms of office of the members of the Board shall be staggered terms for three years.
(2) Meetings. All meetings of the Board shall be held at the Village Center unless a different
meeting place is announced in a public notice of the meeting and shall be open to the public.
Meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the chair and at such other times as the Board
may determine. The chair (or in their absence the acting chair) may administer oaths and
compel the attendance of witnesses.
(3) Rules and regulations. The Board shall adopt from time to time such rules and regulations as it
may deem necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this article and of § 62.23(7), Wis.
Stats. The Board shall keep minutes of its proceedings showing the vote of each member upon
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-15 Fees and cost reimbursement. through § 225-8-15 Fees and cost reimbursement.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-31
each question or if absent or failing to vote showing such fact. The concurring vote of a majority
of members present shall be necessary to reverse any order or determination of the Building
Inspector or to decide in favor of the applicant any matter upon which the Board is required to
pass or to effect any variation from the terms of this chapter.
(4) Powers. In addition to the powers and procedures specified elsewhere in this article, the Board
of Appeals has the power:
(a) To permit a temporary building in the R-A and R-B districts that is incidental to residential
construction, with any such permit to be issued for a period of not more than one year.
(b) To permit an accessory building, subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards in
harmony with the general purpose and intent of this chapter, to exceed 15 feet in height,
provided that the top of such accessory building shall not be more than five feet above the
mean elevation of the ground adjoining the main building.
(c) If recommended by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, to permit in appropriate
cases and subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards in harmony with the general
purpose and intent of this chapter a building or premises to be erected or used by a public
service corporation or for public utility purposes in any location and for any purpose which
is reasonably necessary for the public convenience and welfare.
(5) Scope of review. In exercising its powers under this article, the Board of Appeals may, in
conformity with the provisions of the law, reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the
order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from and shall make such order,
requirement, decision or determination as in its opinion ought to be made to the premises and
to that end shall have all the powers of the Building Inspector.
(6) Grievances. Any person or persons jointly or severally aggrieved by any decision of the Board, or
any taxpayer, or any officer, department, board or bureau of the Village, may, within 30 days
after the filing of the decision in the office of the Board of Appeals but not thereafter, present to
a court of competent jurisdiction a petition, duly verified, setting forth that such decision is
illegal, in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of illegality, whereupon such decision of the
Board shall be subject to review by certiorari as provided by law.
E. Building Board.
(1) Membership. The Building Board shall consist of seven members composed of at least one
member of the Village Board who shall serve as chair, and the remaining Building Board
members shall be Village residents appointed annually by the Village President and confirmed by
the Village Board. The Building Board shall include at least one member who shall be a
professional planner, professional architect, or other design or real estate professional. All
members shall be voting members. The Zoning Administrator or designee shall be secretary of
the Building Board.
(2) Duties. The Building Board shall have the duties with respect to this chapter as so indicated.
§ 225-8-15 Fees and cost reimbursement.
A. Payment of fees for procedures. The fees for the procedures and permits established by this article
are established under a fee schedule adopted by the Village Board.
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-16 Violations and penalties. through § 225-8-16 Violations and penalties.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-32
B. Payment of fees. Fees shall be payable at the time applications are filed with the appropriate officer
of the Village (per the requirements of this chapter) and are not refundable.
C. Reimbursable costs. The Zoning Administrator, Public Works Director, Village Administrator, and
other Village staff and consultants may expend time in the investigation and processing of matters
regulated by this chapter. The Village may also retain the services of other professional consultants
including but not limited to attorneys, planners, engineers, landscape architects, architects,
environmental specialists, and recreation specialists in the administration, investigation, and
processing of such matters. Any person, firm, or corporation requesting action by or documents
from the Village on such matters may be required to reimburse the Village for staff and professional
consultant time and materials expended or provided in the administration, investigation, and
processing of such requests.
§ 225-8-16 Violations and penalties.
A. Violations. It shall be unlawful to construct or use any structure, land, or water anywhere within the
Village in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. In case of any violation, the Village Board,
Plan Commission, Zoning Administrator, or any person who would be specifically damaged by such
violation may institute appropriate action or proceeding to enjoin a violation of this chapter.
B. Penalties. Any person, firm, or corporation who fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter
shall be subject to Chapter 10, plus the costs of prosecution for each violation, and in default of
payment of such forfeiture and costs shall be imprisoned in the County Jail until payment thereof,
but not exceeding 30 days.
C. Village promulgated correction of violation. In addition to any other penalty imposed by this section
or by Chapter 10 for a violation of the provisions of this chapter, the Village reserves and maintains
the continued right to abate violations of this chapter, as follows:
(1) If the Zoning Administrator determines that a violation of this chapter exists, and further
determines that the nature of such violation poses a great and immediate danger to the public
health, safety, peace, morals, or decency, the Zoning Administrator shall cause the violation to
be abated immediately, impose penalty per this section and Chapter 10, or both.
(2) If the Zoning Administrator determines that a violation of this chapter exists, and further
determines that the nature of such violation is not such as to pose great and immediate danger
to the public health, safety, peace, morals, or decency, the Zoning Administrator shall serve
written notice by registered mail on the current owner of the property (as indicated by current
tax records) on which said violation is occurring to remove said violation within a reasonable
timeframe specified in the notice. The notice shall describe the particulars of the alleged
violation and the reasons why the Zoning Administrator believes there is a violation in fact, and
shall require an answer or correction of the alleged violation to the satisfaction of the Zoning
Administrator within the indicated timeframe. If such violation is not removed or otherwise
resolved to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator in the indicated timeframe, the Zoning
Administrator may cause the violation to be abated, impose penalty per this section and
Chapter 10, or both.
(3) In addition to any other penalty imposed by this section or by Chapter 10 for a violation of this
chapter, the cost of abating a violation of this chapter shall be collected as a debt from the
owner of the property on which said violation has occurred. An account of the expenses
VILLAGE OF MAPLE BLUFF ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-8-16 Violations and penalties. through § 225-8-16 Violations and penalties.
Article 8 Procedures and Administration 8-33
incurred by the Village to abate the violation shall be kept and such expenses shall be charged to
and paid by the property owner. Notice of the bill for abatement of the violation shall be mailed
to the last known address of said property owner by registered mail, and shall be payable within
30 calendar days from the receipt thereof. Within 60 days after such costs and expenses are
incurred and remain unpaid, the Village Clerk shall enter such charges onto the tax roll as a
special tax as provided by § 66.615(5), Wis. Stats.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-9-1 Word usage. through § 225-9-2 Abbreviations.
Article 9 Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions 13-1
Article 9 Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions
§ 225-9-1 Word usage.
The interpretation of this chapter shall abide by the provisions and rules that follow, except where the
context clearly requires otherwise, or where the result would clearly be inconsistent with the apparent
intent of this chapter:
A. Words used or defined in one tense or form shall include other tenses and derivative forms.
B. Words in the singular number shall include the plural number, and words in the plural number shall
include the single number, unless the context of the particular usage clearly indicates otherwise.
C. The masculine gender shall include the feminine, and vice versa.
D. The words “shall,” “must,” and “will” are mandatory, establishing an obligation or duty to comply
with the particular provision.
E. The words “may,” “can,” “should,” and “might” are permissive.
F. The word “person” includes individuals, firms, corporations, partnerships, associations, trusts, and
any other legal entity.
G. If there is ambiguity between the chapter text and any caption or illustration, the text shall control.
§ 225-9-2 Abbreviations.
The following abbreviations in this chapter are intended to have the following meanings:
Abbreviation Meaning
Ac Acre
Db Decibel
DNR Wisconsin Department or Natural Resources (also “WisDNR”)
DOT Wisconsin Department of Transportation (also “WisDOT”)
DU Dwelling unit
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FAP Floor Area Percentage
Ft or ‘ Foot
HUD U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
In or “ Inches
Max Maximum
MH Maximum Height
Min Minimum
N/A Not applicable
SF or sq. ft. Square feet
UDC Uniform Dwelling Code
+ Or more (as in “9+”)
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-9-3 Definitions. through § 225-9-3 Definitions.
Article 9 Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions 13-2
§ 225-9-3 Definitions.
The following words, terms, and phrases, wherever they occur in this chapter, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them by this section. See also Article 3, which defines land use types in its “description”
subsections.
Abut or Abutting: Having a common border, property line, or zoning district line.
Access: A means of providing vehicular or non-vehicular egress from or ingress to a parcel.
Accessory land use, or accessory use: A land use subordinate to, and serving, the principal use or
structure on the same parcel and customarily incidental thereto.
Accessory structure: A building or other structure subordinate to, and serving, the principal use or
structure on the same parcel and customarily incidental thereto. For purposes of this chapter, accessory
structures include but are not limited to small exterior communication or energy systems (including
underground GES pipes); outdoor merchandise display and activities; sport courts; swimming pools
including all of their associated surfaced terraces and decks; waste/recycling containers and associated
screening wall/fences except for residential collection containers.
Addition: Any walled and roofed expansion to the perimeter and/or height of a building in which the
addition is connected by a common wall.
Adjacent lot or parcel: A lot or parcel that is directly abutting, but not across a public right-of-way from,
the subject lot or parcel.
Appeal: A means for obtaining review of a decision, determination, interpretation, order, or failure to
act pursuant to the terms of this chapter as expressly authorized by the provisions of § 225-8-8.
Arbor: An open shelter typically constructed of latticework or exposed boards that often provide partial
shade or support for climbing plants.
Artisan studio: A building or portion thereof used for the preparation, display, and sale of individually
crafted artwork, photography, jewelry, furniture, sculpture, pottery, leathercraft, hand-woven sections,
and related items, and occupied by no more than five artists or artisans.
Awning: A shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building, constructed of non-
rigid materials on a supporting framework.
Basement: A portion of a building located partly underground, but having one-half or less of its floor to
ceiling height below the average mean grade of the adjoining ground. Also known as a cellar.
Bedroom: A room in a residence marketed, designed, or otherwise likely to function primarily for
sleeping.
Bluff: A steep headland, promontory, cliff, or escarpment that has a vertical relief of 10 feet or greater
and is located along Lake Mendota.
Board of Appeals: The appointed Board of Appeals of the Village of Maple Bluff. Also commonly
referred to as “Zoning Board of Appeals.”
Boathouse: A structure with one or more walls or sides that has been used for one or more years for the
storage of watercraft and associated materials, regardless of the current use of the structure.
Brewpub: A use that is accessory to a restaurant or tavern use, produces less than 10,000 barrels of
beer per year, is permitted under § 125.295, Wis. Stats., and where beer is primarily produced for on-
site consumption.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-9-3 Definitions. through § 225-9-3 Definitions.
Article 9 Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions 13-3
Buffer yard: Any permitted combination of distance, vegetation, fencing, and/or berming that results in
a reduction of visual and other interaction with an adjacent parcel.
Building: A structure having a roof and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons,
animals, equipment, machinery, and/or personal property.
Building, accessory: A building that is subordinate to, incidental to, and serves a principal building
and/or principal use, but is not physically attached to a principal building, and is located on the same
parcel as the principal building or use served except as otherwise expressly authorized under this
chapter.
Building Board: The appointed Building Board of the Village of Maple Bluff, charged with reviewing the
design of certain structures and site features before a building permit is issued.
Building envelope: The area of a parcel that is beyond minimum front, side, and rear setbacks within
which buildings may be constructed or expanded. The building envelope may differ for principal and
accessory buildings.
Building Inspector: The employee or contractor of the Village officially designated by the Village Board
to administer the Building Code, along with certain provisions of this chapter.
Building, principal: A building in which is conducted, or in which is intended to be conducted, the main
or primary use or uses of the parcel on which it is located.
Canopy: A rigid multisided and roofed structure covered with fabric, metal, or other material, and
attached or supported by a building at one or more points and/or by columns or posts embedded in the
ground.
Certified Survey Map: A map prepared by a professional land surveyor used to divide, combine, or
reconfigure land into four or fewer lots, meeting applicable requirements of this chapter and of Chapter
236, Wis. Stats.
Community garden: A type of recreational use intended for cultivation and related activities divided into
one or more plots to be cultivated by more than one operator or member, as a principal land use or as
an accessory use for a park, municipal, or other similar land or facility. Does not include gardens for
cultivation of crops primarily for consumption on the same premises.
Composite material: A building material that is engineered from two or more materials that have
different physical or chemical properties, often for purposes of enhanced durability.
Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan of the Village of Maple Bluff, adopted and as may be
from time to time amended under § 66.1001, Wis. Stats.
Conditional use: A land use that requires a conditional use permit in order to develop, expand, or be
modified, subject to all applicable requirements of this chapter, other applicable regulations of the
Village and other units of government, and any conditions applied to the conditional use permit.
Conforming use: A use of a parcel or building that fully conforms with all provisions of this chapter that
are applicable within the zoning district where the use has been established.
County: Dane County, Wisconsin.
Deck: A platform, either freestanding or part of a building, which has no roof or walls and is supported
by pillars or posts. Where attached to a building, a deck is considered part of the building for setback
and other standards. Where freestanding, it is considered an accessory structure.
Dedication or Dedicated: The transfer of property interest from private to public ownership for a public
purpose.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-9-3 Definitions. through § 225-9-3 Definitions.
Article 9 Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions 13-4
Density: A term used to describe the number of dwelling units per acre.
Developer: The legal or beneficial owner(s) of a parcel proposed for development, including an option
or contract purchaser.
Development: The construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or
enlargement of any buildings; any use or change in use of any buildings or land; any extension of any use
of land; or any clearing, grading, or other movement of land, for which permission may be required
pursuant to this chapter.
Dimensional standards: Measurable standards for development, improvement, or alteration of a site or
building, such has height, setbacks, and floor area percentages, which are laid out in Figure 225.2.2 with
certain modifications and exceptions in § 225-2-5.
Dog or cat run: A contained outdoor area, route, or track intended for the exercising of dogs, cats, or
similar animals.
Drainage: The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading, or other means.
Drainage includes the control of runoff to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after
development, and the means necessary for water supply preservation or prevention or alleviation of
flooding.
Driveway: A hard surfaced (or pre-existing gravel surfaced) area primarily intended to accommodate
vehicular movement to a designated parking space or garage, but where serving a single-family, two-
family, or townhouse dwelling unit may also provide for vehicular parking.
Dwelling: A building or one or more portions thereof, containing one or more dwelling units, but not
including habitations provided in nonresidential uses such as lodging uses.
Dwelling unit, attached: A dwelling unit joined to another dwelling unit at one or more sides by a shared
wall, floor, or ceiling.
Dwelling unit: A room or group of rooms providing or intended to provide permanent living quarters for
not more than one family.
Easement: Written authorization, typically recorded in the Register of Deeds’ office, from a landowner
authorizing another party to use any designated part of the landowner’s parcel for a specified purpose.
Encroachment: Any fill, structure, building, use, or development that advances beyond normal limits.
Erosion: The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, and/or gravity.
Essential services: Services provided by public and private agencies and utilities, necessary for the
exercise of the principal use, service of the principal building, or exercise or service of the Village as a
whole. These services include underground, surface, or overhead gas, electrical, steam, water, sanitary
sewerage, stormwater drainage, and communication systems and accessories thereto, such as poles,
towers, wires, mains, drains, vaults, culverts, laterals, sewers, pipes, catch basins, water storage tanks,
conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, lift stations, and hydrants, including
buildings accessory to the essential use.
Façade: That portion of any exterior wall of a building extending from grade to top of parapet, wall, or
eave, including any dormers or other similar roof projections.
Family: One of the following:
A. An individual person.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-9-3 Definitions. through § 225-9-3 Definitions.
Article 9 Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions 13-5
B. Two or more people related by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, or legal adoption
(including foster children) living together as a single household.
C. Up to four unrelated adults and the dependents of each living together as a single household.
D. Up to four unrelated people who have disabilities under the Fair Housing Amendment Act
(FHAA) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) living as a single household because of their
disability and requiring assistance from a caregiver plus up to two people providing support
services such personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, and companionship.
Fence: An artificially constructed linear structure, other than a wall or netting, intended to enclose,
screen, separate, delineate, mark, or define one area from another.
Flag: Any fabric, plastic, or similar material containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols used as a
symbol or emblem of any corporation, nation, organization of nations, state, Village, or religious,
fraternal, educational, or civic organization displayed for noncommercial purposes.
Flag lot: A lot with its widest point set back from the road, and having a thin, long strip (“flagpole”) of
land connected to the road to provide legal access and frontage.
Floor area:
A. The horizontal area of the several floors of a building, and their interior projections, where
ceiling height is at least 7’10”, including attic areas, attached garages, walkout basements
(measured at 50% of their actual floor area for single- and two-family residential uses), detached
garages, sheds, and other accessory buildings. “Interior projections” means portions of a
building floor that are not constructed to reveal a lower level of a building, such as is present in
an atrium or loft design.
B. For multiple-family residential and nonresidential uses, includes all floors, lofts, indoor
balconies, mezzanines, elevator shafts, heating and utility rooms, storage rooms, stairwells,
basements, and similar indoor areas.
C. Measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls, and from the center lines of walls or
partitions separating dwelling units or distinct occupancy units sharing the same building.
D. Does not include any open deck, porch, balcony, patio, but does include enclosed versions such
as three-seasoned porches.
E. Except for single-family dwellings, no fully enclosed underbuilding parking area shall be included
in the calculation of floor area, provided that the ceiling of such parking area is no higher than 5
feet above the predevelopment grade of the directly adjoining land.
Floor area percentage: The percentage obtained by dividing the floor area by the parcel area, as both
terms as defined in this section, and then multiplying by 100. The floor area percentage as designated
for each district or parcel size class, when multiplied by parcel area, shall determine the maximum
permissible floor area for all buildings on the parcel. See also Figure 225.10.1.
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-9-3 Definitions. through § 225-9-3 Definitions.
Article 9 Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions 13-6
Figure 225.10.1: Measuring Floor Area Percentage
Footcandle: A unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are one foot from a uniform
point source of one candle.
General Development Plan: A preliminary set of plans and descriptions of a proposed Planned Unit
Development project, submitted along with the rezoning application and, where approved, guidance for
the more detailed Specific Implementation Plan(s) for the project that follows.
Glare: The effect produced by brightness from a light source sufficient to cause discomfort or loss in
visual performance.
Group day care center: A land use in which State-licensed persons and facilities provide child care
services for 9 or more children.
Hard surface: Includes concrete, asphalt paving, pervious pavement, paving stones commercially
designed and manufactured for the proposed purpose, any combination of these materials, or another
similar material approved by the Zoning Administrator. Gravel or crushed stone is not considered a hard
surface for purposes of this chapter, but is an impervious surface as that term is separately defined.
Height:
A. Except for freestanding signs, the vertical distance from the mean average elevation of the pre-
construction grade along the front of the building or other structure to the highest point of the
structure, except for elements excepted in § 225.2.2.
B. For freestanding signs as defined in § 225-5-2, the vertical distance from the mean average
elevation of the pre-construction grade to the top of the sign or from the centerline grade of the
nearest public road, whichever is lower.
C. For all buildings and structures, where the change in surface elevation from the front to the rear
of the building envelope is greater than 10%, structure height shall instead be measured from
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-9-3 Definitions. through § 225-9-3 Definitions.
Article 9 Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions 13-7
the pre-construction grade midway between the front and rear exterior walls of the structure,
as represented in Figure 225.10.2.
Figure 225.10.2: Measuring Building Height on 10%+ Sloped Parcel
Hoop shed: A type of detached accessory structure typically supported by poles, having a fabric roof
and/or sides and are usually used to cover automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, or firewood on a
temporary or permanent basis.
Impervious surface: Exterior surfaces that fully or mostly prohibit infiltration of stormwater. For
purposes of this chapter, includes rooftops; decks; porches; concrete, brick, asphalt, and similar
surfaces; landscaped pavers, but does not include pervious pavers, pervious pavement, gravel, crushed
rock, retaining walls, planters, bird baths, lawn statues, seasonal decorative displays, poles for clothes
CHAPTER 225: ZONING AND ORDINANCE DRAFT: AUGUST 9, 2024
§ 225-9-3 Definitions. through § 225-9-3 Definitions.
Article 9 Word Usage, Abbreviations, and Definitions 13-8
drying, flag poles, play structures such as swing sets and trampolines, and stormwater management
basins and swales.
Internally illuminated (sign): A sign designed to give any artificial light directly through any transparent
or translucent material from a source of light originating within such sign, including internally
illuminated backlit plastic panel signs and awnings.
Landscaping: A deliberately designed collection of living plants installed and maintained on a parcel,
generally including a combination of trees, shrubs, and perennial plantings.
Land use: The type of development and/or activity occurring on a piece of property.
Light source: A single artificial source of luminescence that emits measurable radiant energy in the
human visible spectrum.
Lot: A tract of land that is a lot in a recorded subd
Text truncated. Open the original for the full document.
Source: Village of Maple Bluff website. First collected Oct 19, 2026.