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Village of Cross Plains Sustainability Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2026
6:00 pm
This meeting will be held in-person at Village Hall and via Zoom. The log in information is as follows:
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
II. Public Comment
III. General Business
1. Committee Member Report Outs and Updates
2. Discussion and Possible Approval of the July 8th, 2026 Sustainability Meeting Minutes
3. Discussion on Village building energy usage.
4. Discussion on recommendations for updated Village Comprehensive plan
5. Discussion and Possible Action on Light Ordinance
6. Wrap Up, Next Steps, and Schedule Next Meeting
IV. Future Agenda Items
V. Adjournment
This meeting notice constitutes an official meeting of the above referenced group and was posted in accordance with all applicable laws related Open Meetings Law. It is possible
that members of and possibly a quorum of members of other governmental bodies of the municipality may be in att endance at the above stated meeting to gather information.
No action will be taken by any governmental body at the above stated meeting other than the governmental body specifically referred to above in this notice. Upon reasonable
notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals. For additional information or to request this service, contact the Village Hall at (608) 798- 3241 or
cpersson@cross-plains.wi.us
Village of Cross Plains Sustainability Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2026
6:00 pm
This meeting will be held in-person at Village Hall and via Zoom. The log in information is as follows:
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
II. Public Comment
III. General Business
1. Committee Member Report Outs and Updates
2. Discussion and Possible Approval of the July 8th, 2026 Sustainability Meeting Minutes
3. Discussion on Village building energy usage.
4. Discussion on recommendations for updated Village Comprehensive plan
5. Discussion and Possible Action on Light Ordinance
6. Wrap Up, Next Steps, and Schedule Next Meeting
IV. Future Agenda Items
V. Adjournment
This meeting notice constitutes an official meeting of the above referenced group and was posted in accordance with all applicable laws related Open Meetings Law. It is possible
that members of and possibly a quorum of members of other governmental bodies of the municipality may be in att endance at the above stated meeting to gather information.
No action will be taken by any governmental body at the above stated meeting other than the governmental body specifically referred to above in this notice. Upon reasonable
notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals. For additional information or to request this service, contact the Village Hall at (608) 798- 3241 or
cpersson@cross-plains.wi.us
DRAFT
Village of Cross Plains Sustainability Committee
Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda
July 8, 2026
6:00 pm
This meeting will be held in-person at Village Hall and via Zoom. The log in information is as follows:
Join Zoom Meeting Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83824326133
P
hone Number:
1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID:
838 2432 6133
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
T
he meeting of the Sustainability Committee was called to order at 6:00 pm. Present: Committee members Trustee
Jed Henry, Melissa Gavin, Jenny Dedering and Cat Larsen.
A
lso Present: Public Facilities Director Matt Couey and Trustee Michael Pomykalski
II. Public Comment
B
rian Orland, 1771 Cornerstone Dr, spoke on his interest in joining the Sustainability Committee
III. General Business
1. Committee Member Reports.
D
edering requested looking into the Water Quality Corridorthat Cross Plains use to have and why it got removed.
2. Discussion and Possible Approval of the June 10, 2026 Sustainability Meeting Minutes.
A mot
ion was made by Dedering, seconded by Larsen, and unanimously approved by the Sustainability Committee t o
appr
ove the June 10th, 2026, Meeting Minutes.
3. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Goal
Resolution for the Village of Cross Plains.
D
iscussion on finding a baseline of electricity usage at Village owned property. Coming with solutions to help bring
usage down to help the Village become more efficient.
4. Discussion on Education and Community Outreach Initiative and Demonstration Project.
Di
scussion about articles in the Village newsletter. Possibly pairing with a Solar Organization during a community event
to help promote and answer questions.
5. Wrap Up, Next Steps, and Schedule Next Meeting.
N
ext meeting 8-19-2026.
IV. Future Agenda Items
R
eview draft of Comprehensive Plan update. Possible discussion on water quality corridor. Possible discussion on data
received from Village owed Property.
DRAFT
V. Adjournment
A
motion was made by Dedering, seconded by Larsen, and unanimously carried by the Sustainability Committee t o
adj
ourn. The meeting ended at 6:55 p.m.
This meeting notice constitutes an official meeting of the above referenced group and was posted in accordance with all applicable laws related Open Meetings Law. It is possible
that members of and possibly a quorum of members of other governmental bodies of the municipality may be in attendance at the above stated meeting to gather information.
No action will be taken by any governmental body at the above stated meeting other than the governmental body specifically referred to above in this notice. Upon reasonable
notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals. For additional information or to request this service, contact the Village Hall at (608) 798-3241 or
cpersson@cross-plains.wi.us
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Update Adopted: December 17, 2018 Vandewalle & Associates
Commented [BW1]: All notes were compiled and included from the Plan Commission meetings.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents
Adopted: December 17, 2018 i
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................................... v
Amendments and Updates ............................................................................................................................. vi
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Purpose of this Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 1
Planning Process ........................................................................................................................................... 2
General Regional Context ............................................................................................................................. 2
Selection of the Planning Area ...................................................................................................................... 2
Map 1: Jurisdictional Boundaries ................................................................................................................ 3
Chapter One: Issues and Opportunities .......................................................................................................... 5
General Demographic Trends ....................................................................................................................... 5
Population Trends ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Figure 1: Population Trends, 1990 - 2016 ................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2: Village of Cross Plains Population Change 1970 - 2016 ................................................................ 6
Population Projections ................................................................................................................................. 6
Figure 3a: Village of Cross Plains Population Projections ............................................................................ 6
Figure 3b: Village of Cross Plains Population & Household Projections ...................................................... 6
Demographic Trends .................................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 4a. Age Distribution, Village of Cross Plains, 2016 ........................................................................... 7
Figure 4b. Age Distribution, Regional Comparison, 2016 ............................................................................ 7
Figure 5: Household Projections 2010-2040 ............................................................................................... 8
Public Participation Process .......................................................................................................................... 8
Goals, Objectives, Policies, Programs, and Recommendations ................................................................... 14
Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources .......................................................................... 15
Agricultural Resource Inventory ................................................................................................................. 15
Agricultural Resource Goals, Objectives, and Policies ................................................................................. 16
Agricultural Resource Programs and Recommendations ............................................................................ 17
Natural Resource Inventory ........................................................................................................................ 18
Figure 6: Threatened and Endangered Species of Dane County ............................................................... 21
Parks and Open Space Master Plan ............................................................................................................ 24
Natural Resource Goals, Objectives, and Policies ....................................................................................... 25
Natural Resources Programs and Recommendations ................................................................................. 27
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents
Adopted: December 17, 2018 ii
Figure 7: Example of Vegetative Buffer .................................................................................................... 28
Figure 8: Ice Age Trail Route ..................................................................................................................... 30
Map 2: Ag, Open Space, and Environmental Corridors .............................................................................. 31
Cultural Resources Inventory ...................................................................................................................... 33
Figure 9: Cross Plains Properties on the Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory .......................... 34
Cultural Resources Goals, Objectives, and Policies ..................................................................................... 34
Cultural Resource Programs and Recommendations .................................................................................. 35
Chapter Three: Land Use .............................................................................................................................. 37
Existing Land Use ........................................................................................................................................ 37
Figure 10: Existing Land Uses, 2018 .......................................................................................................... 39
Map 3: Existing Land Use........................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 11: Residential Building Permits (2012 - 2018) .............................................................................. 43
Projected Demand for Future Land Uses .................................................................................................... 44
Figure 12: Projected Land Use Demand (Acres)........................................................................................ 44
Land Use Goals, Objectives, and Policies .................................................................................................... 45
Residential Land Use Categories ................................................................................................................. 47
Figure 13: Planned Neighborhoods .......................................................................................................... 52
Non-Residential Land Use Categories ......................................................................................................... 52
Figure 14: Appropriate Historic Main Street Development....................................................................... 56
Rural/Environmental Land Use Categories ................................................................................................. 60
Other Land Use Recommendations ............................................................................................................ 64
Map 4a: Future Land Use – Village ............................................................................................................ 65
Map 4b: Future Land Use - ETJ .................................................................................................................. 67
Chapter Four: Transportation ....................................................................................................................... 69
Existing Transportation Facilities ................................................................................................................ 69
Figure 15: Vehicular Traffic Flows for Selected Road Segments Annual Average Daily Traffic .................. 69
Figure 16: Travel Time to Work ................................................................................................................ 71
Review of State and Regional Transportation Plans .................................................................................... 71
Transportation Goals, Objectives, and Policies ........................................................................................... 74
Transportation Programs and Recommendations ...................................................................................... 76
Map 5: Transportation, Utilities, and Community Facilities Map ................................................................ 79
Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities ........................................................................................... 81
Existing Utilities and Community Facilities Conditions ................................................................................ 81
Figure 17: Middleton-Cross Plains School District .................................................................................... 84
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents
Adopted: December 17, 2018 iii
Figure 18: Village of Cross Plains Existing Parkland 2018 .......................................................................... 85
Utilities and Community Facilities Goals, Objectives, and Policies .............................................................. 86
Utilities and Community Facilities Programs and Recommendations ......................................................... 88
Figure 19: Timetable to Expand, Rehabilitate, or Create New Community Utilities or Facilities ............... 90
Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development ................................................................................ 91
Existing Housing Conditions ........................................................................................................................ 91
Figure 20: Housing Age Comparison ......................................................................................................... 91
Figure 21: Village of Cross Plains Unit Structure, 2016 ............................................................................. 92
Figure 22: Housing Values, 2016 ............................................................................................................... 93
Figure 23: Village of Cross Plains Housing Occupancy, 2016 .................................................................... 94
Figure 24: Village of Cross Plains Housing Tenure, 2016........................................................................... 94
Figure 25: Total Households 2000 - 2010 ................................................................................................. 95
Figure 26: Recent Residential Building Permits (2012– 2018) .................................................................. 95
Housing Programs ...................................................................................................................................... 95
Housing and Neighborhood Development Goals, Objectives, and Policies ................................................. 96
Housing and Neighborhood Development Programs and Recommendations ............................................ 98
Figure 27: Desired Multiple Family Residential Project Layout ............................................................... 100
Chapter Seven: Economic Development ..................................................................................................... 101
Existing Economic Development Framework............................................................................................ 101
Figure 28: Cross Plains Civilian Labor Force ............................................................................................ 101
Figure 29: Labor Force and Unemployment, Madison MSA, 2006 - 2017 .............................................. 102
Figure 30: Employment by Industry ........................................................................................................ 103
Figure 31: Educational Attainment Village of Cross Plains ...................................................................... 104
Figure 32: Household Income in 2016 .................................................................................................... 105
Figure 33: Projected Employees by Industry 2014-2024 ........................................................................ 106
Figure 34: 2010 Local Employment Village of Cross Plains ..................................................................... 107
Economic Development Programs ........................................................................................................... 108
Strengths and Weaknesses for Economic Development........................................................................... 109
Commercial Sites ...................................................................................................................................... 110
Environmentally Contaminated Sites ........................................................................................................ 110
Economic Development Goals, Objectives and Policies ............................................................................ 111
Economic Development Programs and Recommendations ...................................................................... 112
Figure 35: Redevelopment Planning and Implementation Process......................................................... 114
Figure 36: Indoor Retail, Service, and Community Facility Conceptual Development Layout ................. 117
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents
Adopted: December 17, 2018 iv
Figure 37: Neighborhood Business, Community Facilities, Mixed-Use Conceptual
Development Layout .............................................................................................................................. 117
Figure 38: Industrial Conceptual Development Layout ........................................................................... 119
Chapter Eight: Intergovernmental Cooperation .......................................................................................... 121
The Village of Cross Plains Intergovernmental Relationships .................................................................... 121
Intergovernmental Cooperation Goals, Objectives, and Policies .............................................................. 122
Intergovernmental Cooperation Programs and Recommendations ......................................................... 123
Chapter Nine: Implementation ................................................................................................................... 127
Plan Adoption ........................................................................................................................................... 127
Plan Monitoring and Advancement .......................................................................................................... 127
Plan Administration .................................................................................................................................. 127
Plan Amendments .................................................................................................................................... 129
Plan Update .............................................................................................................................................. 130
Consistency Among Plan Elements ........................................................................................................... 130
Implementation Programs and Recommendations .................................................................................. 131
Figure 39: Implementation Programs and Recommendations ................................................................ 132
Appendix A: Public Participation Plan ......................................................................................................... 133
Appendix B: Future Land Use and Zoning Districts ...................................................................................... 135
Appendix C: Public Hearing Notice ............................................................................................................. 136
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Acknowledgements
Adopted: December 17, 2018 v
Acknowledgements
Plan Commission Village Board
Pat Andreoni, Chairperson
Clifford Zander
Randy Case
Todd DuQuette
Eric Padrutt
Bud Busch
Kevin Thusius
Pat Andreoni, Village President
Bud Busch
Sarah Francois
Michael Pomykalski
Lee Sorensen
Jeanne Statz
Kevin Thusius
Village Staff
Caitlin Stene, Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer
Jerry Gray, Public Facilities
Michael Axon, Parks & Recreation
Pam Bosben, Library
Bobbi Zauner, Finance Director
Chief Tom Janssen, Police Department
Brian Berquist, Town & Country Engineering
Planning and Design Assistance by:
VANDEWALLE & ASSOCIATES, INC
Mike Slavney, FAICP, Principal Planner
Jackie Mich, AICP, Associate Planner
Meredith Perks, Assistant Planner
Daniel Eckberg, GIS Specialist
Nicole Anderson, Planning Assistant
120 East Lakeside Street
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 255-3988
www.vandewalle.com
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Updates
Adopted: December 17, 2018 vi
Amendments and Updates
This Plan was originally adopted on June 9, 2008. This Plan was subsequently amended on:
October 8, 2012
May 20, 2013
May 19, 2014
September 11, 2017
This Plan was originally fully updated on December 17, 2018 in accordance with state statutes.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Adopted: December 17, 2018 1
Introduction The Village of Cross Plains is a unique community characterized by rich natural resources, traditional neighborhoods, and small-town character. The Village is located approximately twelve miles west of Madison and the tremendous economic and cultural opportunities found in the greater Madison area. Over the last fifteen years, the Village’s population has been increasing steadily - presenting both opportunities and challenges. Growth can provide an increased tax base and a more diverse economic environment. However, as population increases, so does the demand on municipal services. In this context, planned development in a controlled, orderly, and predictable manner will enhance the Village’s ability to retain its small-town character, avoid land use conflicts, provide housing and appropriate employment opportunities, and protect its natural and cultural resources. Purpose of this Plan This 20272018 Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan is intended to help the Village guide short-range and long-range growth and development. The purposes of this Comprehensive Plan are to: Identify areas appropriate for development and preservation over the next 20 years; Creates a collective vision for a future Cross Plains and establishes priorities for public investment; Guide Village decision-making and aligns the work of Village departments around the issues that matter most to our residents and stakeholders; Fosters partnerships with other entities to address shared goals; Recommend appropriate types of land use for specific areas in the Village; Preserve natural, cultural, and agricultural resources in and around the Village; Identify needed transportation and community facilities to serve future land uses; Direct housing and commercial investments in the Village; and Provide strategies to implement Plan recommendations. The Plan is organized into chapters that specifically address each of the nine elements required by the State of Wisconsin. Each chapter presents background information on the element it is addressing (e.g. Transportation, Land Use, and Economic Development) and then presents an outline of the Village’s goals, objectives, and policies for that element. These documented policies are the basis for
PLAN ADOPTION PROCESS Preparation of a comprehensive plan is authorized under §66.1001, Wisconsin Statutes. Before adoption, a Plan must go through a formal public hearing and review process. The Plan Commission adopts by resolution a public hearing draft of the Plan and recommends that the Village Board enact an ordinance adopting the Plan as the Village’s official Comprehensive Plan. Following Plan Commission approval, the Village Board holds a public hearing to discuss the proposed ordinance adopting the Plan. Copies of the public hearing draft of the Plan are forwarded to a list of local and state governments for review. A Class 1 notice must precede the public hearing at least 30 days before the hearing. The notice must include a summary of the Plan and information concerning where the entire document may be inspected or obtained. The Board may then adopt the ordinance approving the Plan as the Village’s official Comprehensive Plan. This formal, well-publicized process facilitates broad support of plan goals and recommendations. Consideration by both the Plan Commission and Village Board assures that both bodies understand and endorse the Plan’s recommendations.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Adopted: December 17, 2018 2
the programs and recommendations that are
presented at the end of each chapter.
The final chapter of the document (Implementation)
indicates proposed strategies and implementation
timelines to ensure that the recommendations presented in this Plan become a reality.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Adopted: December 17, 2018 3
Planning Process
This Comprehensive Plan is being prepared under the State of Wisconsin’s comprehensive planning
legislation, adopted in 1999 and contained in §66.1001, Wisconsin Statutes. This Plan meets all of the
statutory elements and requirements of the comprehensive planning law. After 2010, only those plans
that contain the nine required elements and adopted under the state’s prescribed procedures will have
legal standing.
In order to provide sound public policy guidance, a comprehensive planning process should incorporate
inclusive public participation procedures to ensure that final Plan recommendations reflect a broadly
supported vision for the community. This Comprehensive Plan was created through a process designed to
inform and involve Village residents. The process incorporated a variety of opportunities for public
participation, included those outlined in Chapter One: Issues and Opportunities.
General Regional Context
Map 1 shows the relationship of the Village to neighboring communities in the region. The Village is
located in western Dane County and is bordered on the north by the Town of Berry and bordered to the
west, south, and east by the Town of Cross Plains.
Selection of the Planning Area
The planning area includes all lands currently within the Village’s municipal limits, and the unincorporated
areas within the Village’s 1.5-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The total planning area contains about
20 square miles as illustrated in Map 1.
Within the ETJ, state statutes enable the Village to plan for those areas that bear relation to the Village’s
development, review subdivisions, enact extraterritorial zoning, and implement an official map. The ETJ
expands automatically as annexations occur, hence the need for this Plan to consider and make
recommendations for the area located beyond the current ETJ limits.
Commented [SusCom2]: As the Village works to gather
input from the public, ensure that community surveys and
workshops include inquiries related to environmental
sustainability.
This should include future goals and opportunities to expand
on energy efficiency, conservation, clean air and water,
renewable energy, reduced transportation emissions, flood
mitigation, and climate resiliency.
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Village of Cross Plains
Comprehensive Plan
Map 1: Jurisdictional Boundaries
Village of Cross Plains
Town Boundaries 30
Section Boundaries
Village of Cross Plains
Extraterritorial Boundary (1.5 Mile)
Village of Cross Plains
ETJ Boundary by 1/4 - 1/4 Section
School District Boundaries
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VANDEWALLE & ASSOCIATES INC.
Shaping places, shaping change
Date: July 24, 2018
Sources: Dane Co. LIO, CARPC,
Vandewalle & Associates
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Adopted: December 17, 2018 4
Page intentionally left blank
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter One: Issues and Opportunities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 5
Chapter One: Issues and Opportunities
General Demographic Trends
The Village, Dane County and many of the surrounding communities have relatively low
unemployment rates, particularly compared with the State’s 5.5 percent unemployment rate.
The Village of Cross Plains has a relatively young population, with a lower median age than the State
as a whole. According to the 2016 American Community Survey (ACS), nearly one third of the
population is between the ages of 20 and 44.
Cross Plains’ population is well educated, per the results of the 2016 ACS. More than 60 percent of
the population has at least some college education, as compared to 59 percent of the statewide
population.
Per the 2016 ACS, Cross Plains has a median income of $79,643, which is higher than Dane County
and the State of Wisconsin, but lower than the surrounding Towns of Cross Plains and Berry.
The average household size in the Village of Cross Plains is 2.55 people, larger than both Dane County
and the State of Wisconsin. The Village also has a higher homeownership rate (70 percent) than the
County and the State.
Population Trends
The US Census shows that the Village of Cross Plains continued to see steady population growth from
2000 to 2010 (Figure 1). This growth outpaced surrounding communities as well as Dane County and the
State of Wisconsin as a whole.
Figure 1: Population Trends, 1990 - 2016
1990
2000
2010
2016 Estimate
2000 - 2010
Percent Change
Village of Cross Plains 2,362 3,084 3,538 3,914 14.7%
Town of Cross Plains 1,320 1,419 1,507 1,670 6.2%
Town of Berry 1,248 1,084 1,127 1,201 4.0%
City of Middleton 13,289 15,770 17,442 18,707 10.6%
City of Madison 191,262 208,054 233,209 246,034 12.1%
Dane County 367,085 426,526 488,073 516,818 14.4%
Wisconsin 4,891,769 5,363,675 5,686,986 5,754,798 6.0%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census.
Commented [BW3]: It was stated in the Plan Commission
notes that this would be updated with the results from the
Survey that was filled out by residents
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter One: Issues and Opportunities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 6
From 1970 through 2016, the Village of Cross Plains grew by 2,436 people. This represents a total
increase of 165 percent over 46 years, as shown in Figure 2. The Village has experienced substantial
growth in the last 26 years, with an approximate 66 percent increase in population between 1990 and
2016.
Figure 2: Village of Cross Plains Population Change 1970 - 2016
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2016 Percent Change
1990 - 2016
1,478 2,156 2,362 3,084 3,538 3,914 65.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census.
Population Projections
Three different sets of population projections are depicted in Figure 3a. Using the U.S. Census Bureau
2016 population estimate (3,914) as a baseline, the table projects the 22-year population, at 5-year
intervals. For the purposes of this Plan, linear growth based on the number of new residents in Cross
Plains from 2000-2016 will be used to calculate future park needs (see highlighted row in Table 3a).
Figure 3a: Village of Cross Plains Population Projections
Source 2018 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
Wisconsin Department of Administration
Population Projections 3,855 3,795 3,965 4,125 4,230 4,320
Linear Growth (based on number of new
residents per year from 1990-2016) 4,054 4,193 4,543 4,892 5,241 5,590
Linear Growth (based on number of new
residents per year from 2000-2016) 4,018 4,122 4,381 4,640 4,900 5,159
Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration, U.S. Census, Vandewalle & Associates projections.
Figure 3b: Village of Cross Plains Population & Household Projections
Source 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
Linear Growth (based on number of
new residents per year from 2000-
2016)
2,538 3,834 4,122 4,381 4,640 4,900 5,159
Projected Household Size (DOA) 2.55 2.51 2.48 2.45 2.43 2.41 2.39
Household Projections 994 1,529 1,664 1,786 1,086 2,034 2,156
Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration, U.S. Census, Vandewalle & Associates projections.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter One: Issues and Opportunities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 7
Demographic Trends
Age Distribution
Figure 4b compares the age distribution of several communities in Dane County and the State. The
median age for the Village of Cross Plains is 38.1 years. This figure is slightly higher than Dane County and
the City of Madison, which are likely impacted by the number university students, but considerably lower
than most of the comparable surrounding communities listed in the table, suggesting a relatively young
population overall. Of note, roughly one third of Village residents are between 20 and 44 years old,
representing potential young professionals and families with young children. Additionally, nearly 25
percent of the population is over the age of 55, a group that will likely require services and amenities that
can accommodate seniors and facilitate aging in place.
Figure 4a. Age Distribution, Village of Cross Plains, 2016
Village of Cross Plains
Total Population 3,914
Median Age 38.1
Age Population Percentage Age Population Percentage
Under 5 years 240 6% 45 to 54 years 603 15%
5 to 9 years 342 9% 55 to 59 years 297 8%
10 to 14 years 338 9% 60 to 64 years 239 6%
15 to 19 years 176 4% 65 to 74 years 249 6%
20 to 24 years 158 4% 75 to 84 years 142 4%
25 to 34 years 551 14% 85 years+ 24 1%
35 to 44 years 555 14%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Figure 4b. Age Distribution, Regional Comparison, 2016
Village of
Cross Plains
Town of
Cross Plains
Town of
Berry
City of
Middleton
City of
Madison
Dane
County Wisconsin
Total Population 3,914 1,670 1,201 18,707 246,034 516,818 5,754,798
Median Age 38.1 48.1 50.4 38.8 30.8 34.7 39.1
Under 5 years 6% 7% 5% 5% 5% 6% 6%
5 to 9 years 9% 5% 5% 5% 5% 6% 6%
10 to 14 years 9% 5% 5% 6% 4% 6% 6%
15 to 19 years 4% 5% 5% 7% 8% 7% 7%
20 to 24 years 4% 6% 4% 8% 16% 10% 7%
25 to 34 years 14% 11% 6% 14% 19% 16% 13%
35 to 44 years 14% 6% 13% 12% 12% 13% 12%
45 to 54 years 15% 19% 15% 13% 10% 13% 14%
55 to 59 years 8% 11% 11% 7% 5% 6% 7%
60 to 64 years 6% 9% 11% 8% 5% 6% 6%
65 to 74 years 6% 10% 13% 9% 6% 7% 8%
75 to 84 years 4% 5% 6% 4% 3% 3% 5%
85 years+ 1% 2% 0% 1% 2% 2% 2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter One: Issues and Opportunities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 8
Household Trends and Projections Figure 5 shows household projections for the Village through the year 2040, which was calculated using the projected number of new households from Figure 3b. These projections were informed by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), which provided the household size projections, while Village used its own estimate for the projected number of households. Based on the Village’s projections, the Village will have 2,156 households in 2040, or approximately 1,100 additional households than in 2010. For the purposes of planning, household projections are translated into an estimated demand for additional housing units. It should be noted that the demand for future housing units will be based not only on increases in population, but also on fluctuations in the Village’s average household size (see Figure 3b). For example, as household sizes decreases, as is projected for the Village, more housing units will be needed to meet housing demands. Figure 5: Household Projections 2010-2040
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 994 1,529 1,664 1,786 1,086 2,034 2,156 Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration, U.S. Census, Vandewalle & Associates projections Additional details on housing trends can be found in Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development. Education and Employment Trends Detailed information on education and employment trends can be found in Chapter Seven: Economic Development. Public Participation Process Comprehensive Plan Public Opinion Survey As part of the public planning process for the 2018 Comprehensive Plan Update, the Village of Cross Plains completed a public survey from June to July 2018. This survey gathered input from citizens regarding, planning challenges, community priorities, and desired land uses. The Village received 236 survey responses. Some of the major findings include: Homeowners and households with minor children represent the overwhelming majority of respondents in the sample so for a small set of issues, mainly dealing with housing and some programming interests, the results may not adequately reflect the views of renters or households without children, like seniors, in Cross Plains. Respondents were a mix of new (23 percent) and long-time residents (27 percent), which provides varied perspectives on the Village’s character and amenities.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter One: Issues and Opportunities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 9
Respondents identified a number of areas they felt were lacking in Cross Plains compared to other
communities, including the lack of senior housing options, limited amenities and local commercial
opportunities, including retail and dining, transportation and mobility limitations, in particular the
lack of bus service, and the high cost of utilities and taxes.
58 percent of citizens responded that they were satisfied with the quality of life in the Village and felt
that it had been consistent over the last five years, without any significant declines or improvements.
42 percent of respondents saw an increase in the Village’s walkability through a more complete
sidewalk network as an improvement to quality of life as well.
58 percent of respondents strongly favored the Village hosting a major event, similar to the previous
World’s Fair event, that would serve as a signature for the community, a point of pride for residents
and an attraction for visitors.
In considering economic strategies for the Village, 46 percent of respondents were in favor of
redeveloping existing commercial, office, and industrial areas, and 32 percent are looking to the
Village to take a proactive approach to economic development, including attracting new jobs in
emerging, high growth sectors, like information technology and bio-technology.
When asked about the types of businesses they would like to see in the Village, respondents strongly
supported a mix of business that serve the local population, like sit-down restaurants (78 percent), a
hardware store (81 percent), specialty shops (39 percent), personal services (36 percent), and locally
owned businesses (74 percent). A third of respondents also suggested attracting businesses that
would provide expanded employment in the Village, like research and development facilities,
information technology businesses, light manufacturing, and professional and corporate offices. This
mix of businesses and interests represents a split that was identified throughout the public
participation process.
The primary transportation issues identified in the survey are pedestrian and bicycle safety as well as
access to transportation alternatives besides personal automobiles, including expanded options for
walking and biking, and the condition and maintenance of roads.
Housing concerns discussed in the survey focused on attracting new residents to existing homes,
improving and modernizing existing housing and expanding senior housing options.
According to survey responses 52 percent of citizens see increased recycling and waste reduction as a
way for the Village to be more sustainable, while 46 percent support energy efficient design and
construction, and 37 percent favor redevelopment and infill construction as ways methods to
increase sustainability.
In light of the Village’s significant natural assets, including Black Earth Creek and numerous hillside
conservation areas, residents find preservation and protection of Cross Plains’ natural resources
important, and 80 percent indicate that they are most concerned with the preservation of Village’s
water quality, its scenic views, and expansive woodlands.
Survey respondents were asked to identify community facility needs, indicating which facilities were
limited in the Village. Responses range from park system facilities, like a dog park, bike trails and
paths, basketball courts, restrooms in parks, a splash pad, and indoor recreational facilities, to
placemaking improvements like an outdoor performance venue and public art.
The survey also asked respondents to rank the parks and recreation programs most important to
them. The top result was youth sports programs, second was special events and festivals, third was
youth learn-to-swim programs, and fourth was adult fitness and wellness programs.
40 percent of survey respondents were willing to prioritize developing new walking and biking
facilities to create a more connected network, 33 percent felt acquiring land for conservation was a
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter One: Issues and Opportunities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 10
top priority, and 35 percent favored developing a new outdoor pool facility to replace the existing,
outdated pool at Municipal Park.
Finally, survey respondents indicated goals they were willing to prioritize and allocate resources to,
including tax dollars. These goals include maintaining reasonable property taxes, enhancing economic
development, and improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Residents also expressed a willingness
to allocate resources to increasing the Village’s sustainability, improving educational opportunities for
all ages, and enhancing recreational programming.
Additional themes and areas of priority were also revealed in the written comments to the survey.
Emergent concerns included:
The need for a community center in the Village
The lack of a dog park in the current parks and open space system
A need for more senior housing options, including affordable options for seniors looking to downsize
their home but stay in the community
Improvements to pedestrian facilities as well as expanding bike networks
The importance of business attraction, particularly downtown businesses like a hardware store and
more varied dining options
The desire for a signature community event or festival and the need to establish a Village identity or
brand that sets Cross Plains apart from other Villages in the region
More sports fields, including soccer, lacrosse, and baseball
Concerns about the high costs of property taxes and fees, including water and sewer
Plan Commission Meetings
Plan Commission meetings are generally held monthly, official public notices are published before each
meeting, and public comments are accepted at every meeting.
Village Staff and consultants presented the Comprehensive Plan three times over the course of the
planning process. At these meetings, draft progress was shared as well as input from the public
participation process. Staff and consultants also discussed key policy questions that required Plan
Commission feedback and determinations. These decisions included changing the industrial area to the
northeast of the Village to Planned Neighborhood on the Future Land Use Map (Maps 4a and 4b), in light
of the Village’s priority to focus on local serving businesses and economic development, rather than the
establishment of a business park, as was recommended in the previous Comprehensive Plan. The Plan
Commission also discussed and determined the appropriate future growth areas to be shown on the
Future Land Use Map.
Public Visioning Workshop
A public workshop was held on June 7, 2018 at the Cross Plains-Berry Fire Station. Attendees participated
in exercises to share feedback and highlight community priorities for the Plan.
Workshop participants were asked to share what they valued most about Cross Plains, what challenges
the Village faces, and what opportunities they see in the Village.
Top Assets Included:
Small-town, community feel
Natural resources and environmental
assets
Recreational opportunities
Public services (Police and Fire)
Park system
Safety
Middleton-Cross Plains School District
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Top Challenges Included: Growth and interest in community and geographical constraints No signature Village event; dwindling community activities Dated community facilities (pool, police station, village hall) Maintaining Village character with new development Top Opportunities Included: Location in a high growth region Cross Plains has unique character in Dane County Relative affordability Trails, parks, natural assets attract visitors High levels of interest from potential residents Engaging residents, particularly new residents, in Village affairs Lack of businesses or self-sustaining economy, particularly on Main Street Lack of maintenance of commercial buildings Unique natural assets can be core to Village’s identity Build a Village brand or identity to set it apart Expand connectivity High-value land now has developer interest Following discussion and consensus on many of the issues summarized above, small groups were asked to identify areas in and around the Village that they thought should be emphasized in the Comprehensive Plan. Each small group marked up a map of the Village to indicate areas of concern or areas where opportunities exist. They were asked to identify new road connections, new bicycle/pedestrian facilities, infill and redevelopment sites, preservation areas, gathering places, and transportation issues. A summary of this input is as follows: Key infill and redevelopment sites included Glacier’s Edge Square, the Bourbon Road industrial area that abuts the railroad tracks, and properties along Main Street and Mill Creek Parkway. Key gathering places include Zander Park and the Black Earth Creek, Village Hall, and Glacier's Edge Square as the former location of the Village Farmers Market. Areas to be preserved included lands to the west of the Village, along USH 14, as well as north of the Village. Transportation issues were identified at Brewery Road and Baer Street and also at Laufenberg Boulevard and Saint Francis Street. New or improved road connections were suggested on the east side of the Village to connect the neighborhoods north of Thinnes Street along the east side of Glacier Creek Middle School to Evergreen Parkway and USH 14, as well as a connection from Church Street east to Airport Road. Participants recommended connecting the Village to communities to the east and west via multi- use trails that travel along USH 14 to the south of the Village and connect to Airport Road in the east. Additionally, paths or designated bike routes were recommended in the Village’s Main Street to connect Park Elementary School to Glacier Creek Middle School and the surrounding residential areas, providing a safe network for children and families that walk or bicycle to school and other community facilities.
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Participants were also asked to identify locations that would be appropriate for new residential,
commercial, or industrial development. A summary of this input is as follow:
New residential development was suggested in greenfield areas north of the Village, east of
Springfield Road as well as west of Brewery Road. New residential was also identified east of
Glacier Creek Middle School, north of Saint Francis Catholic Church and School, and southeast
along CTH KP.
New commercial development was recommended west of the Village along USH 14 and to the
northeast along CTH P.
None of the participant groups suggested locations for new industrial development, however,
discussions did recommend improving the industrial space along Bourbon Road as well as the
possibility of a business park that could accommodate light industrial businesses.
Finally, participants were also asked to share their top priorities for the Village to address over the next
decade. The group developed a list of priorities, and then each person was provided five sticky dots to
place next to their preferred priorities. Participants could place as many dots as they would like next to
any given priority. Top priorities included (in order of the most highly-rated):
1. New Village Hall/Community Center
2. Economic Development Attracting Small
and Mid-Sized Businesses
3. Proactive Residential Planning
4. Downtown Commercial Infill
5. Long-term Conservation
6. Maintenance of Properties
7. Residential Growth
Focus Groups and Interviews
Stakeholder interviews with interest groups were conducted on June 7, 2018. Seven groups were
identified by the Village staff and consulted on issues including, economic development, local businesses,
environmental, recreation and sports leagues, and community development. Over the course of the day,
approximately 20 individuals participated in these discussions. A summary of interview comments is
included below:
Economic Development and Local Businesses
Pleased with the reconstruction of Main Street, but disappointed by the loss of street parking for
businesses.
Public improvements to Zander Park and the Black Earth Creek have created a regional draw to
the Village that should be embraced and expanded.
Excited about the interest in the Village and the population growth. Need to engage new
residents and bring them into Village life.
Village needs to encourage more use of Main Street businesses, by residents and visitors, and
expand options to provide more alternatives for people to stop.
Currently, residents and others in the region are pulled to larger communities like Middleton for
shopping and dining, especially families with students that utilize schools and other facilities in
those areas.
If Cross Plains wants to attract businesses, need to have more versatile space available.
Lack of business park makes attracting employers difficult
Need a strong community identity. Efforts are underway through the Gateway to the Driftless
committee.
Several redevelopment opportunities exist in the Village, in particular Glacier’s Edge Square,
which is poorly maintained, continually has commercial vacancies and the gathering space
needed to realize its intended purpose as a mixed-use development.
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Environmental
Excited by the improvements to Zander Park and remediation of the creek.
The park system is excellent.
Village should expand connectivity between parks for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Village has strong conservation ordinances, need to continue stewardship and protection of its
unique natural assets.
Village needs to establish its unique identity and its natural resources should be at the core of
that identity and brand. Emphasize all of the natural and recreational opportunities in the Village.
Recreation and Sports Leagues
Some park facilities could be improved with electricity and shelters to make them more usable.
The Village has a shortage of playfields for sports, including soccer, lacrosse, and baseball.
Existing baseball fields need improvement in order to attract more participants in the baseball
program, which has been stagnant.
Zander Park needs a strong gathering place.
The recreational programming is very strong.
Pool facility is outdated and needs major repairs or relocation.
Community Development
Disappointed by the lack of community center
Community needs a strong identity or brand and rebuild a signature community event to
enhance Village pride.
Village needs to get more residents, especially new residents, involved in community activities
and invested in the Village.
Great partnerships exist between Village organizations, including the Middleton-Cross Plains
School District, Northwest Dane Senior Services, the Life Foundation, and the Village. Groups
should continue these relationships and expand collaborations.
Several public facilities need updating including, Village Hall, the Police Station, the Library, and
the Pool.
Public Hearing
The final approval process included a public hearing on December 17, 2018, preceded by a 30-day
comment period prior to adoption in accordance with State Statute.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter One: Issues and Opportunities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 14
Goals, Objectives, Policies, Programs, and Recommendations Each subsequent chapter of this Comprehensive Plan Update includes goals, objectives, policies, programs, and recommendations that will provide direction and policy guidance to Plan Commission members, Village Board members, residents, and other interested groups and individuals for the next 20+ years. Goals, objectives, policies, programs, and recommendations are defined below: Goals are broad, advisory statements that express general public priorities about how the Village should approach development issues. Goals are based on key issues and opportunities that are affecting the Village. Objectives more specifically identify future direction. By accomplishing an objective, the Village moves closer to achieving its goals. Policies are rules or courses of action implemented to achieve specific objectives. Village staff and officials should use policies on a day-to-day basis when making decisions. Programs are specific projects or services that are intended to move the Village toward achieving its goals, objectives, and policies. Recommendations provide detailed information regarding how to implement objectives, policies, and programs. Commented [SusCom4]: Add environmental sustainability into the overall vision statement
VILLAGE OF CROSS PLAINS OVERALL VISION Looking forward to 2035 and beyond, the Village desires a safe, clean, attractive and prosperous community that residents of all ages are proud to call home. There will be available a range of housing choices by price and features and a sustainable business environment. The rich natural resources of the Village and surrounding countryside, and the Black Earth Creek in particular, will continue to be a defining feature of the community due to careful preservation efforts. Environmental sustainability is incorporated into Village operations with a focus on smart growth that fosters climate resiliency, energy efficiency, conservation, clean air and water, renewable energy sources, reduced transportation emissions, and flood mitigation. Residents and visitors alike will be able to travel freely throughout the community by car, bike, or foot, and commuter transit service to Madison will reinforce the strong economic relationship with the metropolitan area. Though ties with Madison will strengthen, the Village will retain its character and identity.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 15
Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural, Recreational, and Cultural Resources This chapter of the Comprehensive Plan contains background data, goals, objectives, policies, and recommended programs for agricultural preservation, natural resource conservation, and cultural resource protection. Agricultural Resources
Agricultural Resource Inventory Traditionally, the Village of Cross Plains served the surrounding agricultural hinterland as a local service center and collection point for agricultural products that were grown and harvested in the Towns of Berry and Cross Plains. The Village’s reliance upon agriculture has lessened over time as the Village has increasingly turned into a bedroom community for the Madison urban area. While the economic reliance upon agriculture has diminished, rolling farmland still dominates the landscape around the Village and is an important aspect of the local sense of place. Dane County is one of the most productive agricultural counties in Wisconsin. At the same time, according to the American Farmland Trust, the County is in the third most threatened farm area in the country. According to the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission’s Regional Trends 2016: Agricultural Resources Plan, Dane County has lost farm and forest land at a steady rate of about 17 percent since 1980. Two powerful forces are working together to contribute to the farmland loss in Dane County: 1) the rapid pace of development and; 2) market forces and federal policies that make it increasingly difficult for many farmers to make profits. The State of Wisconsin, in order to protect farms and farmland, created Wisconsin’s Farmland Preservation Program. Under this program, the state provides income tax credits to farm owners who keep their property in agricultural use. The law allows an income tax credit for landowners in counties with Farmland Preservation Plans and who have land zoned for exclusive agricultural use. The amount of credit is determined by a formula based on the household income of the farmland owner, the amount of property tax, and the type of land use provisions protecting the farmland (e.g. Farmland Preservation Plans and Exclusive Agricultural Zoning). A county agriculture preservation plan is required for participation in the program. The plans contain statements of policy regarding preservation of agricultural lands, urban growth, the provision of public facilities and the protection of significant natural resource, open space, scenic, historic or architectural areas. The Dane County Farmland Preservation Plan, updated and adopted by the County Board on December 3, 1981 in December 2022, is largely a compilation of town land use plans. This compilation was updated in the 2012 (amended 2024) Dane County Comprehensive Plan. The Village of Cross Plains is bordered by several large scale, monoculture farms in all directions. The farms contribute to a rural feel in the community, however there is a considerable risk for pesticide and
AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY Work with surrounding Towns and through current regulations to limit the conversion of farmland in areas not identified for development in this Plan. Promote farmland preservation through strategies that ensure the economic viability of future agricultural operations. Commented [SusCom5]: Rolling hills and a rural feel is mentioned by many respondents to the 2025 Village resident survey as a key component to why they love and continue to live in CP. Although farmland contributes to this feel, preserving monoculture farmland around the Village is not in line with sustainability goals as this type of farming is responsible for chemical runoff entering our land and waterways. Goals that are in line with sustainability include purchasing surrounding land for conservation, flood mitigation, or smart (high density) growth. Controlling the rate, type, and location of development on this land is within the Village’s purview. Commented [BW6]: It does not seem like the Village should be pushing for farmland preservation per se. The Town of CP already has a handle on this to the south. And, the Village is going to need some of this farmland for development. Perhaps we should emphasize that its important to retain farmland atop the bluffs and less so in the valleys. Valleys should be left for development and transition (perhaps with some ag) to buffers before meeting the creek. Commented [BW7]: This is still be most recent report from CARPC on this matter, at least he most recent published online. https://www.capitalarearpc.org/category/publications/regional-trends-report/ Commented [SusCom8]: Recommend to remove paragraph 2, 3, and 4 in the Agricultural Inventory since farmland preservation is not exactly a Village goal, but rather a state and county program for individual farm owners. Add additional as written below these paragraphs. Commented [SusCom9]: Recommend to remove paragraph 2, 3, and 4 in the Agricultural Inventory since farmland preservation is not exactly a Village goal, but rather a state and county program for individual farm owners. Add additional as written here.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 16
fertilizer runoff onto Village land and waterways as well as contamination of groundwater.
At the same time, there are robust polyculture and regenerative farm offerings that remain within Dane
County and the communities surrounding the Village of Cross Plains. When Village residents use local
agricultural products there is a reduction of carbon emissions in production and transportation.
Supporting local polyculture and regenerative farms through direct-to-consumer programs is an
important investment in the local economy. Supporting Village residents to participate in horticulture
(gardening) efforts helps to retain production of food close to home.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 17
Soil Type, Composition, and Drainage
Soil suitability is a key factor in determining the best and most cost-effective locations for new urban
growth. The majority of the Cross Plains urban service area is covered by soils well-suited for urban
development, including 19 percent of Type 1 and 2 percent of Type 2 soils.
The soil erosion rate within Cross Plains is less than four tons per acre per year (TAY). However, the
Village is surrounded by highly erodible soils, with erosion rates greater than 10 TAY. To maintain the
farmland and the quality of the Black Earth Creek, farmers need to continue to use enhanced soil
conservation techniques. Developers should observe the Village’s Erosion, Sediment and Water Runoff
Control Ordinance to safeguard against increased future erosion and to protect the Black Earth Creek.
Agricultural Resource Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Goals:
1. Protect agricultural lands and resources in areas in the Village’s planning area, until such time as
urban development (served by public sanitary sewer and water systems) in the Village is warranted.
Objectives:
1. Recognize the value of farmland for its economic and open space values.
2. Protect farm operations from incompatible land uses and activities that may adversely affect the
capital investment in agricultural land, improvements, and equipment, including low density
residential development.
3. Work with the surrounding towns to help preserve farming as a viable occupation and way of life.
Policies:
1. Carefully consider the location of productive agricultural lands before making decisions on the
expansion of municipal services or growth.
2. Consider using extraterritorial land division review in support of this adopted Plan to limit
development in or near productive farming and natural areas.
3. Work with the towns and County to encourage a compact, orderly, efficient development pattern
within the current or future Village boundaries that minimizes land use and/or intergovernmental
conflicts.
4. Help preserve existing farmland by promoting the available programs that help farmers stay in
business or protect farmland from more intensive development including the Credit Relief Outreach
Program, Purchase or Transfer of Development Rights Programs, and programs offered by the
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.
Commented [SusCom10R2]: The Sustainability
Committee agrees with the Plan Commission notes that the
current goals, policies, and objectives should be removed.
Recommendations for replacement are included here
Commented [BW10]: This I don’t understand. So our goal
is to not protect the ag land; its to ensure that the Village has
the ability to develop it when needed. Thus, I would argue
that our goal should not be guised in protecting ag UNLESS
we really want to protect ag, then we should have the goal
of preserving ag, period. Depending on how the commission
feels about this, we should consider removing this entire
goal/objective/polices. If we keep it, it could use a little
reworking.
Commented [BW11]: I presume that we want to protect
it from low density (town) development so we can put higher
density development on it (ie. within the village limits). I see
this as a land use issue more than farmland preservation
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
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Goals:
1. Protect village land and waterways from harmful contamination from agricultural sources
2. Increase use of local agricultural products among Village residents.
Objectives:
1. Minimize runoff of pesticides and fertilizers onto Village land and into the waterways
2. Promote local farm products via direct-to-consumer programs
3. Increase Village resident participation in gardening for local food production
Policies:
1. Ensure vegetative zones are between farmland and waterways
2. Consider purchase of surrounding land for preservation and redevelopment of natural wetlands and prairie, both
of which can reduce chemical infiltration into groundwater.
3. Partner with local farms and designate a site in the village that can be used for community supported agriculture
(CSA) share drop-off. Preferably this site would be indoors or protected from outdoor elements.
4. Continue to support a permanent space for a farmer’s market
5. Encourage Village restaurants to utilize local agricultural products in their offerings through partnership with the
local Chamber of Commerce
6. Communicate support to the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) in providing local agricultural
products in school provided meals
7. Establish a permanent space for a community garden that is not subject to flooding
Agricultural Resource Programs and Recommendations
Beyond the policies outlined above, the Village of Cross Plains will work on the following programs
designed to help retain the area’s agricultural base.
Continue to Exercise Subdivision Review Authority to Limit Development within the
Village’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
Large areas of lands within the Village’s extraterritorial planning area that are not in environmental
corridor have been categorized on the Village’s future land use map (see Maps 4a and 4b) as
agriculture/rural. It is recommended that the Village continue to exercise its subdivision review authority
within its 1.5-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction to limit housing development in these areas and to direct
intensive development (e.g. large subdivisions, multi-family residential, commercial, and industrial) to the
Village or other incorporated communities. See Chapter Three: Land Use for detailed policies.
Promote Direct Marketing of Farm Products to Consumers
In addition to preserving land for farming, the Village should be involved in efforts to ensure the
economic viability of future agricultural operations. This will involve cooperating with the surrounding
towns, counties, UW-Extension, Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DACTP),
and other public and non-profit organizations to develop markets for and identify ways to add value to
local agricultural products. Some ways in which the Village can contribute to these efforts include the
following:
a. Farmer’s Markets: Local farmers markets provide a direct means for farmers to sell their products
to the consumer, contribute to the local economy, and encourage members of the community to
come together. Cross Plains hosts a market during the summer months. The Village should
support the establishment of a permanent space for this event that attracts residents and visitors
Commented [SusCom12R2]: As far as farmer’s markets
and CSA - the Village can play an active roll in identifying and
providing space for these activities. For example, the Village
could partner with Crossroads Community Farm in the Town
of CP and offer a space in the new Village hall as a weekly
vegetable box pick up site for residents.
Commented [BW12]: Though I agree that this is a good
thing, it is unclear to me what roll exactly that the Village
would have. We can leave this in here but wonder if its
something we can do.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 19
and meets the needs of vendors. A permanent location for the farmer’s market will help it grow
to be a regional destination and attraction.
b. Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs: A CSA program allows farmers to sell shares
of their products directly to consumers in advance of the growing season. Such programs
encourage healthful food choices, support local farmers, and relieve some of the burdens and
uncertainties associated with conventional marketing approaches. There is an abundance of CSA
programs in southern Wisconsin, including many based in Dane County. The Village has an
opportunity to advance these programs by supporting and promoting the programs wherever
possible. Some relatively simple and straightforward approaches might be to arrange for the
display of informational pamphlets for local CSA programs in Village Hall, encourage farmer’s
market vendors to advertise their CSA programs, or to post information and links on the Village’s
website that inform residents about available CSA programs.
c. Restaurants: Cross Plains would benefit from more restaurants located in the Village to serve
residents and employees of Village businesses. Restaurants represent an opportunity for the
establishment of restaurants, bakeries and cafes that purchase, serve, and generally promote
locally grown foods. The type of restaurant that offers handmade food from locally grown
products would be an asset to a family-oriented, hard-working community like Cross Plains, but
this concept could also be used to market the restaurant to people who live outside the Village in
surrounding communities.
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d. Schools: Since it is necessary for schools to consistently purchase large quantities of food, local food producers would offer fresh, in-season, healthful products that would promote the health of students. The Middleton-Cross Plains School District could become involved in the Wisconsin Homegrown lunch program. The goal of this program is to incorporate fresh, nutritious, local, and sustainably grown food to school lunch menus. Involvement in this program benefits the health and wellbeing of students and school faculty, supports the local agricultural economy, and establishes partnerships between the school district and local farms. This creates opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom about agriculture and food production. Natural Resources
A survey of Cross Plains’ natural resources provides an important framework for guiding several elements of the Comprehensive Plan. As a growing community, such information can help identify the appropriate locations for certain types of development, and can pinpoint areas that should be preserved and managed for recreational purposes, stormwater management, and ground water protection. Maintenance of these natural features is also important for community appearance and for the functions they perform for natural communities. As the climate continues to change, the Village natural resources will also be threatened by invasive species, drought, wind events, flooding events, and other natural disasters. Strategic protection of natural resources will help mitigate these risks and lead to climate resiliency. Map 2 in this Plan depicts the Village’s key environmentally sensitive areas, some of which are described in more detail below. Natural Resource Inventory Natural resources, including soils, topography, surface water resources, and other natural features have a profound effect on a community’s development. These physical features directly impact where development will occur, and serve as a primary factor in the establishment and growth (or decline) of a community. Previous Cross Plains natural resource planning summaries over the past 27 33 years have been included in updates of this plan. The following subsection describes the natural resource characteristics found within the Cross Plains area. Landforms/Topography The Village of Cross Plains is located in a unique area of Wisconsin formed following the last ice age approximately 15,000 years ago. This area, referred to as the “Gateway to the Driftless Area,” is surrounded by moraine deposits and hills that were undisturbed by glacier ice which reached the edge of the community. The Glacial border, called the Johnstown Moraine, extends from the Town of Brooklyn through Verona and Cross Plains to the Wisconsin River. This historic event also provided for the development of unique geologic resources, picturesque hillsides, very fertile soils, and precious stands of oak and hickory trees. These unique landforms and steep topography present key challenges for planning, particularly with regard to preserving a high quality of life in the face of continued metropolitan expansion.
NATURAL RESOURCE RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY Protect natural resources – such as the Black Earth Creek environmental corridor – to enhance Village form and livability, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty. Adopt land use policies that promote a more compact development pattern, focusing on techniques that minimize the amount of land required for additional growth. Protect water quantity and quality through collaboration with local partners and aggressive Village policies. Work with local, regional, and state organizations on natural resource and recreation initiatives, particularly the Ice Age Trail.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 21
Nonmetallic Mineral Resources Mineral resources in the Cross Plains area are located outside of the Village limits. These generally consist of sand and gravel pits. The nearest mineral extraction sites are located west of the Village on CTH KP and southeast of the Village off of Stage Coach Rd. These are indicated on the Map 3: Existing Land Use. Drainage Basins The Cross Plains Area Stormwater Management Plan, completed in February 1996 by Town and Country Engineering, Inc., provides a detailed analysis of 18 runoff subbasins in the Cross Plains Area. The plan projects changes in land use through 2015 and recommends a schedule of improvements in each subbasin immediately, by 2015, and long term. This document should be consulted as part of any plat review in the Village or within the Village’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Groundwater Groundwater is a vital resource in the Village and its surrounding areas. The topography of the area, coupled with “key drainage locations, provide excellent infiltration of rainwater and subsequent groundwater recharge.”1 Rapid development in the Village and surrounding areas has raised concerns about future groundwater impacts, not only for the Village, but also for the Black Earth Creek Watershed as a whole. These resources face potential threats from chemical and animal waste materials in agricultural runoff. As development increases, so does groundwater withdrawal in the watershed. This withdrawal, along with a possible decrease in groundwater recharge, poses a serious future threat to the groundwater in the Village and surrounding area. There are many additional resources to consult regarding groundwater, including, but not limited to: the WisDNR, Dane County, Trout Unlimited, the Natural Heritage Land Trust Groundswell Conservancy, the Black Earth Creek Watershed Association, American Farmland Trust, Capital Area Regional Planning Commission, and others. Surface Water/Stream Corridors Three creeks are located in the Cross Plains area: Brewery Creek, Garfoot Creek and Black Earth Creek. Brewery Creek from the north and Garfoot Creek from the south, feed into Black Earth Creek. The Black Earth Creek has historically been noted as one of the most productive trout streams in the State of Wisconsin. The Black Earth Creek average streamflow is approximately 31.9 cubic feet per second (cfs). Periods of large and rapid runoffs are typical during snowmelt and summer thunderstorms. An estimated 80 percent of the Black Earth Creek is from groundwater discharge. Several of the springs that discharge directly into the Creek have flow rates in excess of 2000 gallons per minute, or .466 cfs. The remaining 20 percent of the flow is from surface water runoff. Map 2: Agricultural, Open Space, and Environmental Corridors includes a red contour line that is the Three Year Ground Water Capture Zone. Because the Cross Plains creeks are largely spring fed, it is important to protect the surrounding groundwater from depletion or contamination. Water that is absorbed into the ground near the creeks will eventually reach the creeks, and water that is absorbed into the ground inside the three year capture zone is likely to reach the adjacent creek within three years. It is especially important to prevent groundwater contamination in these areas because of the direct and near-immediate impact on the creeks. Steep slopes, narrow valley floor and impervious development create a tenuous situation for flood events. In response to the August 2018 flood event, the Village completed the Village of Cross Plains Flood Control Systems Improvements study. The study indicates that the preservation of natural
Commented [BW13]: Do we have a newer one? Commented [BW14]: Could also reference CARPC’s Green Infrastructure Planning for BEC: https://www.capitalarearpc.org/green-infrastructure-planning-in-the-black-earth-creek-watershed/ Commented [BW15]: I found the average to be 24 cf/s in last 365 days for the location by the sewer treatment plant, but perhaps their number is for multiple locations Commented [BW16]: Update
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 22
resources/systems can mitigate the severity of flood events by promoting water infiltration, restoring
wetlands, stabilizing eroded shores and gullies, and promoting native and perennial land cover practices.
1 WisDNR; Black Earth Creek Watershed (LW17)
Commented [SusCom17]: Recommend moving this to
the flooding section. See below for proposed changes.
Commented [BW18]: This will not be left blank!
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 23
Floodplains/Flooding
Extensive flood hazard areas are located along both the Black Earth Creek and Brewery Creek. The Federal
Emergency Management Agency defines floodplains as “Any land area susceptible to being inundated by
floodwaters from any source.” The 100-year flood area, where flooding probability is greater than 1
percent in any year, is generally restricted to no development by State Statute-authorized local zoning.
The August 2018 flood event caused historic damage to the Village infrastructure, contaminated
waterways, and threatened human life and property. Events that were once thought to occur every 100
to 1000 years are anticipated to become more common in the setting of a changing climate.
The unique topography of the Village of Cross Plains increases the risk of future flooding. Steep slopes,
narrow valley floor and impervious development create a tenuous situation for flood events. In response
to the August 2018 flood event, the Village completed the Village of Cross Plains Flood Control Systems
Improvements study. The study indicates that the preservation of natural resources/systems can mitigate
the severity of flood events by promoting water infiltration, restoring wetlands, stabilizing eroded shores
and gullies, and promoting native and perennial land cover practices.
Wetlands
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service defines wetlands as follows:
A wetland is defined by the Cowardin classification system as lands transitional between terrestrial and
aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface off the land and is covered by
shallow water. For purposes of this classification, wetlands must have one or more of the following three
attributes: (1) at least periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes, (2) the substrate is
predominantly undrained hydric soil, and (3) the substrate is non-soil and is saturated with water or
covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of each year." The definition section of
the Cowardin et al. paper states that "The primary objective of this classification is to impose boundaries
on natural ecosystems for the purposes of inventory, evaluation, and management."
The US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the US Environmental Protection Agency define wetlands as
follows:
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration
sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs,
and similar areas. Wetlands are areas that are covered by water or have waterlogged soils for long periods
during the growing season. Plants growing in wetlands are capable of living in saturated soil conditions for
at least part of the growing season. Wetlands such as swamps and marshes are often obvious, but some
wetlands are not easily recognized, often because they are dry during part of the year or "they just don't
look very wet" from the roadside. Some of these wetland types include, but are not limited to, many
bottomland forests, pocosins, pine savannahs, bogs, wet meadows, potholes, and wet tundra. The
information presented here usually will enable you to determine whether you might have a wetland.
Woodlands
Woodlands in the Village of Cross Plains area are generally located outside the Village limits. While there
are spots of wooded lands in the Village limits, these are generally located on steep slopes that cannot be
developed, or on hilltops. Outside of the Village limits, there are many wooded areas that contribute to the
natural beauty of the area, and are a major attraction for existing and new residents, as well as visitors.
Steep Slopes
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 24
Typical definitions for steep slope in Wisconsin vary from 12 percent to 20 percent (and greater).
Increased slope provides a number of development-related concerns and difficulties. A significant
concern is that developments on steep slopes increase erosion and stormwater runoff. This is
problematic as it can adversely affect water quality as debris and excess sediment is deposited into
surface and groundwater. Steep slopes are also generally less suitable for septic systems. It is broadly
recommended that areas identified as having a slope in excess of 12 percent be avoided for
development. If development is to happen on these areas, it is recommended that the developer prepare
detailed erosion controlled plans.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 25
Rare Species Occurrences/Wildlife Habitat
There are a number of rare, threatened or endangered species found in the Cross Plains area. A list of all
threatened or endangered species in Dane County Wisconsin can be found in Figure 6. on the DNR Wisconsin
Natural Heritage Inventory Working List at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/NHI/WList
Figure 6: Threatened and Endangered Species of Dane County
Scientific Name Common Name WI Status
Agalinis gattingeri Roundstem Foxglove Threatened
Agalinis skinneriana Pale False Foxglove Endangered
Asclepias lanuginosa Woolly Milkweed Threatened
Asclepias purpurascens Purple Milkweed Endangered
Asclepias sullivantii Prairie Milkweed Threatened
Besseya bullii Kitten Tails Threatened
Botrychium campestre Prairie Dunewort Endangered
Callitriche heterophylla Large Water-starwort Threatened
Camassia scilloides Wild Hyacinth Endangered
Carex laevivaginata Smooth-sheathed Sedge Endangered
Cirsium hillii Hill's Thistle Threatened
Cypripedium candidum White Lady's-slipper Threatened
Echinacea pallida Pale Purple Coneflower Threatened
Lespedeza leptostachya Prairie Bush Clover Endangered
Platanthera flava var. herbiola Pale Green Orchid Threatened
Platanthera leucophaea Eastern Prairie White Fringed Orchid Endangered
Polygala incarnata Pink Milkwort Endangered
Polytaenia nuttallii Prairie Parsley Threatened
Prenanthes aspera Rough Rattlesnake-root Endangered
Prenanthes crepidinea Nodding Rattlesnake-root Endangered
Ruellia humilis Hairy Wild Petunia Endangered
Schoenoplectus hallii Hall's Bulrush Endangered
Scutellaria parvula var. parvula Small Skullcap Endangered
Stuckenia vaginata Sheathed Pondweed Threatened
Triantha glutinosa False Asphodel Threatened
Trichophorum cespitosum Tufted Bulrush Threatened
Commented [SusCom19]: Recommend adding invasive
species as part of the inventory of wildlife in our community
as this is a large part of what threatens our plants and
animals. See recommended wording in the text below the
table
Commented [SusCom20R2]: Recommend the table to
be removed and put a link to the DNR current list Wisconsin
natural heritage inventory working list | | Wisconsin DNR
Commented [BW20]: Consultant should update this list
or it should be removed
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 26
Scientific Name Common Name WI Status
Acris blanchardi Blanchard's Cricket Frog Endangered
Aflexia rubranura Red-tailed Prairie Leafhopper Endangered
Ammodramus henslowii Henslow's Sparrow Threatened
Arcidens confragosus Rock Pocketbook Threatened
Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper Threatened
Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk Threatened
Chlidonias niger Black Tern Endangered
Crystallaria asprella Crystal Darter Endangered
Cycleptus elongatus Blue Sucker Threatened
Ellipsaria lineolata Butterfly Endangered
Empidonax virescens Acadian Flycatcher Threatened
Eptesicus fuscus Big Brown Bat Threatened
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon Endangered
Fundulus dispar Starhead Topminnow Endangered
Geothlypis formosa Kentucky Warbler Threatened
Hesperia ottoe Ottoe Skipper Endangered
Ictiobus niger Black Buffalo Threatened
Lampsilis higginsii Higgins Eye Endangered
Lampsilis teres Yellow & Slough Sandshells Endangered
Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike Endangered
Luxilus chrysocephalus Striped Shiner Endangered
Lythrurus umbratilis Redfin Shiner Threatened
Macrhybopsis hyostoma Shoal Chub Threatened
Moxostoma carinatum River Redhorse Threatened
Moxostoma duquesnei Black Redhorse Endangered
Myotis lucifugus Little Brown Bat Threatened
Myotis septentrionalis Northern Long-eared Bat Threatened
Notropis anogenus Pugnose Shiner Threatened
Ophisaurus attenuatus Slender Glass Lizard Endangered
Papaipema silphii Silphium Borer Moth Endangered
Perimyotis subflavus Eastern Pipistrelle Threatened
Plethobasus cyphyus Sheepnose Endangered
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 27
Scientific Name Common Name WI Status
Polyamia dilata Prairie Leafhopper Threatened
Polyodon spathula Paddlefish Threatened
Quadrula metanevra Monkeyface Threatened
Quadrula nodulata Wartyback Threatened
Setophaga cerulea Cerulean Warbler Threatened
Setophaga citrina Hooded Warbler Threatened
Sistrurus catenatus Eastern Massasauga Endangered
Speyeria idalia Regal Fritillary Endangered
Terrapene ornata Ornate Box Turtle Endangered
Thamnophis proximus Western Ribbonsnake Endangered
Tritogonia verrucosa Buckhorn Threatened
Truncilla donaciformis Fawnsfoot Threatened
Venustaconcha ellipsiformis Ellipse Threatened
Vireo bellii Bell's Vireo Threatened
1Wisconsin Status:
Endangered: continued existence in Wisconsin is in jeopardy.
Threatened: appears likely, within the foreseeable future, to become endangered.
Special Concern: species for which some problem of abundance or distribution is suspected but not yet
proven. (these were omitted from this list due to space constraints)
According to WisDNR, about 42% of the species on the Threatened or Endangered species lists are at risk
primarily because of invasive species, which can reproduce rapidly and out-compete native species for
resources. Wisconsin Statute Section 23.22(1)(c) defines invasive species as “nonindigenous species whose
introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health”. Slowing
the spread of invasive species has been found to help restore the natural habitats needed for native plants and
wildlife to thrive. A list of NR40 regulated invasive species can be found at
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/RegulatedSpecies
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 28
Parks and Open Space Master Plan
The Village updated its Parks and Open Space Master Plan in December 2018 in a concurrent planning
process as the Comprehensive Plan Update. The Plan lists a series of objectives and policies which should
be utilized when making decisions about parks and open space improvements. Additional information on
the parks and recreation facilities recommended in the 2018 Parks and Open Space Master Plan, see
Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities.
Ice Age Trail Corridor
The Ice Age Trail Corridor, as identified on Map 2, is part of a thousand-mile National ScenicTrail tracing Ice
Age formations across the State of Wisconsin. This corridor has been identified by the National Park Service,
Wisconsin DNR, and the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation Trail Alliance and is designed to protect critical
natural features that make up the Ice Age Trail.
Development proposals within the identified Ice Age Trail Corridor will be carefully scrutinized by the
Village. One condition of approval may be the requirement of a trail dedication through any lands set
aside for development. This dedication is meant to ensure that a trail is set aside for use by all residents
and visitors to the area so that they may experience the natural splendor of the Ice Age Trail Corridor. The
Corridor is reflected on maps in this plan to indicate areas for potential trail expansions and connections.
Water Quality Corridor (West of existing Village limits)
The Water Quality Corridor identified to the west of the Village is generally bounded by CTH KP and USH
14. This area, as outlined on Map 2: Agricultural, Open Space, and Environmental Corridors, is identified
for preservation. The Village will oppose any developments proposed for this corridor, excepting those
that are in support of existing agricultural operations.
Water Quality Corridor (East of existing Village limits)
The Water Quality Corridor identified to the east of the Village makes up a large portion of the Black Earth
Creek Watershed. This area is roughly defined by CTH P heading south of the Village and the northern
border of the Black Earth Creek Watershed as shown on Map 2. The Village will strongly scrutinize any
development proposal in this area to ensure that it does not adversely impact the Black Earth Creek or
the Village’s water supply. Developments will be required to maintain storm water at pre-development
levels, while also addressing thermal discharge.
Water Quality Corridor for Stream Protection
Village policy is to regulate development within close proximity to navigable streams in order to assure
recharge of the groundwater that supports the streams and in order to minimize water quality
degradation due to storm runoff. This will be accomplished by creating a water quality corridor zoning
overlay district for newly annexed lands providing for two levels of protection, depending upon the
proximity of lands to the streams.
The first level of protection is the creation of buffer zones in which no development other than parks and
Village utility facilities will be allowed. The buffer zones are:
300 feet from the centerline of streams that are classified as “outstanding resource waters” by the
Department of Natural Resources, which includes Black Earth Creek east of the wastewater treatment
plant,
Commented [BW21]: Currently being updated
Commented [BW22]: I think we should revisit this. What
does the commission feel now? Would we consider putting
ball fields there? Even if we don’t want to develop there, this
sentence seems so definitive.
Commented [SusCom23]: It has come to the attention of
the sustainability committee that at some point in the past
10 years the village ordinance 83.19 “Development in
Designated Water Quality Corridor Areas” was removed. This
ordinance was developed by the Water Quality Task Force
which was created in response to a referendum that passed
the Spring 2005 Village Election. The ordinance took effect in
2007 and created buffer zones in which no development
other than parks and Village utility facilities are allowed. The
2018 comprehensive plan included the definitions of these
buffer zones in the Water Quality Corridor for Stream
Protection section. However, it appears that the ordinance
was already removed prior to the finalization of the plan. At
the October 28, 2024 Village Board Meeting there was a vote
to officially remove the ordinance since it wasn’t in use
anymore, however there was very little discussion as to why
it was removed to begin with.
The sustainability committee strongly recommends that
ordinance 83.19 is reinstated and a policy should be added
to the 2028 comprehensive plan to reflect that. The
ordinance is important for both protecting our waterways
and preventing future flooding.
Questions that need answering:
When and why was the ordinance removed?
Did the Flood Control Systems Improvements Study
that was done after the 2018 flood change anything
with regards to the streams in our community and how
they would be classified by the DNR? For example,
would Brewery Creek now be considered “exceptional
waters”?
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 29
200 feet from the centerline of streams that are classified “exceptional waters” by the Department of
Natural Resources, including Garfoot Creek and Black Earth Creek west of Wastewater Treatment
Plant, and
150 feet from the centerline of all other streams, including Brewery Creek and the Swanson Swamp
drainage.
Undeveloped areas already within the Village limits will be controlled by the Erosion Control and
Stormwater Management Ordinance, with no specific buffer, but with development plans for these areas
being reviewed to accomplish as much protection as possible.
The second level of protection is for areas extending from the outside edge of the buffer to a point 1,500
feet from the centerline of the streams. In these areas the overlay district will provide that development
can occur only if 100 percent of the pre-settlement infiltration is achieved, and the mappable impervious
surface area of the development must be lower than 20 percent of the total area.
Steep Slopes
Existing Village policy, prior to Plan adoption, is to prohibit development on slopes greater than 20
percent. (A 20 percent slope is defined as beginning and ending at the upper end of a 10 foot vertical rise
in a horizontal distance of 50 feet.) Development is also prohibited within 150 feet above the point where
the 20 percent slope ends.
Public Lands
Existing and Proposed Public Lands are shown on Map 2. These lands are identified for use as public
spaces.
Prime Farmland
Most of the prime farmland around the Village is located within the Water Quality Corridors.
Natural Resource Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Goal:
1. Preserve natural features and amenities and conserve natural resources for the benefit of present
and future generations.
1.2. Protect the Village residents, businesses, and property from future flood events and other natural
disasters.
Objectives:
1. Protect shore land, floodplain, and wetland areas associated with Black Earth Creek, Brewery Creek,
and important groundwater and surface runoff capture zones as indicated on Map 2: Agricultural,
Open Space, and Environmental Corridors.
2. Protect the natural balance of the Black Earth Creek water system in a manner that enhances its
educational and recreational value as one of the most naturally productive trout streams in
Wisconsin.
3. Ensure that new developments minimize and mitigate the impact of development in defined
environmental corridors.
4. Work with Dane County, neighboring municipalities, state and federal agencies and property owners
to prevent erosion problems and reduce storm water runoff.
Commented [BW24]: If we want to change this we would
have to change existing Village policy. I think we can discuss
this and make recommendations, including keeping the
status quo
Commented [SusCom24R2]: The sustainability
committee recommends keeping this policy as is. There is
strong Village support for this policy as evidenced by the
recent Plan Commission and Board meetings related to
changes made to accommodate the Marchstone
development.
Commented [SusCom25]: Recommend to retain all
previous Natural Resources goals, objectives, and policies
from the 2018 comprehensive plan. Add additional goals,
objectives, and policies as proposed in the text which are
related primarily to stronger flood mitigation practices, but
also address climate resilience in general, as well as
considerations for developments that are currently
underway (Village Hall/police station, additional baseball
fields, golf courses, neighborhoods) and any future
developments within the next 1-2 decades. Preserving our
natural resources and flood mitigation should be at the
forefront of zoning and code changes as well as board
decisions regarding development.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 30
5. Require the use of methods that prevent soil erosion and reduce stormwater runoff on all
developments or operations that could discharge sediment to Black Earth Creek and its tributaries.
6. Maintain and restore the natural vegetation along undeveloped stream banks and floodplain areas.
7. Maintain the Village sewer treatment system in a manner that least impacts the stream water quality.
Discourage the use of septic systems in areas that could pollute groundwater discharging into the
stream.
8. Continue to protect steep slopes and hilltops from disruption as development occurs.
9. Work with the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation Trail Alliance to establish-maintain and enhance
the a trail segment through the Village of Cross Plains.
10. Work to provide adequate and sufficient ground water supplies by minimizing impermeable surfaces
and aiding stormwater infiltration within water recharge zones of contribution.
11. Encourage improvements in clean air quality by decreasing reliance on automobiles, switching to
electric vehicles/equipment where appropriate, preservation of wildland and woodland areas, and
community education on clean air.
12. Require abandonment of unpermitted, existing private wells.
Policies:
1. Development proposals within the Village of Cross Plains corporate limits or the 1.5 mile
extraterritorial authority zone shall not be approved unless in compliance with the Village of Cross
Plains’ regulatory tools including but not limited to the Zoning Ordinance, Land Division Ordinance,
Erosion, Sediment and Water Runoff Control Ordinance, Official Map, and Map 2: Agricultural, Open
Space, and Environmental Corridor in this Plan.
2. All new development projects shall include Village-approved stormwater management facilities.
3. All site plans, preliminary plats, and certified survey maps shall accurately depict all environmental
corridors and natural resource elements (e.g. wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, drainageways, etc.)
found on the site.
4. Carefully review development proposals within the Ice Age Trail Corridor on Map 2 for potential trail
right of way dedication.
5. New development projects will be required to maintain stormwater levels at their pre-development
rate before, during, and after site development.
6. Continue to ensure compliance with the Village’s steep slope and hilltop ordinance as development
occurs.
7. Continue to maintain the Village sewer treatment system and monitor it for impacts on water quality
in surrounding water resources.
8. Update Village policies regarding the development of septic systems around sensitive groundwater
recharge areas.
9. Review the Village’s wellhead protection plan and update as appropriate.
10. Continue to work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Dane County Land
Conservation to ensure that existing ordinances are updated as needed to protect the Black Earth
Creek.
11. Identify those forests, hilltops, and hillside areas that the Village wishes to preserve. Work with non-
governmental organizations (Natural Heritage Land Trust, Nature Conservancy, Groundswell
Conservancy, Ice Age Trail Alliance, etc.) to identify lands for preservation and pursue their
protection. See Utilities and Community Facilities chapter for detailed policies.
Commented [BW26]: Does someone know if we have
done this or not?
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 31
12. Coordinate efforts to protect critical natural resource areas, endangered species, and wildlife habitat
with non-governmental organizations and State and Federal bodies.
13. Continue to maintain and enhance the Village trail, sidewalk, and bike system as an alternative to
automobile transportation.
14. Discourage Do not allow the establishment of new mineral extraction operations within the Village
limits, except where they are associated with a development project on the same site and are
operated according to safe and clean standards.
15. Do not allow the establishment of new industries within the Village limits or ETJ that deplete or
contaminate natural resources or are energy intensive.
16. Re-instate Village ordinance 83.19 “Development in Designated Water Quality Corridor Areas”
which establishes buffer zones surrounding streams for both protecting waterways and preventing
future flooding.
17. Partner with the WisDNR to identify invasive species and implement mitigation strategies including prescribed
burns, regular and targeted mowing, and cleaning footwear or vessels before/after entering waterways.
18. Encourage residents to create natural habitats on their own property by permitting native/prairie lawns. Ensure
new developments allow for native/prairie yards.
19. Provide guidance to residents on preventing pollution to our waterways (reducing lawn chemicals, keeping grass
clippings out of storm drains, etc)
20. Partner with the Black Earth Creek Watershed Association (BECWA) to address PFOA/PFAS and other pollution
entering the watershed
21. Develop a set of standards/ordinances that ensure stormwater is managed to the greatest extent possible by
maximizing upstream water infiltration and evapotranspiration during increasingly frequent large storm events.
22. Consider flood mitigation with all new land development projects
23. Amend zoning districts to better protect properties in flood fringe areas.
24. Revise the Zoning Ordinance and other relevant codes to promote the reduction of impervious surface areas to
improve onsite water infiltration.
25. Make critical improvements to stormwater management infrastructure and mitigation practices to increase
floodplain protection and avoid widespread damage in the event of extreme rain events.
26. Establish a water retainage project north and east of the Village along Brewery Creek to improve both water
quality and to manage water quantity by employing techniques that increase infiltration and evapotranspiration.
27. Work with Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) to reduce the threat of flooding.
14.28. Maintain a sustainability committee to advise and partner with other Village committees
in order to meet sustainability and natural resource goals.
Natural Resources Programs and Recommendations
The Village and surrounding area contain outstanding natural resources that will require concerted, on-
going, and coordinated efforts to maintain and enhance, including the following efforts.
Protect Environmental Corridors
Environmental corridors are important elements of the natural resource base. They help create the form
and character of the Village. They have environmental, ecological, passive recreational, storm water
management, groundwater protection and recharge, erosion control, wildlife, timber, and scenic value.
Environmental corridors also have severe limitations for development; therefore, minimizing
development in these areas also protects private property.
Commented [BW27]: I agree with this 100% but this
should not be in this section. Maybe add a ‘recreational’
section?
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 32
For the Village, environmental corridors are shown on Maps 2 and 4a and 4b. On Map 2 the
Environmental Management Corridor includes sensitive environmental areas surrounding Black Earth
Creek. On Maps 4a and 4b Environmental Corridors represent the composite of adopted floodplain,
wetland, steep slope (greater than 20 percent), and drainageway and waterway buffer areas.
Existing development and farming uses should be allowed to continue within mapped environmental
corridors, but some improvements may be limited. New buildings that do not replace old buildings and
significant expansions to existing building footprints should not be allowed, unless the environmental
corridor boundary is determined to be in error or environmental protection laws are otherwise followed.
Environmental corridors should also be maintained of sufficient width and ground cover to provide
movement of wildlife and fulfill their other functions. Maintained lawns and formal landscaping within
environmental corridors are strongly discouraged.
Maintain and Protect Water Quality
The Black Earth Creek and Brewery Creek are key natural features in the Village, forming the backdrop for
much of the development and activity in the community. General recommendations designed to support
the objectives of protecting the quality of the Village’s water resources are offered below.
Vegetative Buffers
Vegetative buffers between developed areas and water bodies provide many benefits, including the
protection of water quality, flood control, stream bank stabilization, water temperature control, and
room for lateral movement of stream channels. Trees and shrubs retained in buffer areas provide the
benefit of buffering noise from watercraft, providing privacy to residents, and serving as nesting areas for
songbirds.
The Village intends to work with CARPC and the the WisDNR and other appropriate organizations to identify
areas along undeveloped streams and floodplains that could have natural vegetation restored and coordinate
natural vegetation restoration with the Parks and Recreation Committee. The Village will also review and
update
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 33
municipal ordinances to ensure that natural vegetation is protected and restored along stream banks and in floodplains and to require preservation of buffer strips and drainage ways in a natural state. The following buffering techniques illustrated in Figure 7 can maximize water quality protection, habitat, and erosion control benefits in buffer areas around creeks in the Village, particularly in areas that currently have limited development (i.e., lands not yet in the Village). Figure 7: Example of Vegetative Buffer
Erosion Control, and Storm Water Management and Flood Control Plans The Village will help ensure erosion control and storm water management techniques for protection and continued improvement of its water quality. Unmanaged construction sites are one of the greatest contributors to off-site sediment runoff. Under Wisconsin law, erosion control plans are required for all construction sites over 1 acre in area. Erosion control techniques include silt fencing, minimizing disturbed areas, and quickly reestablishing vegetation. The Village will continue to coordinate with CARPC, Dane County, neighboring communities, property owners, Federal agencies and the WisDNR to identify and address erosion problems. The Village will also review and update, as appropriate the Erosion, Sediment, and Water Runoff Control Ordinance. In particular, storm water management and erosion control systems will be components of all planned new development areas, including subdivisions and commercial projects following the Village’s Storm Water Management Plan. Storm water management techniques include natural drainage swales and retention and detention basins. These techniques control the quantity and improve the quality of water run-off during storms and enhance groundwater recharge, which is particularly critical near waterways such as Black Earth Creek. The Village may consider establishing a storm water utility, as recommended in the Storm Water Management Plan. The Village has developed and should implement steps found in the Flood Control System Improvements study. Protect Groundwater Quantity and Quality Groundwater is the source for all of the Village’s drinking water supply. If groundwater is removed from an aquifer more quickly than it is recharged, the amount of water available in the aquifer is reduced. This situation is becoming an increasing concern in neighboring counties. In addition, groundwater recharges
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 34
local rivers and streams. For these reasons, groundwater protection is critical. This Plan supports several
efforts to protect groundwater quality and quantity, including the following:
Carefully consider and study new development in areas susceptible to groundwater contamination.
The Village should consider limiting the location of additional commercial and industrial uses with the
potential to emit pollutants into the soil or groundwater in portions of the Village more highly
susceptible to groundwater contamination. In particular, precautions should be used in siting gas
stations or other uses that store fuel or other potential contaminants. The Village may also wish to
work with existing business owners on plans to minimize the potential and severity of spills that may
otherwise cause future contamination.
Remain informed and involved in decisions pertaining to high-capacity wells. Permits for high capacity
wells (those withdrawing more than 100,000 gallons per day) must be registered with and permitted
by WisDNR. The DNR will not approve wells that impair public water utility supplies. Wells drawing
more than 2 million gallons per day are evaluated in terms of whether they impair public water rights,
future water use plans, or cause adverse groundwater effects. The DNR also has authority to deny a
request for a high-capacity well should it assess the environmental impacts as significant to outweigh
the benefit. Should potential new sites be proposed in the Cross Plains area over the planning period,
the Village should remain informed and involved in any WisDNR decisions regarding high-capacity
well decisions. One way to stay involved in through regular communication and providing public
comment during Environmental Impact Statement review periods. The Village could also consider
participating in cooperative groundwater management plans with municipalities, industries, local and
regional planning agencies, and State agencies where appropriate, should special groundwater
protection priority areas be delineated in the future.
Partner with property owners in the identification, assessment, remediation, and reuse of
“brownfield” sites. These sites have the potential to contaminate groundwater. Significant State and
federal dollars are now available for brownfield assessment, planning, and clean-up in advance of
redevelopment. The Village should continue to be active in identifying and helping to clean up and
restore to economic use those sites that contain soil contamination. See Chapter Seven: Economic
Development, for more specific strategies.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 35
Work to Enhance and Promote the
Ice Age Trail
Map 2 identifies the Ice Age Trail Corridor
northeast of Cross Plains. The Ice Age
National Scenic Trail is a thousand-mile
footpath entirely within Wisconsin that
celebrates the legacy of the Ice Age. Figure 8
depicts the general trail route through the
state. Diverse geological features along the
Trail rank among the finest examples of
continental glaciation anywhere in the world.
The Ice Age Trail serves as a destination and attraction for visitors
throughout the state as well as a prime natural asset for Cross Plains
residents. The Village should continue to work with the Ice Age Trail
Alliance to enhance the trail and its amenities within the Village,
including improved wayfinding, and improve the promotion of the
Ice Age Trail to residents and tourists.
Figure 8: Ice Age Trail Route
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 36
Recreational Programs and Recommendations
Goals:
-Create and maintain a variety of recreational opportunities for a wide variety of users.
-Preserve the Village’s natural resources and amenities for the benefit of current and future.
-Address the Village-wide shortage of athletic fields.
-Determine the best solution for the Cross Plains pool to increase its capacity and better serve its users.
Objectives
-The Village should ensure that land dedication requirements from new developments are directed toward acquisition of
areas to accommodate athletic fields and related uses.
-Scale park facilities needs of the area and population served both present and future.
-The various types of park facilities must be available and reasonably accessible to all social and economic groups and
geographic areas of the community.
-Partner with the School District, adjacent Towns, Dane County, and private athletic organizations.
Policies
-Ensure all future development plans and constructs, bicycle and pedestrian facilities into the Cross Plains network of
trails.
-Comply with parkland dedication standards, seeking land as much as possible.
-The Village shall consider recreation facilities for Cross Plains’ elderly residents creating facilities that accommodate all
users, are accessible by multiple modes of transportation, and are located near senior housing.
-The Village shall make maximum use of all grands and assistance available to aid the acquisition and development of
parks and recreational areas. Grants available include Land and Water Conservation Fund Act Program (LAWCON), Aids
for Acquisition and Development of Local Parks (ADLP), Urban Green Space Program (UGS), Urban Rivers Grant Program
(URGP), Streambank Protection Program (SPP), Open Project Selection Process (OPSP), Stewardship Grants.
-The Village should continue to ensure that existing park facilities are upgraded to comply with American with Disabilities
Act design guidelines. Future parks should be designed to be barrier-free and accessible to persons with disabilities.
-Civic and service organizations, along with neighborhood associations, shall be actively engaged for assistance in
defraying the costs and assisting with maintenance of facilities.
-The Village shall encourage the continued preservation of open spaces, greenways, wetlands, woodlands, and scenic
areas.
-Continue working with the Ice Age Trail Alliance to protect the Trail corridor, build new Trail, grow community
awareness, and collaborate to secure funding.
Commented [BW28]: If the Commission believes that
adding this section make sense, I can summarize the
recreational programs/uses, specifically the new off-road
bike trails, IAT, ‘good neighbor’ trail and incorporate sport
fields/parks from the POSP. I would incorporate the IAT on
the next page and remove that map.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 37
Figure 8: Ice Age Trail Route Commented [BW30]: This blank page will not be in the
final draft
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Map 2: Agricultural, Open Space,
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VANDEWALLE & ASSOCIATES INC. Shaping places, shaping change
Date: July 24, 2018
Sources: Dane Co. LIO, FEMA,
DNR, CARPC, USDA,
Vandewalle & Associates
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 32
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Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
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Cultural Resources Cultural Resources Inventory
Historic Resources The Wisconsin Historical Society’s Architecture & History Inventory, lists 19 properties that may be of historic significance within Cross Plains. These are shown in Figure 9. These properties include some of the first taverns in the Village, and a former general store that is now a single-family residence. Overall, the Village has a wide variety of architectural styles, ranging from late 19th Century Queen Anne-style homes, to modern multi-unit condominium-style apartment buildings. The older neighborhoods located along Main Street contain a variety of housing and business building styles and materials, while the newer subdivisions contain mostly large single-family homes with aluminum siding or brick veneer. The Cross Plains – Berry Historical Society preserves the history of the Village of Cross Plains and the townships of Cross Plains and Berry. Museum collections include photographs, family histories and artifacts housed in the basement of the old St. Martin’s Church. This building, located at 2204 Brewery Road, Cross Plains, has been a landmark in the area since 1886. The museum is open by appointment. The Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople, a non-profit corporation formed to promote the visual arts in the state and to develop direct contact between Wisconsin artist and craftspeople and the public, is located in Cross Plains. Community Design The Village of Cross Plains currently has a subdivision ordinance in place. This ordinance (Ordinance No. 4- 94B) covers land divisions, the platting process, Certified Survey Maps (CSM’s), Comprehensive Development Plans, Design Standards, Improvements, Improvements Procedure, Acceptance of Improvements, Release of Security, Building Permits, Fees, and Variances and Waivers.
CULTURAL RESOURCE RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY Continue historic renovations to existing buildings that enhance the character of the downtown. Establish a signature event that highlights Village’s natural assets and identity. Improve community image through amended regulation and supporting aesthetic improvements by property owners.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 34
Figure 9: Cross Plains Properties on the Wisconsin Architecture and History
Inventory
AHI# Location Name Year Land Use Style/Significance
4787 2204 Brewery Road Old St. Martin's Lutheran Church 1878 Public Gothic Revival
5303 2100 American Legion Drive Public Romanesque Revival
5305 2219 Church Street 1860 Residential Side Gabled Stone
5306 2828 Church Road Residential Side Gabled
5307 2917 Church Street Residential Queen Anne
5308 2414 Brewery Road Cross Plains Dental Commercial Gabled Ell
5309 2929 Church Street Residential Vernacular
5310 North Church Street St Francis Xavier Church Rectory Public Vernacular
5311 1200 Main Street Coach's Club Public Boomtown
5313 1909 Main Street Herman J. Dahmen Double Block 1860 Commercial Vernacular
172621 1113 Main Street Kalscheur's Implements Commercial Quonset
172661 1303 Main Street Residential Tudor Revival
172681 1307 Main Street Residential Craftsman
172701 1411 Main Street Residential American Foursquare
172702 1501 Main Street Residential Dutch Colonial Revival
172721 1603 Main Street Residential Craftsman
172741 1613 Main Street Residential Bungalow
172781 2305 Main Street Residential Two Story Cube
172801 1614 Main Street Residential Queen Anne
Source: Wisconsin Historical Society, Architecture & History Inventory
Village Identity
The Village of Cross Plains has maintained several slogans as an identifying feature for the community such
as “Famous for friendliness” and “The Gateway to the Driftless”. The natural resources of the area continue
to be the defining feature that attracts tourists for recreation and sport, including the Ice Age Trail, hills,
bluffs, and creeks/trout streams. Cross Plains has built its cultural identity on these natural resources and
hosts the Trout Days event yearly as a celebration.
Cultural Resources Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Goal:
1. Protect and enhance historic and cultural resources in the Village for the benefit of present and
future generations.
2. Integrate natural resources as a defining identity of the Village of Cross Plains
Objectives:
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 35
1. Maintain and enhance the cultural integrity of the Village through preservation and enhancement of
historic, cultural, and archeological resources.
2. Promote the historic Main Street areas as important gathering, working, and living places in the
Village.
2.3. Promote Black Earth Creek and other nature-based resources as valuable community and cultural
assets.
Policies:
1. Identify and promote local, state, and federal resources that can be used by property owners to
maintain and preserve historic sites and structures.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 36
2. Work with the Cross Plains Berry Historical Society to identify historic and cultural resources.
3. Work with owners of historically or culturally significant properties to ensure that they are adequately
protected.
4. Encourage property owners of historically significant buildings to utilize State and Federal funds to
enhance and maintain their properties.
5. Coordinate efforts to enhance the gateways of the community with the Cross Plains Area Chamber of
Commerce and other groups.
6. Sponsor annual events that celebrate Black Earth Creek and other natural resources as part of the Village of
Cross Plains culture
5.7. Include vegetation such as native trees and prairie plants when planning streetscapes
Cultural Resource Programs and Recommendations
Continue Historic Main Street Renovations
The Village should collaborate with Main Street historic building owners to develop a strategy to restore
façades and business signage in accordance with the Cross Plains Main Street Design Guidelines. Tax
credits are administered by the Wisconsin Historical Society's Division of Historic Preservation and are
available to home and business owners for qualifying repair and rehabilitation projects. The Village should
also continue to invest in high quality public infrastructure and take advantage of opportunities to
incorporate new infrastructure as new projects occur.
Support and Sponsor Village Events
The Village has an opportunity to bolster the community’s pride, cohesiveness, and sense of place by
supporting and sponsoring local events and programs that celebrate the history, culture, and values of
Village residents. The Village should coordinate with the School District, the Cross Plains Area Chamber of
Commerce, the Historical Society, churches, and other community groups to help organize these events.
Local organizations currently host events such as Trout Days. In promoting new events as well as already
established events, the Village should tap all available regional marketing organizations, publications, and
internet-based resources to get the word out to Village residents and to residents of surrounding
communities and the region.
The Village intends to promote the Black Earth Creek as a valuable community asset and as a focus of
eco-tourism and economic development efforts. The Village could sponsor an annual event to celebrate
the Creek. Such an event could include the following types of attractions: educational presentations on
water protection, development impacts, or similar topics; kid’s activities; t-shirts; refreshments; and
special promotions for local businesses. The Village’s Park and Recreation Commission should help to
organize this event, as well as local recreation groups.
In order to maintain Black Earth Creek as a top regional asset and a draw for tourists and visitors, the
Village will continue to coordinate with WNDR to monitor the Creek and its tributaries to ensure that it
continues to maintain its Class 1 Trout Stream status.
Improve Community Image
Cross Plains’ small-town atmosphere is one of its greatest assets. As the Village continues to grow and
develop into the future, it will be important for the Village to establish and enforce standards that help
ensure that it presents a positive image to residents and visitors. Such standards should specifically
address aesthetic components of development such as architecture and building materials, the
thoughtful integration of open and gathering spaces, and the preservation of attractive community
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources
Adopted: December 17, 2018 37
entryways and historic or culturally significant features. The Village has a Main Street Design Guidelines
manual to guide the character of development and redevelopment along Main Street (USH 14).
The Village intends to amend its signage, landscaping, outdoor storage, and
building design regulations so that new development throughout the entire
community will be more sensitive to visual quality. The Village will also
encourage persons owning developed property along major community
entryways to improve the aesthetic quality of their properties by screening
parking areas, landscaping street terraces and yards, reducing the number
and size of signs, eliminating outdoor storage, and planting flower beds.
Implement Planned Community-Wide Signage and
Streetscaping Features
The Village adopted the US14 Streetscape and Signage Plan in 2015, which
recommends identifying a design theme for gateway signage; kiosks and
parking signage for information sharing; wayfinding signage to key Village
destinations; trail markers; and streetscaping features such as shade trees,
lighting, banners, benches, and trashcans. This theme should be replicated
in public displays throughout the Village and be based on a brand and identity that highlights Cross Plains’
unique assets and distinguishes it from other communities in the region. Building on the work that has
already been done, the Village will continue to implement the US14 Streetscape and Signage Plan.
Expand Main Street Design Standards to Retain Village Character
To ensure development that is consistent with the small-town character of Cross Plains, the Village should
expand their Main Street design standards that guide development on the materials, architectural
character, and context sensitive design of future investments. Design standards facilitate a cohesive,
attractive design in the Main Street district, require the use of high quality building materials, and create
carefully-designed spaces appropriate for Main Street and appealing to visitors. Specifically, design
standards could encourage more traditional building forms that feature peaked roofs, traditional building
materials, such as wood and brick, and architectural styles that complement the Village’s existing historic
Main Street. Design standards will be applied to all development including potential multi-family or
mixed-use development.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 38
Chapter Three: Land Use This chapter is intended to guide land use decision-making in the Village. Long-range land use planning allows municipalities to guide development and redevelopment in a manner that maintains community character and protects sensitive environmental features. This chapter contains a compilation of background information, goals, objectives, policies, and recommended programs to guide the future preservation and development of public and private lands in the Village of Cross Plains. It includes maps showing existing land uses and recommended future land uses. Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Categories An accurate depiction of the existing land use pattern is the first step in planning for the desired future land use pattern. The set of categories below was used to prepare the existing land use map for the planning area (Map 3). Agriculture/Rural: Areas proposed for maintenance and protection as croplands, pasture, forested lands or other recognized agricultural activity. This includes provision of residential uses for the owner/tenant. Residential uses are restricted to one unit per 35 acres. Single Family Residential - Exurban: Single-family detached residential development served by individual on-site wastewater treatment (septic) systems. Single Family Residential – Urban: Single-family detached residential development served by a public water and sanitary sewer system. Duplex Residential: Areas designated for residential structures meant for occupancy by two families in two separate dwelling units. Density limits are generally established by the plan committee. This area could include condominiums, rental units, owner-occupied units, or redevelopment of existing housing into duplexes. Multi-Family Residential: Areas designated for residential structures meant to be occupied by more than two “family” units, and usually having several units per structure. This area includes rental apartments and owner-occupied condominiums. Neighborhood Mixed Use: Areas of residential development and small-scale commercial uses compatible with adjacent residential uses and neighborhood character. Main Street Mixed Use: Areas permitting both large and small scale “downtown” commercial development at an intensity which provides significant incentives for infill development,
LAND USE RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY Follow the recommendations shown in Maps 4a and 4b when making land use decisions. Promote compact residential neighborhoods to better manage the rate of community expansion, preserve farmland, maximize developable land, and protect natural resources. Enhance the character of the Main Street corridor by encouraging compatible new development and redevelopment. Address redevelopment opportunities including implementing the Glacier’s Edge Square Redevelopment Plan. Use intergovernmental discussions and extraterritorial authorities to direct intensive new development such as subdivisions, commercial, and industrial development into the Village. Modify local land development ordinances where necessary to implement recommendations in this Plan, minimize potential land use conflicts, guide growth and development, and ensure high-quality site development. Commented [BW31]: The chapter is well written and most of the content is definitions that have not changed. Some of the data needs to be updated and is highlighted in green. The important part of this chapter is the land use map which is developed in 2025. There are a few items that need to be discussed and they are highlighted in yellow. Commented [SusCom32]: Retain this statement and an overall commitment to protecting Cross Plains sensitive environmental features and water quality. Our creeks and hills are the defining character of our Village and our 10-20 year plan for land use should reflect this.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 39
redevelopment, and the continued economic viability of existing development. The district is also
intended to retain the existing “Main Street” characteristics of the core blocks in the Village’s historic
Main Street.
Planned Business: Areas designated for development or redevelopment as retail, sales, service, office,
recreational or residential uses. Access to these developments is available by walking or bicycle in
addition to car traffic. These areas also include smaller shops, restaurants, and offices.
Community Facilities: Areas of governmental, educational, religious, or medical property uses. Other
quasi-public organizations such as public utility facilities are included in this category.
Light Industrial: Areas that permit both large and small scale industrial and office development at an
intensity which is consistent with the overall desired suburban community character of the
community. The primary distinguishing feature of this district is that it is geared to indoor industrial
activities which are not typically associated with high levels of noise, soot, odors and other potential
nuisances for adjoining properties.
Extraction: Quarries, gravel pits, clay extraction, peat extraction and related land uses.
Vacant Subdivided: Open lands and vacant parcels.
Parks: Areas designated as public access recreational areas. These areas may include natural areas,
playgrounds, picnic areas, or other facilities to be enjoyed by the general public. This category does
not distinguish “ownership” by governmental jurisdiction (Village, Town, County, State, or Federal).
Conservancy and Other Open Space: Areas to preserve the natural state of scenic areas in the Village
and to prevent the uncontested, uneconomical, and premature spread of residential and other
development, and to help discourage intensive development of marginal or especially scenic lands, so
as to prevent hazards to public and private property, and to avoid harm to the public good because of
misuse of environmentally sensitive areas.
Stormwater: Areas used for stormwater detention and infiltration.
Surface Water: Existing navigable waters as identified on the USGS maps. Water areas include lakes,
ponds, rivers, streams, creeks or any permanent bodies of water.
Right-of-Way: Areas used for or owned by public transportation agencies.
Existing Land Use Pattern
An accurate depiction of the Village’s existing land use pattern is the first step in planning for a desired
future land use pattern. The Village’s consultant prepared a map of the Village’s existing land uses. Village
staff and officials had an opportunity to review and suggest corrections to the existing land use map
before it was finalized.
Figure 10 shows acreages for existing land uses within the village limits in 2018. As indicated, single-family
residential is the primary land use with 31.4 percent (350.5 acres). The second leading land use is
conservancy and open space, with 23.2 acres (20 percent). Right-of-way is the third most prevalent land
use (158.5 acres).
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 40
Figure 10: Existing Land Uses, 2018
Village of Cross Plains Existing Land Use Acres Percentage
Single Family Residential 350.53 31.4%
Conservancy and Other Open Space 223.23 20.0%
Right-of-Way 158.49 14.2%
Community Facilities 82.50 7.4%
Parks 68.37 6.1%
Agriculture 55.71 5.0%
Planned Business 38.70 3.5%
Vacant Subdivided Land 37.34 3.3%
Multifamily Residential 33.48 3.0%
Duplex Residential 20.29 1.8%
Main Street Mixed Use 17.66 1.6%
Light Industrial 15.01 1.3%
Stormwater 10.14 0.9%
Water 4.64 0.4%
Extraction 1.00 0.1%
Neighborhood Mixed Use 0.58 0.1%
TOTAL 1,117.68
Source: Vandewalle & Associates, 2018; Dane County LIO
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 41
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Sources: Dane Co. LIO,
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Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
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Net Residential Density
In 2016 there were 1,577 dwelling units in the Village on 404.3 acres. This works out to an average
residential density of just under four (3.9) dwelling units per acre.
Nonresidential Intensity
Commercial and Industrial land uses each make up 154.45 acres of Village land area for a total of 13.8
percent of the acreage in the Village.
Land Market Trends
Trends in the Village of Cross Plains land market suggest increasing land values and lot prices. This reflects
the accelerating demand for new development in the area, and the increasing relationship between the
Village and surrounding higher-priced markets. The State Department of Revenue reported an increase in
the total equalized values across all property of the Village between 2000 and 2017 from $169,391,100 to
$382,300,700. Residential equalized values increased by 134 percent over the same period following
steep increases in the early 2000s and between 2015 and 2017.
Raw land values have increased in the Cross Plains area over the past several years. New residential lots in
the Village sell for approximately $70,000 per acre. Land intended for commercial uses sell for between
$4.00 and $12.00 per square foot, depending on location.
Building Permits
As depicted in Figure 11, the number of building permits for the Village of Cross Plains remained steady
from 2013-2016. However, in 2017 the Village experienced a spike in single-family permits with the
construction of a new neighborhood development, Glacier Ridge. In 2014, 2015, and 2016, the Village
saw some of its most rapid multi-family residential development to date. Three apartment buildings were
constructed in that three-year period, bringing 143 new dwelling units to the Village. These apartment
developments include Zander Place Apartments (2014), Mill Creek Apartments (2015), and Esser Place
Apartments (2016).
Figure 11: Residential Building Permits (2012 - 2018)
Type of
Development
Number of Permits
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Total
2012-2018
Single-Family 4 8 5 4 5 26 15 58
Duplex 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2
Apartment* 0 0 1 (45) 1 (53) 1 (45) 0 0 3
Total Permits: 4 8 6 5 8 26 6 63
Source: Village of Cross Plains *Number in parenthesis indicates total number of residential units in building
Existing and Potential Land Use Conflicts
Land use conflicts are present in the Village where homeowners and businesses have conflict with the
truck traffic and noise associated with USH 14. This Comprehensive Plan is focused on minimizing
potential future land use conflicts though thoughtful placement of possibly conflicting new uses, high
quality design, and buffering of possibly conflicting uses.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 44
Projected Demand for Future Land Uses
The analysis for land use demand is based on the following assumptions:
1. 2018 to 2040 population change: For planning purposes, the Village’s 2040 population is projected to
be 5,159 or roughly an additional 1,245 people.
2. Projected number of new households in 2040: Based on an average household size of 2.51 people per
household in 2015 which declines to 2.39 people per household in 2040, there is projected to be 770
additional households in the Village between 2016 and 2040.
3. Overall residential density estimate: Based on the historic maximum gross densities for residential
zoning districts in the Village and the current ratios of single family to two-family to multi-family
residential land in the Village, the overall density of residential land uses is estimated to be 3.9
dwelling units per acre. Land demand projections assume this same overall density.
4. Current ratio of residential to non-residential land uses: Development in the Village is currently
comprised of roughly 72 percent residential development and 28 percent non-residential
development. Land demand projections assume this same ratio.
5. Flexibility Factor: Given that the market for land is not only driven by demand, but is also dictated by
timing and the desires of land owners and developers, it is important to factor in an allowance for
uncertainty. In other words, a given parcel of land may not be available for development when the
market is ripe for development. Therefore, incorporating a flexibility factor ensures that the supply of
areas designated as appropriate for development will accommodate future demand, and it also
ensures that the Village does not under-plan for future growth. In Cross Plains, the flexibility factor will
be the addition of 100 percent of the total or two times the total.
Figure 12 shows the Village’s projected land demand in five-year increments.
Figure 12: Projected Land Use Demand (Acres)
2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Total
through 2040
Projected number of new residents 104 259 259 260 259 1,141
Projected number of new housing units 82 120 121 123 125 572
Total residential acreage demand 21 31 31 32 32 147
Total new non-residential acreage demand 8 12 12 12 12 56
Total preliminary acreage demand* 38 55 56 57 58 265
Total acreage demand including flexibility factor 77 111 113 114 116 531
*Sum of residential and non-residential acreage, plus an additional 31 percent to account for roads, sidewalks, parks, and
other spaces not already accounted for.
Source: Vandewalle & Associates, based on Linear Growth Rate (2000-2016) (Refer to Table 2)
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 45
Future Land Use
This section of the Plan has the intent of guiding land use and development in the Village through the
year 2040. The Future Land Use Map (Maps 4a and 4b) is the centerpiece of this chapter and the Plan’s
land use direction. Maps 4a and 4b were prepared based on an analysis of a variety of factors, including
overall development trends, location and availability of vacant land in the Village, location of areas logical
for future development based on existing development, environmental constraints, public and property
owner input, and this Plan’s overall vision (see Element One: Issues and Opportunities).
The Future Land Use Map and related policies described below should be used as a basis to update the
Village’s regulatory land use tools, such as the Zoning Map. They should also be used as a basis for all
public and private sector development decisions, including those within the Village’s extraterritorial
jurisdiction. These include annexations, rezonings, conditional use permits, land divisions, extension of
municipal utilities, and other public or private investments. Changes in land use to implement the
recommendations of this Plan will generally be initiated by property owners and private developers. In
other words, this Plan does not automatically compel property owners to change the use of their land.
Not all land shown for development on the Future Land Use Map will be immediately appropriate for
rezoning and other land use approvals following adoption of this Plan. Given service demands and other
factors, careful consideration to the amount, mix, and timing of development to keep it manageable and
sustainable is essential. The Village advocates the phased development of land that focuses growth in
areas and types that advance the vision of the community and can be efficiently served with
transportation, utilities, public services, and other community facilities.
Wisconsin Statutes specifically allow cities and villages to prepare plans for lands both inside and outside
their municipal boundaries—up to the edges of their extraterritorial jurisdictions. To effectively manage
growth, this Plan identifies desirable land use patterns both within the existing Village limits and in
unincorporated areas around the Village. This approach recognizes that Village (and regional) growth and
economic health can be either facilitated or impeded by the patterns of growth and preservation in
adjacent areas. Not surprisingly, implementing many of the land use recommendations of this Plan will be
greatly aided by intergovernmental cooperation, with opportunities described more fully in the
Intergovernmental Cooperation Element. The Village may also take unilateral action as allowed by law to
attempt to carry out its land use vision.
Each of the future land use categories shown on the Future Land Use Map are described below. Each land
use category description includes summarizes where that type of land uses should be promoted, the
appropriate zoning districts to implement that category, policies related to future development in areas
designated by that category, and overall approaches for achieving the Village’s overall vision for the
future.
Land Use Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Goal:
1. Ensure that the character and location of all types of land uses within the Village contribute to the
general health, safety, and welfare of Cross Plains’ residents and property owners.
Objectives:
1. Provide for the complete range of land uses in the Village of Cross Plains by designating areas most
appropriate for such uses on the Village’s Future Land Use Map.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
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2. Achieve a compact, efficient development pattern in the Village to enhance the provision of
municipal services.
3. Ensure that new development can be adequately served by existing municipal services and facilities
before development projects are approved. In some cases, the Village may consider allowing homes
to have private well and septic systems, exempting them from required connection to the municipal
water supply, particularly in areas of steep topography.
4. Through the implementation of comprehensive planning and detailed area plans, work towards
achieving the highest and best use of all vacant and underutilized lands and buildings in the Village of
Cross Plains.
5. Protect established, viable residential neighborhoods from intrusions by more intensive land uses,
such as intensive commercial and industrial uses, through the use or zoning or mitigation measures
such as buffer yards, vegetative or structural screening, high quality site planning, sound-proofing,
traffic access and control of parking lot lighting are incorporated into the design.
6. Reinstate a Water Quality Corridor and Rregulate development in areas which may be annexed to
the Village as identified for protection in the Water Quality Corridors in order to mitigate impacts
on the area streams, prevent flooding, and maintain or enhance the base flow of those streams.
7. Improve the visual quality and physical design of the Village of Cross Plains by developing and
enforcing new signage, landscaping, property maintenance, site plan review, building design, parking
and outdoor storage regulations.
8. Consider the visual impacts of developments during the approval process and prevent development
on or near slopes and bluffs in and around the Village.
9. Enforce parks and open space requirements for new developments.
10. Encourage cooperative planning with neighboring townships and counties to ensure that urban
development is guided to the Urban Service Area and that very low density rural development (one
dwelling unit per 35 acres owned and a maximum lot size of 2 acres) is encouraged in areas where
municipal sanitary sewer service is not available or authorized.
Policies:
1. Follow the land use recommendations that are mapped and described in this Plan when reviewing
new rezoning requests and making detailed land use decisions.
2. Guide new development to areas adjacent to existing development and where logical extensions to
streets, sewer lines, and water lines may occur.
3. Require annexation prior to urban development to ensure that such development is consistent with
Village plans, zoning and subdivision design standards, and Village utility systems.
4. Encourage agricultural preservation and natural resource protection and discourage the development
of unsewered subdivisions in areas of the towns within the Village’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.
5. Use cooperative planning, extraterritorial zoning and other techniques to direct intensive new
development–such as subdivisions, commercial development, and industrial development–to the
Village as a way to relieve pressure to develop in the towns.
6. Preserve and enhance the character of the Main Street corridor by encouraging compatible new
development and redevelopment.
7. Preserve architecturally, culturally, and historically significant structures, buildings, and sites.
8. Disperse mixed-residential development throughout the Village, rather than creating large
concentrations of this type of development in a just a few areas.
Commented [SusCom33]: Retain these objectives
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 47
9. Ensure that incompatible land uses are not located close to one another, or, where necessary, require
adequate buffering between incompatible land uses
10. Promote road and pedestrian connections between existing and new development areas.
11. Adopt and use high-quality and environmental standards for building, site, landscape, signage, and
lighting design in new development projects.
12. Protect the visual quality of major community thoroughfares by requiring all development and
redevelopment along these entry corridors to include site plan and design review.
13. Modify local land development and environmental protection ordinances where necessary to
implement the goals, objectives, and recommendations in this Plan, minimize potential land use
conflicts, guide growth and development, ensure high-quality site development, and adequately
protect water quality.
Residential Land Use Categories
Single Family – Exurban
Description
This future land use category is intended for single
family residential development on private well and
on-site waste treatment (septic) systems, generally
at densities between 1 dwelling unit per acre and 1
dwelling unit per 35 acres. This area is mapped in
the Village’s extraterritorial jurisdiction only, in
limited areas where substantial single family
residential development of this type has already
occurred.
Recommended Zoning
The SR-1-Single Family Residential 1 zoning district is most appropriate for this future land use category.
Policies and Programs
1. Allow land divisions in extraterritorial jurisdiction areas where applicable zoning and the Village
subdivision ordinance allows for them.
2. Consider amending the Village’s land division ordinance to limit new development to a density of one
residential dwelling unit per 35 acres with a maximum lot size of 2 acres.
3. Require sensitivity towards natural resources and water quality with new development projects,
including assurances that concentrations of on-site waste treatment systems will not negatively affect
groundwater quality and that stormwater will be properly managed according to best practices.
4. Assure that new development in these areas does not impede the logical future extension of
municipal utilities or Village growth.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
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Single Family – Urban
Description
This future land use category is intended for existing and planned groupings of single-family detached
residences that are served by public sanitary
sewer and water systems. Small public and
institutional uses—such as parks, schools,
churches, and stormwater facilities—may also
be built on lands within this category. This
category is mapped in various parts of the
Village of Cross Plains where the desire is to
promote or retain single family character.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s R-3 through R-5 Single Family
zoning districts best accommodate this future
land use category.
Policies and Programs
1. Future development in this designation will be served by the Village’s public sanitary sewer and water
systems and shall comply with the erosion and stormwater management requirements of the
Village’s subdivision ordinance where practicable as determined by the Village Board, advised by the
Plan Commission.
2. Develop new Single Family residential areas in accordance with carefully-considered development
plans including progressive erosion control and stormwater management techniques.
3. Pursue residential infill opportunities where feasible.
4. As maintenance and rehabilitation needs arise, work with the County, State and local lenders to assist
homeowners and landlords with rehabilitation projects.
5. Refer to the Housing Element for detailed housing recommendations.
Two-Family/Townhouse
Description
This designation is primarily intended to allow groupings of attached single family residences with
individual entries (e.g., zero lot line homes, townhouses, rowhouses, condominiums) and duplexes that
are or will be served by public sanitary sewer and water systems. Small public and institutional uses—
such as parks, schools, churches, and stormwater facilities—may also be built within this designation, if
appropriate zoning is granted as considered on a case by case basis. Two-Family/Townhouse
development is mapped in areas of existing development. A limited amount of Two-Family/Townhouse
uses may also be included in portions of new Planned Neighborhoods.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
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Recommended Zoning
The Villages DR-6 Duplex Residential zoning
district is the most appropriate for areas
mapped in this future land use category.
Policies and Programs
1. Incorporate Duplex Residential uses in
Planned Neighborhoods.
2. Future development in this designation
will be served by the Village’s public
sanitary sewer and water systems and
comply with the erosion and stormwater
management requirements of the Village’s
subdivision ordinance.
3. As maintenance and rehabilitation needs arise, work with the County, State and local lenders to assist
homeowners and landlords with rehabilitation projects.
4. Refer to the Housing Element for detailed housing recommendations.
Mixed Residential
Description
This future land use category is intended for a
variety of residential units focused on multi-
family housing (3+ unit buildings), served by
public sanitary sewer and water systems.
Single-family detached housing, attached single
family residences with individual entries (e.g.,
townhouses, rowhouses), senior housing, and
small public and institutional uses—such as
parks, schools, churches, and stormwater
facilities—may also be within lands mapped in
this category, if appropriate zoning is granted
as considered on a case by case basis. Mixed Residential uses are mapped in existing multi-family
development and a limited amount of multi-family housing may also be included in portions of new
Planned Neighborhoods.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s MR-8 and MR-16 Multiple-Family zoning districts are the most appropriate district to
implement this future land use category.
Policies and Programs
1. Future development in this designation will be served by the Village’s public sanitary sewer and water
systems and comply with the erosion and stormwater management requirements of the Village’s
subdivision ordinance.
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Adopted: December 17, 2018 50
2. Encourage multiple-family residential building sizes of between 4 and 6 units. In any case, the size of
the building shall be in scale with the surrounding neighborhood.
3. Meet minimum site, building, landscape, lighting, and other design standards included in the Housing
Element and the zoning ordinance.
4. Discourage large concentrations of multi-family and duplex/townhouse developments. Rather, this
type of development should be dispersed throughout Planned Neighborhood areas.
5. Support projects that include a strong program for maintaining the quality, value, and safety of the
development over time.
Planned Neighborhood
Description
The Planned Neighborhood future land use category is intended to provide for a variety of housing
choices and a mix of non-residential uses such as parks, schools, religious institutions, and small-scale
shopping and service areas. They are really a collection of different land use categories listed in this
chapter. Planned Neighborhoods should be carefully designed as an integrated, interconnected mix of
these use categories. They are by no means intended to justify an “anything goes” land use pattern.
Overall, the composition and pattern of development should promote neighborhoods that instill a sense
of community with their design.
The Planned Neighborhood concept encourages a mix of Single-Family Residential – Urban, Two-
Family/Townhouse Residential, Mixed Residential, Community Facilities, Parks, and Neighborhood
Business uses. Maintaining a minimum of 65
percent Single Family Residential – Urban
uses has the effect of dispersing higher
density development throughout the
community and limiting the concentration
of any one type of development in any one
area. Appropriate commercial uses include
neighborhood-oriented shopping
opportunities, such as a small grocery store,
barber shop, bakery, or pharmacy; smaller
employment opportunities (usually located
on the edges of these neighborhoods); and
educational facilities (usually elementary
schools) for area residents. Large areas of
Planned Neighborhood area mapped at the
edge of the Village.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s NMU-Neighborhood Mixed Use and MSMU-Main Street Mixed Use, as well as its single
family (SR-3 through SR-5), duplex, and multi-family residential districts allow the land uses found in this
category.
Policies and Programs
1. Maintain overall residential development densities within Planned Neighborhoods of between 3 and
5 dwelling units per residential acre.
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2. Accommodate a mixture of housing types, costs, and densities, while maintaining the predominance
of single-family housing in the community. In Planned Neighborhoods, seek a housing mix where not
less than 65 percent of all housing units are in single family detached residences, with a maximum of
15 percent of units in two-family dwellings and a maximum of 20 percent of units in multiple family
dwellings.
3. Future development in this designation will be served by the Village’s public sanitary sewer and water
systems and comply with the erosion and stormwater management requirements of the Village’s
subdivision ordinance.
4. Avoid rezoning any area designated for Planned Neighborhood development until public sanitary
sewer and water service is available and a neighborhood development plan and specific development
proposal is offered for the site.
5. Require each Planned Neighborhood to be developed following preparation of a detailed
neighborhood development plan by a developer or the Village, ideally adopted as a component of the
Village’s Comprehensive Plan. Such plans shall specify land use mix, density, street layouts, open
space, erosion control, and stormwater management. See Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood
Development.
6. Develop and adopt a conservation subdivision ordinance in accordance with Wis. Stat. 66.1027.
7. Develop and adopt a traditional neighborhood zoning district ordinance to allow for implementation
of the traditional neighborhood design concept.
8. Adhere to the following design objectives for Planned Neighborhood areas depicted in Figure 13:
Create a distinct sense of place and charming human scale. Strategies include bringing buildings
close to the sidewalk and local streets; providing public focal points with public plazas, greens and
squares; creating visual interest; and designating prominent building sites.
Connect Planned Neighborhoods internally and to adjacent areas through a network of paths,
sidewalks, and streets that discourage high travel speeds but still allow access to emergency and
maintenance vehicles (e.g. fire trucks and snow plows).
Design neighborhoods with interconnected open space systems for recreation and progressive
stormwater management.
Integrate a mix of uses and densities within and around the neighborhood commercial centers
Preserve and focus attention on environmentally sensitive areas and unique natural features.
Lay out streets, buildings, and public open spaces which take advantage of sweeping views
created by local topography.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 52
Figure 13: Planned Neighborhoods
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 53
Non-Residential Land Use Categories
Office/Research
Description
This future land use category is intended to
facilitate high-quality office, research and
development, recreational, and business park
support uses (e.g., day care, hotel, health club,
bank). Development will include generous
landscaping, screened storage areas, and modest
lighting and signage. Office/Research areas are
mapped northeast of the Village along CTH P, as
well as along Bourbon Road.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s BP-Business Park allow for Office and
Research land uses.
Policies and Programs
1. Future development in this designation will be served by the Village’s public sanitary sewer and water
systems and comply with the erosion and stormwater management requirements of the Village’s
subdivision ordinance.
2. Encourage the use of high quality building materials, improved window treatments, high- quality
loading and storage screening devices and landscaping.
3. Ensure that future office/research development is appropriately buffered from existing and planned
residential development areas.
4. Adhere to adopted site and building design guidelines for office/research projects, and ordinances on
other aspects of those projects like signage, landscaping, and lighting.
5. Require that all projects submit and have approved detailed building elevations and site plans,
showing the proposed locations of the building(s), parking, storage, loading, signage, landscaping, and
lighting prior to development approval.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
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Neighborhood Business
Description
This future land use category is intended for
neighborhood-scale residential, office, and
neighborhood supporting institutional and
commercial land uses that mainly serve the
surrounding neighborhoods on public sewer,
public water, and other urban services and
infrastructure. There are several areas
throughout the Village—general in close
proximity to existing or future residential
neighborhoods—that are mapped in this
category.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s mixed use NMU-Neighborhood Mixed Use zoning district is the most appropriate district to
implement this future land use category.
Policies and Programs
1. Encourage neighborhood-oriented retail and service businesses in areas that will conveniently serve
Village neighborhoods.
2. Require that all proposed commercial projects submit a detailed site plan, building elevations, lighting
plan, grading/stormwater management plan, and signage plan prior to development approval.
3. In Neighborhood Business areas, require the use of high-quality building materials and designs that
are compatible with residential areas, including residential roof materials such as shingles; generous
window placements; and exterior materials such as wood, cement board, vinyl siding, brick,
decorative block, stone, and other materials approved by the Plan Commission.
4. Require calm, low-key, and attractive lighting and signage that are compatible with residential areas.
Planned Business
Description
This future land use category includes large-scale commercial and office land uses, including national and
regional retailers, which serve the entire community and people from nearby communities on public
sewer, public water, and other urban services and infrastructure. Planned Business land uses are located
south of Church Street west of Brewery Road.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s mixed use district CMU-Community Mixed Use zoning district allows the implementation of
this future land use category.
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Policies and Programs
1. Future development in this designation will be served by the Village’s public sanitary sewer and water
systems and comply with the erosion and stormwater management requirements of the Village’s
subdivision ordinance.
2. Adhere to site, building, signage, landscaping, and lighting design guidelines for commercial, large
scale retail, and mixed use development projects.
3. Adhere to established standards for highway access control, shared driveways, and cross access.
4. Require that all commercial projects submit and have approved detailed building elevations and site
plans, showing the proposed locations of the building(s), parking, storage, loading, signage,
landscaping, and lighting prior to development approval.
5. Prohibit the unscreened outdoor storage of equipment or materials, except for automobiles.
6. Consider the relationship between development in the Planned Business areas and existing and
future development behind these sites. Avoid inhibiting future access to sites behind commercial
properties and creating an unattractive appearance which will inhibit future development of these
sites.
7. Encourage uses that are most appropriate for the Village’s Main Street area to develop or remain in
the downtown, rather than in locations designated as Planned Business.
Main Street
Description
The unique incorporation of the two hamlets into one Village
created two areas of downtown character development in
Cross Plains along Highway 14. These areas are intended to
remain the civic, social, and commercial hub of the community.
This opportunity has recently been enhanced through the
revitalization planning efforts along Highway 14.
This category is intended for a mix of retail, commercial service,
office, institutional, governmental, and residential (mainly
upper stories) uses arranged in a pedestrian-oriented
environment with on-street parking; minimal front and side
yard building setbacks; and building designs, materials,
placement, and scale that are compatible with the character of
existing development. The Main Street future land use category
is mapped over the historic Main Street areas.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s MSMU-Main Street Mixed Use is the most appropriate zoning district for this future land use
category.
Policies and Programs
1. Follow the recommendations of the Cross Plains Downtown Revitalization Plan, which provides
additional detail on desired future land uses along Highway 14 in the Village.
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2. Preserve the architectural and historic character of the Main Street areas and buildings by requiring
that new development, expansions, and exterior renovations comply with general design standards in
the Downtown Revitalization Plan.
3. Grant development approvals only after submittal, public review, and approval or site, landscaping,
building, signage, lighting, stormwater, erosion control, and utility plans.
4. Encourage commercial developments that are most appropriate for the historic Main Street areas to
locate or remain there, rather than in other business districts in the Village.
5. Promote the expansion, retention, and upgrading of specialty retail, restaurants, financial services,
offices, professional services, residential, and community uses through marketing, investment and
incentive strategies.
6. Adopt a central business zoning district to preserve the character of Main Street areas consistent with
the characteristics of Figure 14 and the guidelines identified in “Cross Plains Main Street Design
Standards” including use, two story minimums, and “build to lines”.
Figure 14: Appropriate Historic Main Street Development
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
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Planned Mixed Use
Description
This future land use category is intended to
facilitate a carefully controlled mix of
commercial and residential uses on public
sewer, public water, and other urban services
and infrastructure. This category advises a
carefully designed blend of Planned Business,
Light Industrial, Mixed Residential, and
Community Facilities land uses. Planned Mixed
Use land uses are focused along Bourbon
Road.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s CMU-Community Mixed Use, BP-Business Park and MR-8 and MR-16, and C-Conservation
zoning districts allow this future land use category.
Policies and Programs
1. Carefully review all projects in Planned Mixed Use areas to ensure an appropriate mix of uses which
are compatible with neighboring properties and the Village’s vision for the area. The precise mix of
uses and zoning districts should be at the Village’s discretion, rather than the property owner.
2. Future development in this designation will be served by the Village’s public sanitary sewer and water
systems and comply with the erosion and stormwater management requirements of the Village’s
subdivision ordinance.
3. Grant development approvals only after submittal, public review, and approval or site, landscaping,
building, signage, lighting, stormwater, erosion control, and utility plans.
4. In Planned Mixed Use areas, require the use of high-quality building materials and designs as
approved by the Plan Commission.
5. Adhere to established standards for highway
access control, shared driveways, and cross
access.
Light Industrial
Description
This future land use category is intended to
facilitate indoor-oriented manufacturing,
warehousing, and distribution land uses with
moderate landscaping and signage, served by
public sewer, public water, and other urban
services and infrastructure. Light Industrial areas
are mapped northeast of the Village east of CTH P and on the west side of the Village on Main Street.
Commented [SusCom34]: Recommend adding verbiage
protecting against development of resource intensive
artificial intelligence data centers. AI data center
development has been found to utilize large amounts of
ground water and is energy intensive. AI data centers would
likely be zoned as “general industrial”, however in some
cases this could fall under “light industrial”, which is already
in the zoning plan and thus could be pursued in our village.
To protect our sensitive environment, particularly our
ground water, the sustainability committee recommends
against development of this type of industry within our
Village or extraterritorial jurisdiction.
We recommend adding additional protections against this
type of industry to the 10-year plan in both the “light
industry” and “general industry” sections.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
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Recommended Zoning
While the Village’s LI-Light Industrial and BP-Business Park zoning districts will accommodate this future
land use category.
Policies and Programs
1. As opportunities for reinvestment and redevelopment of existing industrial properties occur, improve
the appearance of building facades exposed to the public view, including loading docks and storage
areas.
2. Future development in this designation will be served by the Village’s public sanitary sewer and water
systems and comply with the erosion and stormwater management requirements of the Village’s
subdivision ordinance.
3. Encourage the use of high quality building materials, improved window treatments, high- quality
loading and storage screening devices and landscaping.
4. Ensure that future industrial development is appropriately buffered from existing and planned
residential development areas.
5. Adhere to adopted site and building design guidelines for industrial projects, and ordinances on other
aspects of those projects like signage, landscaping, and lighting.
6. Require that all industrial projects submit and have approved detailed building elevations and site
plans, showing the proposed locations of the building(s), parking, storage, loading, signage,
landscaping, and lighting prior to development approval.
7. Enforce the Performance Standards outlined in the zoning ordinance to limit the impact of Light
Industrial land uses on adjacent and nearby property, including limits on excessive, noise, odor, glare,
vibration, storage of hazardous and/or waste materials, and emanations of solid, liquid, and gaseous
waste products.
8. Require and review a detailed site and operations plan before new or expanded industrial uses are approved.
7.9. Development of industries that use large amounts of ground water, such as artificial intelligence
data centers, will be highly scrutinized and subject to strict regulations in order to protect the
sensitive environment in and around the Village.
General Industrial
Description
This future land use category includes indoor manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and office uses,
often with significant outdoor storage or processing of materials. New development should adhere to
high-quality building design, generous landscaping, modest lighting, screened storage and processing
areas, and limited and attractive signage. These areas should be located near arterial roads and away
from existing or planned residential areas and high visibility community gateways whenever possible. The
Village has not mapped any specific areas in this category at this time. Instead, the Village will consider
applications for rezoning and Plan amendment for general industrial uses on a case-by-case basis.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s GI-General Industrial and ME-Mineral Extraction zoning district will accommodate this future
land use category.
Policies and Programs
1. As opportunities for reinvestment and redevelopment of existing industrial properties occur, improve
the appearance of building facades exposed to the public view, including loading docks and storage
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
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areas.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 60
2. Future development in this designation will be served by the Village’s public sanitary sewer and water
systems and comply with the erosion and stormwater management requirements of the Village’s
subdivision ordinance.
3. Encourage the use of moderate quality building materials, improved window treatments, effective
loading and storage screening devices and landscaping.
4. Ensure that future industrial development is appropriately buffered from existing and planned
residential development areas.
5. Adhere to adopted site and building design guidelines for industrial projects, and ordinances on other
aspects of those projects like signage, landscaping, and lighting.
6. Require that all industrial projects submit and have approved detailed building elevations and site
plans, showing the proposed locations of the building(s), parking, storage, loading, signage,
landscaping, and lighting prior to development approval.
7. Enforce the Performance Standards outlined in the zoning ordinance to limit the impact of General
Industrial land uses on adjacent and nearby property, including limits on excessive, noise, odor, glare,
vibration, storage of hazardous and/or waste materials, and emanations of solid, liquid, and gaseous
waste products.
8. Require and review a detailed site and operations plan before new or expanded industrial uses are approved.
7.9. Development of industries that use large amounts of ground water, such as artificial intelligence
data centers, will be highly scrutinized and subject to strict regulations in order to protect the
sensitive environment in and around the Village.
Community Facilities
Description
This future land use category is designed to facilitate large-scale public buildings, schools, religious
institutions, power plants and substations, hospitals, and special care facilities. The Future Land Use Map
generally shows existing locations of such facilities. Future small-scale institutional uses may also be
located in areas planned for residential, commercial, office, industrial, or mixed uses, while larger-scale
institutional uses should generally be avoided in planned residential areas.
Recommended Zoning
While community facilities are conditional uses
in all zoning districts, the Village should consider
adopting an institutional or community facilities
zoning district to implement this future land use
category.
Policies and Programs
1. Require and review a detailed site and
operations plan before new or expanded
institutional uses are approved.
2. Existing residential uses shall be adequately
buffered from the institutional use via the
use of decorative fencing, vegetative
screening, berms or similar features.
3. Existing institutional uses shall work with the surrounding neighborhood to discuss potential long-
term expansion plans and how these plans would impact the area. Pre-identified institutional
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 61
expansion areas shall be delineated by institutions whenever possible to minimize the potential for
future land use conflicts.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 62
4. As a general rule, institutional uses should not generate on-street parking in residential
neighborhoods. All parking needs for institutional uses should be met on-site.
5. Institutional uses shall be designed to be easily served by transit vehicles.
6. Continue to work with the Middleton-Cross Plains School District to coordinate uses and activities on
district-owned land.
7. Encourage collaboration among the Public Works, Fire, and Police Department, and other providers
of Village services, on accommodating future service needs, as described in greater detail in the
Utilities and Community Facilities Element.
8. Adopt an institutional or community facilities zoning district to implement this future land use
category. Such a district should allow major public and quasi-public uses such as cemeteries,
municipal buildings, parks, and schools.
Rural/Environmental Land Use Categories
Agriculture/Rural
Description
The Agriculture/Rural future land use category is established and mapped on Maps 4a and 4b within the
Village’s extraterritorial jurisdiction to preserve productive agricultural and forest lands in the long-term,
protect existing farm operations from encroachment by incompatible uses, promote further investments
in farming, and maintain farmer eligibility for incentive programs.
This category focuses on lands actively used for farming, with productive agricultural soils, with
topographic conditions suitable for farming, and with long-term suitability for farming. This category also
includes scattered open lands and woodlots, farmsteads, agricultural-related uses, such as implement
dealerships, associated home occupations and small family businesses which do not interfere with the
interests of nearby property owners, small-scale forest production and processing, and limited single-
family residential development at densities at or below one home per 35 acres, with a maximum lots size
of 2 acres.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s RH-35 Rural Holding zoning district and C-Conservation zoning district will accommodate this
future land use category.
Policies and Programs
1. Continue to act as an approval authority on proposed land divisions within the Village’s
extraterritorial jurisdiction to help assure the implementation of this desired future land use
designation.
2. Support land developments in this area only where clearly related to the description above and
where proposed housing (or other non-farm use) is at very low densities.
3. Do not extend sanitary sewer service or public water service into Agriculture/Rural areas until and
unless the Village changes the future land use category for such areas through a Comprehensive Plan
amendment.
4. Work with the adjoining Towns and County to achieve these policies and programs in a cooperative
manner.
Commented [SusCom35]: Recommend to retain all
policies and programs in this section (Agricultural, Parks,
Conservancy, Woodlands, Environmental Corridor, and
Water Quality Corridors).
Commented [SusCom36]: Although most monoculture
agricultural practices do not align with environmental
practices, the sustainability committee recognizes the land
use category as an important area for retaining the character
of Cross Plains and also regulating growth at a smart,
sustainable pace.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 63
Parks
Description
This category generally includes publicly-owned land designated as Village parks or other recreational
facilities owned by public or non-profit agencies.
Some Park areas may also be accommodated within
other land use categories, such as in Single Family
Residential – Urban areas and Planned
Neighborhoods.
Recommended Zoning
While parks are conditional uses in all zoning
districts, and are permitted in BP-Business Park, C-
Conservation, LI-Light Industrial, and GI-General
Industrial zoning districts, the Village should
consider adopting an institutional or community
facilities zoning district to implement this future
land use category.
Policies and Programs
1. Update the Village’s park impact ordinance to ensure that new residential development provides
public park and recreational facilities, or fees in lieu of such facilities, following State statutory
requirements.
2. Follow the Village’s Parks and Open Space Plan when making decisions related to the park system,
and update that plan every five years.
3. Ensure that all land use decisions take into consideration the recommendations included in the
Utilities and Community Facilities Element of this Plan.
4. Design future planned neighborhoods around and with access to environmental corridors and Parks
areas without negatively affecting them from an environmental standpoint.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 64
Conservancy
Description
This category generally includes publicly-owned land
designated as State or County natural areas or other
recreational facilities. Conservancy is mapped along
Black Earth Creek through the Village and
conservation-owned land.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s C-Conservation zoning district is most
appropriate for areas within this future land use
category, but the land use is permitted in all zoning
districts.
Policies and Programs
1. Continue to work with local and state agencies and organizations to protect sensitive natural areas.
2. Ensure that future development is appropriately buffered from existing and planned Conservancy
areas.
3. Continue to work with WisDNR, Dane County, and others to coordinate possible connections
between public recreation areas and the Village.
4. Ensure that all land use decisions take into consideration the recommendations included in the
Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural and Community Facilities Elements of this Plan.
5. Low impact harvesting for conservation areas; if no special restriction.
6. Allow low impact timber harvesting in Conservancy areas, is no special restrictions exist.
7. Update the Village’s conservation land dedication requirements for all new development per the
2018 Parks and Open Space Master Plan’s recommended standards.
Woodlands
Description
This category generally includes tracts of woodlands and scattered open space lands. Woodlands are
mapped throughout the planning area, particularly on hilltops.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s C-Conservation zoning district is most appropriate for areas within this future land use
category.
Policies and Programs
1. If development is proposed in areas where Woodlands have been mapped or are adjoining, the
landowner or developer is responsible for determining the exact boundaries of the Woodlands and
preserving these areas.
2. Continue to work with local and state agencies and organizations to protect sensitive natural areas.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 65
3. Continue to work with WisDNR, Dane County, and others to coordinate possible connections
between public recreation areas and the Village.
4. Ensure that all land use decisions take into consideration the recommendations included in the
Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural and Community Facilities Elements of this Plan.
Environmental Corridor
Description
The Environmental Corridor category includes generally continuous open space systems based on lands
that have sensitive natural resources and limitations for development. This designation includes WisDNR
identified wetlands subject to existing State-mandated zoning, FEMA designated floodplains, and slopes
of 20 percent or greater. Environmental Corridor areas are generally located along the creeks.
Recommended Zoning
The Village’s C-Conservation zoning district is most appropriate for areas within this future land use
category.
Policies and Programs
1. New development in mapped Environmental Corridor areas should be prohibited.
2. If development is proposed in areas where environmental corridors have been mapped or are
adjoining, the landowner or developer is responsible for determining the exact boundaries of the
Environmental Corridor based on the wetland, floodplain, or steep slope that comprise the corridor.
3. Continue to allow existing agricultural uses (cropping, grazing, or other preexisting agricultural uses)
within Environmental Corridors.
Water Quality Corridors
Description
This designation is an overlay to identify areas within the Village’s extraterritorial jurisdiction where
development may have particularly significant impacts on streams so that special protection measures
are taken to protect stream water quality and base flow should these areas be annexed.
Recommended Zoning
See the underlying future land use category for the most appropriate Village zoning district.
Policies and Programs
See the Natural Resources section of Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural Resources for
policies and programs for this overlay future land use category. In addition, the policies and programs of
the underlying future land use category should apply.
See Appendix B for Future Land Use and Zoning District Table.
Commented [SusCom37]: The sustainability committee
strongly recommends that the Water Quality Corridors are
reinstated to guide redevelopment in existing zones as well
as future annexations and within our extraterritorial
jurisdiction. This is essential for protecting waterways and
preventing future flooding events. See natural resources
section for additional recommendations to reinstate the
Water Quality Corridor.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 66
Other Land Use Recommendations
Opportunities for Redevelopment
Glacier’s Edge Square. As one of the most concentrated commercial areas outside of downtown, Glacier’s
Edge Square is a mixed-use development that includes first floor retail and condominium residential on
the upper floors. Feedback shared during the public participation process for this Plan Update highlighted
concerns with the development, particularly its retail vacancy, infrastructure maintenance, traffic flow,
and façade appearance.
The Village conducted a public planning process in 2017 and produced the Glacier’s Edge Square
Redevelopment Plan. This process engaged residents to hear concerns, identify goals, and suggest
recommendations for redevelopment of the Glacier’s Edge site. Plan recommendations include:
Create building design guidelines to shape standards for building façades and architectural
character, material choice, and signage.
Create a Façade Improvement Grant or Loan Program
Create site and streetscaping standards, including minimum maintenance requirements for
sidewalks and walkways, landscaping, street furniture, street conditions, and Glacier’s Edge Park.
Additionally, the plan provided three redevelopment alternatives and a staff approved concept plan that
reimagine the use of space and flow of traffic on the site as well as the landscaping and design aesthetics.
The Village should work with the community and the Glacier’s Edge Square property owners to prioritize
redevelopment opportunities on the site and implement the recommendations outlined in the plan.
Former Cross Plains Pharmacy. The former Cross Plains Pharmacy site, located at 1840 Main Street, is a
prime redevelopment opportunity in downtown. The site is recommended for Main Street use on the
Future Land Use Map and could be used for commercial service, retail, office, residential, or a mix of uses.
Close to Zander Park and the improvements made to Black Earth Creek, redevelopment of the Pharmacy
site could capitalize on the transportation improvements made to Main Street and the development of
local gathering places like Crossroads Coffeehouse.
“Smart Growth” Areas
“Smart Growth” Areas are defined by the State of Wisconsin as “areas that will enable the development
and redevelopment of lands with existing infrastructure and municipal, State, and utility services, where
practical, or that will encourage efficient development patterns that are both contiguous to existing
development and at densities which will have relatively low municipal, State governmental, and utility
costs.”
In Cross Plains, Smart Growth areas are located in two areas along Main Street: from CTH P to Hickory
Street and Spring Street to the Village boundary. Redevelopment and infill development in these areas
will not only be cost efficient, but it will help the Village enhance its image, character, and non-residential
tax and job base.
Shapes on map represent general recommendations for future land use. Actual boundaries between different land use categories and associated zoning districts may vary somewhat from representations on this map. Please see the Village's Comprehensive Plan document for specific policies related to the land use categories shown on this map. Existing (not future) land use pattern shown for adjacent towns.
Environmental Corridors depicted on this map use generalized boundaries
of environmental features identified on air photos by the DNR and Dane County. Actual Environmental Corridor boundaries are to be refined through detailed on-site investigation.
Village of Cross Plains
Comprehensive Plan
Map 4a: Future Land Use-Village View
Village of Cross Plains Boundary
Town Boundaries
■)KP
Thinnes St
■)P
Round Table
Way
Thinnes St
Parcels
Railroads
Surface Water
Pedestrian/Bike Bridge
962 Ft Contour (Est. Lower Limit of High Water Pressure Elevation Zone 1)
Single Family-Exurban
Single Family-Urban
Two-Family/Townhouse
Mixed Residential
Planned Neighborhood 1. Single Family-Urban
Park St
Pleasant View
Ln
1
7 2
6 5 4 3
2. Two-Family/Townhouse
3. Mixed Residential
4. Community Facilities
5. Office/Research
6. Planned Business
7. Parks
■)KP
Office/Research
Neighborhood Business
Planned Business
Downtown
Planned Mixed Use
1. Office/Research
4 1 2. Mixed Residential
3 2 3. Community Facilities
4. Planned Business
■)P
£¤14
Light Industrial
General Industrial
Community Facilities
Agriculture/Rural
Parks
Conservancy
Woodlands/Open Space
Long Term Growth Area
Environmental Corridor
°
0 0.125 0.25 0.5
Miles
Date: October 26, 2018
Sources: Dane Co. LIO,
Vandewalle & Associates
Stone Valley Rd
ces St
Scheele Rd ú ú ú ú Hillebrand Dr ú Hillside Tr Esser St Bollenbeck St Marvin Ct ú
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Page intentionally left blank
Adopted: December 17, 2018 66
0.25 0.5 1
Miles
Shapes on map represent general recommendations for future land use. Actual boundaries between different land use categories and associated zoning districts may vary somewhat from representations on this map. Please see the Village's Comprehensive Plan document for specific policies related to the land use categories ■)K P shown on this map. Existing (not future) land use pattern shown for adjacent towns.
Environmental Corridors depicted on this map use generalized boundaries
of environmental features identified on air photos by the DNR and Dane County.
Actual Environmental Corridor boundaries are to be refined through detailed on-site !
investigation.
■)P
■)K
Village of Cross Plains
Comprehensive Plan
Map 4b: Future Land Use-ETJ View
Cross Plains Urban Service Area
Village of Cross Plains Boundary
Town Boundaries
)■KP
£¤14
)■KP
■)P
●
Extraterritorial Boundary
Parcels
Railroads
Ice Age Trail Corridor
Surface Water
962 Ft Contour (Est. Lower Limit of
High Water Pressure Elevation Zone 1)
Single Family-Exurban
Single Family-Urban
Two-Family/Townhouse
Mixed Residential
Planned Neighborhood 1. Single Family-Urban
V
1 2. Two-Family/Townhouse 7 2 3. Mixed Residential
■)KP
6 5 4 3 4. Community Facilities
5. Office/Research
6. Planned Business
7. Parks
■)P
£¤14
Office/Research
Neighborhood Business
Planned Business
Downtown
Planned Mixed Use
1. Office/Research
4 1 2. Mixed Residential
3 2 3. Community Facilities
4. Planned Business
£¤14
Light Industrial
General Industrial
Community Facilities
Agriculture/Rural
Parks
Conservancy
Woodlands/Open Space
Long Term Growth Area
Environmental Corridor
°
Date: October 26, 2018
● ! ! !
! !
Enchanted Valley Road ●
■)P
0
Sources: Dane Co. LIO,
Vandewalle & Associates
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Three: Land Use
Adopted: December 17, 2018 68
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Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 69
Chapter Four: Transportation
This chapter includes a compilation of background
information, goals, objectives, policies and
recommended programs to guide the future
development and maintenance of various modes
of transportation in the Village of Cross Plains. The
chapter also compares the Village’s transportation
policies and programs to state, county, and
regional transportation plans.
Existing Transportation Facilities
Existing Street Network
Roads are functionally classified into different types based on their roles in providing mobility,
connectivity, and accessibility. capacity. The Village of Cross Plains has minor arterials (principal and
minor), and major collectors (urban and rural), and as well as local roads.collectors. According to the
Connect Greater Madison 2050 Regional Transportation Plan for Dane County, roads designated as minor
principal arterials generally carry the highest volume of traffic and serve the longest trips and major
regional centers. In Cross Plains, USH 14 (Main Street) is considered a principal arterial. Roads designated
as minor arterials serve community land uses and moderate trip lengths while connecting to principal
arterials. In Cross Plains, CTH P and Airport Road/Thinnes Street (east of CTHP) are minor arterials.
arterials serve cities, large communities, and other major traffic generators providing intra-regional and
inter-area traffic movements. In Cross Plains, USH 14 is considered a minor arterial.
Major collectors provide service to moderately sized communities and other intra-area traffic generators,
and link those generators to nearby larger population centers and higher function routes. In the Village,
CTH P, CTH KP, Airport Road and Bourbon Road are considered to be major collectors.
Collector roads generally accommodate shorter trips and provide function for accessibility to
neighborhoods and connectivity to arterials. In the Village, Bourbon Road, the segment of CTH KP
between USH 14 and Bourbon Road, and the segment of Brewery Road between USH 14 and CTH P are
urban collectors. CTH KP west of Bourbon Road is classified as a major rural collector.
In addition, the network of roads in the Village includes many smaller roads, designated as local collector
roads.
Average daily traffic counts are maintained and projected for state and county roads by the Department
of Transportation. The data below indicate strong annual growth in traffic on the Village’s major roads,
most notably USH 14 West of the Village, CTH KP south of 14, and CTH P north of 14.
Figure 15: Vehicular Traffic Flows for Selected Road Segments
Annual Average Daily Traffic
Location 2009 2012 2016 2018
CTH P north of Village 3,200 N/A N/A N/A
CTH P Church Street 6,000 N/A 4,500 N/A
CTH P south of Village 4,200 3,900 N/A 3,500
TRANSPORTATION RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY Expand walking and biking opportunities in the Village and develop a Village Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Conduct a downtown parking study. Develop an Update the Official Map based on the recommendations of this Plan. Link Cross Plains to the regional transportation system for additional multimodal mobility and connectivity
Commented [SusCom38]: The sustainability committee
supports the current long term vision of commuter rail
service and biking trails that connect to other communities
as well as short term goals for requiring sidewalks with new
developments and improving bicycle routes within the
community. We also recommend planning for the future by
improving infrastructure to support electric vehicles.
Commented [BW39]: Update table
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 70
USH 14 and Water St. 11,000 12,000 N/A 11,000
USH 14 west of Village N/A 12,300 9,600 9,800
CTH KP west of Village N/A 1,200 1,100 1,300
WisDOT Wisconsin Highway Traffic Volume Data
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 71
Existing Roadway Conditions
Using data from community pavement assessments, Wisconsin Information System for Local Roads
(WISLR) enables communities and the State to begin to assess Wisconsin’s local roadway system.
The PASER system, which was designed by the Transportation Information Center of the University of
Wisconsin-Madison, rates road surfaces from a scale of 1 to 10. This scale is broken down as followings:
“1" and “2”, very poor condition; “3”, poor condition; “4” and “5”, fair condition; “6” and “7”, good
condition; “8”, very good condition; and “9” and “10", excellent condition. In addition to its use in WISLR,
the rating system gives communities a detailed assessment of the appropriate maintenance method for
each road segment under their jurisdiction.
The Village of Cross Plains maintains a PASER analysis. This analysis can be obtained from the Village
offices or the Public Works Dept.
Transit Service and Paratransit Service
The Village does not currently operate a public transit system. However, Dane County does offer
transportation services for adults with developmental disabilities through the Department of Human
Services.
Rail Road Railroad Service
Wisconsin and Southern Railroad maintains
operates a rail line, though owned by the State of
Wisconsin, that runs through the Village.
Aviation Service
The Village of Cross Plains is served by the Dane
County Regional Airport (19 miles east of the
Village). Commercial air carriers that offer service
from the Dane County Regional Airport include
American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines,
Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United
Airlines. More than 1.9 million passengers use this
airport.
Middleton Municipal Airport (Morey Field) is a
small, general aviation airport in the City of Middleton available for private plane owners. This airport is
located 8 miles east of the Village.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation
There are limited sidewalks for pedestrians within the Village. Sidewalks are available along both sides of
USH 14 (Main Street), one one or both sides of CTH P, and in select newer subdivisions. Bike routes
through the Village generally use the existing roadways., which is adequate except on major arterial
streets, where marked bike lanes would improve safety. Paved shared-use paths have recently been added
in portions of the Creek Crossing subdivision, on the south side of CTH KP, and on the west side of Brewery
Road between Valley Street and Laufenberg Boulevard.
Trucking
Within a 20-mile radius of the Village there are a number of trucking firms. Truck traffic is most prevalent
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 72
on USH 14.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 73
Water Transportation
There is no water transportation available within the Village. The nearest navigable commercial
waterways are the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (90 miles west) or Lake Michigan at
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (100 miles east).
Commute to Work
Census data show that the 21 percent of Village residents have a one-way work commute of less than 10
minutes. The data also show nearly 80 percent of residents travel for less than 30 minutes to work. Only
5.3 percent report commutes of 45 minutes or more. Dane County and the Wisconsin Census counts
show similar patterns. The mean travel time for the Village is 19.1 minutes. This compares to 20.9 for
Dane County, and 21.9 for the state.
Figure 16: Travel Time to Work
Village of Cross Plains Dane County Wisconsin
Under 10 minutes 20.7% 14.8% 18.3%
10 to 14 12.0% 16.9% 16.7%
15 to 19 20.0% 18.5% 16.6%
20 to 24 16.3% 17.6% 14.7%
25 to 29 10.9% 8.2% 6.7%
30 to 34 10.1% 12.1% 10.7%
35 to 44 4.8% 5.3% 5.9%
45 to 59 2.5% 3.6% 5.6%
60 minutes or more 2.8% 3.1% 4.8%
Mean travel time to work (minutes) 19.1 20.9 21.9
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
The Village of Cross Plains and surrounding area currently have no official park-and-ride facilities.
Review of State and Regional Transportation Plans
The following is a review of state and regional transportation plans and studies that are relevant to the
Village.
Wisconsin State Highway Plan 2020
The Wisconsin State Highway Plan focuses on the 11,800 miles of State Trunk Highway routes in
Wisconsin. The plan does not identify specific projects, but broad strategies and policies to improve the
state highway system through 2020. Given its focus, the plan does not identify improvement needs on
roads under local jurisdiction. This Plan includes three main areas of emphasis: pavement and bridge
preservation, traffic movement, and safety. This Plan does not provide any Cross Plains-specific
recommendations.
Commented [BW40]: Update with new Census and
survey information
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 74
Wisconsin Southwest Region Highway Improvement Program 2018 23
The WisDOT maintains a six-year improvement program for state and federal highways within the Region.
Projects in the 2018-2023 2023-2028 improvement program include resurfacing and bridge rehabilitation
on Highway 14 in Oregon, Evansville, and Spring Green. These projects are planned for 2021-2023. No
projects in the 2018-2023 improvement program directly affect roads within the Village. Do not include
any that directly affect USH 14 within the Village.
Wisconsin DOT Connections 2030 2050
Connections 2030 2050, adopted in 2022, is Wisconsin’s Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan,
which links statewide transportation policy to implementation, planning, programming, and other
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) activities. The plan is designed to stay current and
relevant over time by relying on and connecting to other multimodal plans and technical reports, while
sharing an overall vision and supporting common goals and objectives. Major plans linked to Connect
2050 include the State’s Rail Plan, Freight Plan, Active Transportation Plan (combination of previously
separate Pedestrian Policy Plan and Bicycle Transportation Plan), Airport Plan, Highway Safety Plan, and
other plans.The plan calls for improved system integration for passengers and freight, as well as
modernization to correct outdated infrastructure design and combine technological advancements with
more traditional transportation infrastructure designs.
The plan sets policy directions for the state trunk highway system, public transit, intercity travel, freight
movement, bicycle and pedestrian travel, and funding, project scheduling and prioritization decisions.
2050 Regional Transportation Plan for Madison Metropolitan Area and Dane
County
The Connect Greater Madison 2050 Regional Transportation Plan was adopted in 2017 2022. It is a multi-
modal system plan that pro- vides an overall framework for transportation planning and investment
decision making in the Madison Metropolitan Area and Dane County. It identifies transportation projects
and actions to be implemented. The Plan recommends establishing a regional express bus network that
would connect Cross Plains to downtown Madison. It also recommends connecting Cross Plains to the
Madison area with a new regional shared-use path, and developing a new park and ride lot in the Village.
Transport 2020: Transportation Alternatives Analysis for the Dane County/Greater
Madison Metropolitan Area
WisDOT, Dane County, and the City of Madison jointly conducted this transportation alternatives analysis
between 2000 and 2002. The Transport 2020 report, released in 2002, identified a future transit system
to address current and future needs and achieve regional goals identified in the planning process. As a
result of this planning process, the reported “Locally Preferred Alternative” includes a network of
strategically located park-and-ride lots, new regional express bus service to several Dane County
communities (including Cross Plains), and new passenger rail service (i.e., commuter rail and urban
streetcar service) operating in the central part of Madison.
Dane County Land Use and Transportation Plan
The Dane County Comprehensive Plan includes recommendations for a number of different components
of the countywide transportation system designed to serve the County’s development for the next 20
years. The plan includes recommendations for include transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, highways,
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 75
transportation facilities for the disabled, railroads, air transportation, trucking and water transportation.
One of the plan’s objectives is to develop express commuter transit and vanpool services between the
central Madison area and outlying villages and cities, including park and ride lots along major travel
corridors and at transit system transfer points.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 76
Wisconsin State Airport System Plan 2030
This plan includes a general inventory of existing airport facilities in the state and provides a framework
for the preservation and enhancement of a system of public-use airports to meet the current and future
aviation needs of the state. It includes recommendations to upgrade existing facilities through runway
extensions and replacements and facility improvements, but does not identify any new locations for
airports to meet future needs. The Plan recommends land clearing around runway approaches and land
use zoning ordinance updates related to the Dane County Regional Airport, and significant improvements
at Middleton Municipal Airport (Morey Field).
Wisconsin Rail Plan 2030 2050
The statewide Wisconsin Tail Rail Plan 2030 2050 creates a long-range rail transportation plan for freight
rail, intercity passenger rail, and commuter rail. The Plan provides a vision for rail in Wisconsin and
identifies priorities that inform system improvement strategies over the next 20 years. The Plan
recommends improving the rail line through Cross Plains by replacing the existing 36 miles of rail
between Madison and Spring Green with new continuous welded rail. The plan also recommends various
options for providing passenger rail service to Madison that could be utilized by Village residents for
regional travel.
Bicycle Transportation Plan for the Madison Metropolitan Area and Dane County
The 2015 Bicycle Transportation Plan for the Madison Metropolitan Area and Dane County is intended to
increase bicycling levels throughout Dane County and serve as a blueprint for continuing to improve
bicycling conditions and safety. The Plan describes the economic, equity, health, and environmental
benefits of bicycling; establishes plan vision, goals, and strategies; provides an analysis of existing bicycle
facilities, conditions, and deficiencies throughout the region; and discusses equity and environmental
justice issues. It also provides recommendations for education, encouragement, enforcement activities
and activities related to engineering, planning, and end-of-trip facilities. The Plan identifies the Good
Neighbor Trail as a future planned priority regional trail that will connect Cross Plains to surrounding
communities like Middleton and Mazomanie.
Bicycle Facility Design Standards
According to the Federal Highway Administration’s Implementing Bicycle Improvements at the Local
Level, the following specifications are recommended:
“To accommodate bicyclists, a minimum paved shoulder width of 1.2 m (4 ft.) should be provided.
However, paved shoulders that are as narrow as 0.9m (3 ft) can also help improve conditions for
bicyclists and are recommended where 1.2-m (4-ft.) widths cannot be achieved. Generally, any
additional paved shoulder width is better than none at all. The width of a usable paved shoulder should
be measured from the edge of a gutter pan. Where guardrails, curbs, or other roadside barriers exist,
the minimum recommended width of a paved shoulder is 1.5 m (5 ft). Additional shoulder width over
the recommended minimums is always desirable where higher bicycle usage is expected; where motor
vehicle speeds exceed 90 km/h (56 mi/h); where there is a high percentage of large vehicles such as
trucks, buses and recreational vehicles; or where static obstructions exist at the right side of the
roadway. In general, the recommendations for paved shoulder widths found in AASHTO’s A Policy on
Geometric Design of Highways and Streets serve bicycles well since wide shoulders are required on
heavily traveled, high-speed roads carrying large numbers of trucks. To be useful for bicyclists,
shoulders should be smoothly paved.”
Specific standards can be located in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials AASHTO’s Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities published in 1999. Contact the
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 77
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) by mail at P.O. Box 96716,
Washington, DC, 20090-6716 or by Phone at (888) 227-4860.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 78
The Bicycle Transportation Plan for the Madison Urban Area and Dane County, Wisconsin maintains a
detailed section on recommended design guidelines for bike facilities, signage, lane markings, and bicycle
parking.
Wisconsin Bicycle Transportation Plan 2020
Wisconsin Bicycle Transportation Plan 2020 presents a blueprint for improving conditions for bicycling,
clarifies the WisDOT’s role in bicycle transportation, and establishes policies for further integrating
bicycling into the current transportation system. While this plan does not include any Cross Plains specific
recommendations, the plan map illustrates existing state trails and future “priority corridors and key
linkages” for bicycling along the State Trunk Highway system in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Pedestrian Policy Plan 2020
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) developed the Wisconsin Pedestrian Policy Plan
2020 to provide a long-range vision addressing Wisconsin pedestrian needs. The Pedestrian Plan provides
a basic description of existing and emerging pedestrian needs over the next 20 years, with a set of
recommendations to meet those needs. WisDOT’s efforts ensure that this plan complements both
existing and future long-range transportation plans.
Transportation Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Goals:
1. To provide a safe, convenient and efficient multi-modal transportation system in the Village of Cross
Plains.
Objectives:
1. Link Cross Plains’ transportation system with the regional transportation system through coordinated
long-range transportation and land use planning. Participate in countywide efforts to develop public
transportation between Cross Plains and the Madison area. This includes provisions for additional
ride-share vans or other mass transit options.
2. Cooperate and coordinate with existing ongoing regional transportation and land use efforts., such
as the Dane County Comprehensive Plan and Transport 2020.
3. Identify potential future ride share lots, park and rides, and a possible station for future commuter
rail service, bus service, private or public commuter options.
4. Minimize the impact of new transportation projects on existing homes, businesses and natural
resources.
5. Take full advantage of the economic development possibilities associated with the Village’s access
and proximity to regional rail lines.
6. Provide safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle routes between residential areas, schools,
shopping areas, parks, medical facilities, employment centers and mass transit facilities. Identify
bicycle routes with appropriate signs.
7. Support Main Street development which seeks to minimize problems with pedestrian safety, traffic
flow, and vehicular access.
8. Provide adequate parking for the Main Street area. Consider structured parking, alternative street
parking, and shared parking facilities if more parking is needed.
Commented [BW41]: Currently being updated and
combined into Wisconsin Active Transportation Plan 2050
Commented [SusCom42]: Retain goals, objectives, and
policies that relate to planning for ride share lots, park and
rides, a possible station for future commuter rail service, bus
service, private or public commuter options, sidewalks, and
bicycle routes. Also, retain verbiage ensuring protection of
natural resources.
Specifically retain obj 3, 4, 5, 6 and policies 1, 2, 5, and 6 as
well as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities section
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 79
9. Continue the implementation of the US14 Streetscape and Signage Plan, adopted in 2015.
10. Improve the visual quality of Village gateway corridors including USH 14, CTH P, and CTH KP by
revising existing Village ordinances which regulate development.
Policies:
1. All new development along existing and proposed transit corridors shall be designed so that it can be
conveniently served with bus, commuter rail, light rail or other transit systems. Site plan reviews will
include a thorough analysis of whether or not the proposed development is designed in a manner
that will allow it to be served by transit vehicles (e.g. buses, car pools, vans, rails, etc.).
2. All new developments shall construct pedestrian and bicycle facilities that connect to the existing
Village system. These shall include sidewalks, and may also include bike paths if such paths exist or
are planned for construction on adjoining property.
3. Direct access to arterial streets shall only be allowed for major facilities such as large shopping
centers or other significant traffic generators.
4. Whenever possible, aesthetic improvements such as canopy shade trees along terraces, pedestrian
scale theme lighting, landscaped boulevards, traffic circles, banners, benches, etc. shall be included in
all arterial and collector street construction and reconstruction projects.
5. Work with Dane county County to enhance and expand the recreation related transportation
routes for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling and link them with other areas of
the Village.
6. Require sidewalks in new developments to enable a diversity of local transportation options.
7. Discourage the creation of cul de sacs except in very limited situations (e.g. existing topography or
development pattern necessitates their use).
8. Update the subdivision ordinance to require multiple points of vehicular access, and establish block
length and circulation guidelines for all new subdivisions.
9. Protect the traffic carrying capacity of arterial streets in the Village by restricting on-street parking in
certain areas and limiting the number of driveways which provide direct vehicular access to heavily
traveled thoroughfares. Support development of a collector street system that complements arterial
(USH 14) and local street systems to avoid through traffic on neighborhood streets.
10. Where feasible, redesign and reconstruct existing intersections, which are presently not well
designed.
11. Utilize the Official Map to reserve right of ways for future arterial and collector streets, pedestrian
and bicycle paths, bridges, riverwalks, rail lines, airport facilities, transit facilities and other
transportation-related features.
12. Encourage neighboring towns and Dane County to work closely with the Village of Cross Plains to
implement the transportation recommendations and policies presented in this Village of Cross Plains
Comprehensive Plan.
13. Coordinate with other units of government as necessary to ensure adequate transportation facilities
for trucking, transit, and rail, as well as air and water travel and transit.
14. Street reconstruction projects should include provisions for new sidewalks and/or shared use paths
where feasible.
15. Explore opportunities to add new paved and/or unpaved trails in existing park and conservancy
areas to improve pedestrian and bicyclist mobility and safety and fill in gaps in the off-street
network.
16. Partner with Middleton, Black Earth, and Mazomanie to connect the Good Neighbor trail in Middleton
and the Wolf Run trail in Mazomanie
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 80
13. 17. Increase access for residents and visitors to electric vehicle charging stations
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 81
Transportation Programs and Recommendations
This section builds from the policies identified above, and suggests particular actions, positions, and
programs that the Village may undertake over the next 20 years.
Transportation System Improvements
The transportation system improvement recommendations are intended to be used in conjunction with
the land use recommendations presented in the previous chapter of this Plan. In general, roadways
within Cross Plains should provide multiple routes to most destinations, while minimizing potential
conflicts between residential and non-residential land uses. Spreading traffic among several roads allows
for the most efficient use of transportation dollars and minimizes traffic congestion on a few main roads.
An interconnected system is also preferred for bike and pedestrian access, police and fire service, street
maintenance, and snow plowing. All new subdivisions should be designed with road connections to future
planned subdivisions; sidewalks on at least one side of the street; cul-de-sacs should be avoided unless
natural features (e.g., topography, wetlands) prevent the extension or looping of a through roadway.
The past decade has seen a sharp rise in EV registrations in the state of Wisconsin,
driven by federal incentives, infrastructure investment, and consumer demand.
Though growth has slowed in recent years with market share in the U.S. at 5.8%, the
auto industry projections forecast 15–25% share by 2030. Currently the Village of
Cross Plains has one level 2 (6.5kW) EV charger at Glaciers Edge Square with an
additional level 2 charger planned for the new Village Hall. Given the shifting
landscape of Hybrid EVs and EVs, there is a greater need for EV charging access in our
community. In the future, a level 3 EV charger (fast charging) would be ideal which
would also attract out of town drivers along hwy 14 to the community.
Recommended street system improvements are listed below and shown on Map 5:
Prior to the development of lands designated as Planned Neighborhood on the Future Land Use Map,
the Village shall require developers to work with Village staff to develop a street system plan for the
proposed new neighborhood.
The Village should adopt an access control ordinance that applies to all arterial streets within the
Village and its ETJ area.
The Village should pursue a pedestrian bridge or elevated crossing on Highway KP to accommodate
residents living in neighborhoods to the south of Main Street.
Conduct a downtown parking needs study to address Main Street park loss following improvements
to Main Street. As part of the study, explore opportunities for public parking lots.
Explore areas for installing level 2 and level 3 EV charging stations.
Official Mapping
Recommended street system improvements in the Cross Plains planning area include adoption of an
official map that identifies existing streets, expansions of existing street rights-of-way, rights-of-way for
proposed new streets. Chapter 62.23 Wis. Stats. authorizes cities to create and adopt official maps for
lands within the municipality and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality. The Village should
also identify rights of way that are currently operated as Village streets, but are not dedicated to the
Village. The Official Map would also identify identifies future major and minor collector streets. County
Trunk Highways P and KP within the Cross Plains extraterritorial planning jurisdiction should be officially
mapped with minimum rights-of-way of 100 feet. USH 14 should be officially mapped with minimum
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 82
rights-of-way of at least 120 feet depending upon the amount of existing development along the existing
corridors. The Official Map could also identify future stormwater management areas, parks, multi-use
paths, and other trails.
Bike and Pedestrian Facilities
Non-vehicular options are an important component of the overall transportation system and community
feedback suggests there is a demand among Village residents for transportation alternatives. In order to
build a comprehensive and connected bicycle and pedestrian network that connects residents and
visitors to desirable destinations, the Village should complete a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 83
The bicycle and pedestrian planning process will include an inventory of existing on- and off-street
facilities, including bike lanes, bike and shared-use paths, and sidewalks. A Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
will include an analysis of key community destinations, preferred routes, traffic conditions, and bicycle
and pedestrian facility design standards. Recommendations from this Plan should be prioritized and
implemented to serve all street users, regardless of age, ability, income, or location.
Bicycle and sidewalk route improvements should be integrated into public street improvements,
wherever possible. Development of off-street recreation trails should be pursued in cooperation with
public and private partners as opportunities arise through development, redevelopment, and
preservation efforts.
The planning process should incorporate Dane County plans for a regional bike shared-use route between
the City of Madison and Mazomanie. The Village also intends to investigate the development of a
pedestrian walkway along the Black Earth Creek to minimize conflicts with USH 14 and encourage
increased enjoyment and use of this natural resource.
Main Street Transportation Recommendations:
Due to its location along USH 14, downtown presents several transportation-related challenges. The
Village intends to pursue the following to minimize impacts:
Coordinate future Main Street developments to ensure that they maximize pedestrian safety and
minimize access points to high-volume traffic routes, especially US 14.
Engage the Cross Plains Chamber of Commerce to encourage Main Street businesses to develop joint
site development plans to encourage shared usage of space while improving the overall Main Street
economy, such as parking and trash/recycling collection sites.
Identify underutilized areas in the Main Street corridor that could be expanded to create more
parking.
Develop and plan for a directional signage system in the Village, including direction to downtown
parking areas. See Chapter Two: Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural Resources for detailed
recommendations.
Amend the Village’s zoning ordinance to allow for shared parking facilities. Develop incentives to
encourage the development of shared parking spaces in future new developments.
Other Transportation Options
The Village should continue to work with the State, County and other transportation providers to support
additional transportation options, including commuter facilities, para-transit for the growing elderly and
disabled populations and transportation services for lower income workers. Available programs include:
Regional Transit Service. The Village intends to coordinate with ongoing studies at the County level
that are investigating the possibility of regional transit opportunities, including expanded regional bus
services and park-and-ride facilities. Cross Plains supports regional efforts to develop transit systems
and intends to identify a site for a potential future rail station within the Village. As mass transit
opportunities begin to come to fruition, the Village intends to review and update its codes and
ordinances to ensure that they allow mixed use developments to occur around future facility sites.
Specialized Transportation Assistance Program for Counties, which provides funding for
transportation services, purchasing services from any public or private organization, subsidizing
elderly and disabled passengers for their use of services or use of their own personal vehicles,
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 84
performing or funding management studies on transportation, training and the purchase of
equipment. This program requires a 20% local match in funding.
County Elderly and Disabled Transportation Capital Assistance program. Eligible applicants include
private and non-profit organizations, local public bodies that do not have private or public
transportation providers available, and local public bodies that are approved providers of
transportation services for the elderly and disabled. The program covers 80% of the cost of eligible
equipment.
Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program (WETAP). This program supports
transportation services to link low-income workers with jobs, training centers and childcare facilities.
Applicants must prepare a Regional Job Access Plan that identifies the needs for assistance. Eligible
applicants include local governments and non-profit agencies.
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Location 2009 2012 2016 2018
CTH P north of Village 3,200 N/A N/A N/A
CTH P (Church Street) 6,000 N/A 4,500 N/A
CTH P south of Village 4,200 3,900 N/A 3,500
USH 14 and Water St 11,000 12,000 N/A 11,000
USH 14 west of Village N/A 12,300 9,600 9,800
CTH KP west of Village N/A 1,200 1,100 1,300
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Four: Transportation
Adopted: December 17, 2018 80
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Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 81
Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities This chapter of the Plan contains background information, goals, objectives, policies, and recommended programs to guide the future maintenance and development of utilities and community facilities within the Village of Cross Plains. Existing Utilities and Community Facilities Conditions Sanitary Sewer System The municipal wastewater treatment system in the Village of Cross Plains was improved in 2005. The upgraded plant is designed to accommodate a projected 2025 population of 6,000. This capacity also assumes that stormwater infiltration into the sewer pipes can be reduced. The primary project to reduce this source of extra wastewater volume is replacement of the Main Street interceptor, to be completed in conjunction with eventual upgrades to Highway 14. The Village of Cross Plains also commissioned a Long Range Utility Plan for the Sanitary Sewer Collection System. This plan was completed in January of 2001 and outlines the specific needs that must be addressed for the sanitary sewer collection system, if the Village is to continue to develop in the future. This study was solely focused on the wastewater collection system, and did not address the long term needs/capacity of the wastewater treatment plant. There are two properties in the Village served by private onsite wastewater (septic) systems. These properties should connect to the public system in the future. All private onsite wastewater treatment systems must comply with Wisconsin Administrative Code COMM 83. Soil restrictions dictate where various types of systems may be used. Common systems in Wisconsin include the conventional in-ground system, also referred to as a below-grade system, the mound system, and the at-grade system. Homeowners should always have their soils of their property analyzed by certified professionals before installing or replacing any sort of private onsite wastewater treatment system. Water Supply Municipal water supply in the Village of Cross Plains is provided by a system of wells, distribution lines, and storage facilities. A study of this system (Needs Assessment for Improvements to the Municipal Water Supply System) was completed in 1994 by Town and Country Engineering, the Village’s Engineer of Record. The Village has completed several of the primary recommendations of this study. The Village is currently working to reserve adequate area in the northeast part of the Village for water storage tanks and water supply wells. An expansion of this report was completed in January of 2001 (Long Range System Planning Water System Analysis). This report was commissioned to study the best possible location of a future water tank, as well as “to determine if “zoning” the water distribution system into high and low pressure zones would result in significant increase in the possible service area”. The conclusion of this report was that, if the Village zones the water system, a larger area could be served than without creating a zoned system.
UTILITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY Implement the Park and Open Space Plan. Conduct a space needs and siting study for the Village Hall and Police Department. Continue to coordinate with the Middleton-Cross Plains School District on issues of mutual concern.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 82
However, the final location of a future water tank will depend upon the type of development and level of service the Village the Village wishes to provide. Storm Water Management The Cross Plains Area Stormwater Management Plan, completed in February 1996 by Town and Country Engineering, Inc., provides a detailed analysis of 18 runoff subbasins in a portion of the east side of the Village. The plan projects changes in land use through 2015 and recommends a schedule of improvements in each subbasin immediately, by 2015, and long term. This document should be consulted as part of any plat review in the Village or within the Village’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. The Village of Cross Plains municipal code sets erosion control standards and requirements for “all land disturbing and land developing activities” within the corporate limits of the Village, and for “those land disturbing activities relating to, arising from, or connected with a subdivision as defined in section 236.02(12), Wisconsin Statutes.” Dane County also has a stormwater management ordinance, part of Chapter 14 of the Dane County Code of Ordinances. This ordinance applies to land disturbing activities in all unincorporated areas in the County. Landowners outside the Village of Cross Plains corporate limits but inside its 1.5 mile extraterritorial jurisdiction should consult with both the Village and the County to determine which regulations apply. If both apply, the more restrictive requirements will be used. Dane County’s stormwater and erosion control requirements can be found online at: http://www.co.dane.wi.us/commissions/lakes/stormwater.shtml The Village of Cross Plains is not required to apply to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water permit. Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling Facilities The Village contracts Town and Country Sanitation to provide solid waste disposal and recycling services. The contract for these services expires at the end of 2020. Post Office The Cross Plains Post Office is located at 2012 Park St. Fire Protection /Rescue/Emergency Medical Services The Village shares fire, rescue and EMS equipment, facilities and services with the Town of Berry and Town of Cross Plains. The EMS, located at 2027 Park Street, also serves the Town of Springfield. The Berry- Cross Plains Fire Station facility was recently upgraded in 2007 and is located at 1501 Bourbon Road.
Commented [SusCom43]: There was a Water Quality task force in 2005 that was formed following a referendum to establish a Water Quality Corridor. One of the task force recommendations was to create a stormwater utility. Was this ever discussed at the plan commission or board level? Commented [SusCom44]: What is the status of this? Was the plan fully implemented?
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 83
Law Enforcement
The Cross Plains Police Department presently consists of the Chief of Police and five other full time sworn
police officers as well as a civilian administrative assistant. In addition, several officers are employed on a
part-time basis.
In the event there is no Cross Plains Police Department officer on duty, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office
handles emergency calls in the Village.
The office of the Cross Plains Police Department is located in the lower level of the Cross Plains Municipal
Building, which is located at 2417 Brewery Rd.
Health Care Facilities
Health care for residents is available at the Cross Plains Clinic (2418 Brewery Road) and in the neighboring
communities of Black Earth and Middleton. Physicians in these areas are affiliated with one or more
hospitals in Madison. Madison hospitals serving Cross Plains and the surrounding areas include Meriter
Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, U.W. Hospital and Clinics and Veterans Health Care Primary Care Center.
Library
The Rosemary Garfoot Public Library is located at 2107 Julius St., and is a member of the South Central
Library System. The library offers public computers, tutoring, book discussions, outreach services, and
poetry writing contests.
The Rosemary Garfoot Public Library is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
certified public library in the state of Wisconsin. Numerous elements in construction, design and
sustainable practices factor into qualification for LEED. Among the myriad materials used in the facility
are insulation made from recycled blue jeans, wheatboard cabinetry, recycled paper composite surface
on the circulation desk, areas of cork flooring, and recycled tire pedimats. Features attributing to energy
savings and conscientious use of natural resources include: harnessing daylight; eco-flush toilets; photo-
voltaic sinks; radiant floor heat; rain gardens; and recycled wood from trees removed from the site. By
virtue of building a “green” library, the Rosemary Garfoot Public Library is guaranteed, at minimum, a 30
percent reduction in utility costs when compared to a similar size (16,500 sq. ft.) and functioning facility.
Schools
The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District consists of six elementary schools, two middle schools
and two high schools.
Five of the schools: Elm Lawn Elementary, Northside Elementary, Sauk Trail Elementary, Kromrey Middle
School and Middleton High School are located in the City of Middleton. Sunset Ridge Elementary School
and West Middleton are located in the Town of Middleton. Park Elementary School and Glacier Creek
Middle School are located in Cross Plains. Students in the Elm Lawn, Northside and Sauk Trail boundaries
attend Kromrey Middle School. Students in the Sunset Ridge, Park and West Middleton boundaries attend
Glacier Creek Middle School. All students attend Middleton High School or Clark Street Community
School. Bussing is available for those students living 1.1 miles or more from the school.
The grade configuration for the schools is Elementary K-5, Middle 6-8 and High School 9-12.
Commented [SusCom45]: Unfortunately the library no
longer has LEED certification. Updates needed to re-establish
this status are encouraged by the sustainability committee
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 84
Figure 17: Middleton-Cross Plains School District
Source: http://www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us/parents.maps.dist.cfm
Child Care Facilities
There are several licensed childcare facilities in the Village. Residents in need of childcare services also
use informal networks of friends and family, or facilities near workplaces in the Madison area.
Parks and Recreation Facilities
Source: http://www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us/parents.maps.dist.cfm
The Village updated its Parks and Open Space Master Plan in December 2018. The Plan lists a series of
objectives and policies which should be utilized when making decisions about parks and open space
improvements.
The Village currently contains 24 park and open space areas, totaling just over 280 total acres and 97
acres of unconstrained land. This includes 106 acres of active-use public parks and school grounds and
176 acres of passive-use natural areas. Parks and facilities are listed in Figure 18 below by open space
classification.
Commented [BW46]: This section should be updated
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 85
Figure 18: Village of Cross Plains Existing Parkland 2018
Park Name
Total Acreage Unconstrained Acreage ADA Accessible Bathrooms Benches Shelter/Indoor Space Picnic Tables Water Fountain Scenic Overlook Trails Mountain Biking Play Equipment Ball Fields Basketball Courts Open Play/Play Fields Swimming Pool Tennis Courts Volleyball Courts
Mini Parks
Cedar Glen Park 0.57 0.44 x x x x x x
Glacier's Edge Park 0.38 0.38 x
Neighborhood Parks
Brewery Creekside Park 4.49 0.00 x x x x
Gausewitz Park 0.48 0.48 x x x x
Glacial Valley Park 3.42 0.00 x x x x x x x
Holfelder Park 1.00 0.00 x x x x x x
Melody Acres Park 0.83 0.83 x x x x
Westview Park 1.07 0.00 x x x x x
Community Parks
Baer Park 28.83 13.45 x x x x x x x x x x x x
Municipal Park 1.06 1.06 x x x x x x x x x
Raspberry Park 9.60 0.01 x x x x x x x
H.M. Zander Park 9.43 0.01 x x x x
Special Facilities
DNR Conservation Area 17.40 17.40
Cross Plains School District Properties
Glacier Creek Middle School 13.98 6.46 x x x x x x
Park School 15.41 0.43 x x x x x x x
Nature Areas
Cedar Glen Conservancy 32.94 0.00 x x x
Cedar Hill Park Conservancy 25.14 2.29 x x x
Dorothy Statz Park 2.75 0.00 x x x
H.I. Hillebrand Glacial Valley
Conservancy 37.58 0.00
x x
Hickory Hill Conservancy 52.06 35.45 x x
Swanson Conservancy 4.00 1.92 x
Westview Scenic Overlook 4.35 0.00 x x x
Private Recreation Facilities
American Legion Park 2.25 2.25 x x x x x
St. Francis Church & School 13.84 13.84 x x x x
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 86
Power Plants and Transmission Lines
There is a 69 Kilovolt transmission line running through the south end of the Village and a substation at
the intersection of CTH P and Stagecoach Rd. Plans are under way to upgrade electric transmission lines
in western Dane County.
Electricity and Natural Gas
Electricity and natural gas are supplied to the Village through Madison Gas & Electric.
Telephone and Television Services
The Village of Cross Plains does not have any ordinances in place that govern the location of cell towers.
There are no cell towers in the Village at this time. Telecommunications are provided to the Village
through TDS. Cable service is provided through Charter Communications.
Cemeteries
There are two cemeteries in Cross Plains, Valley Home Cemetery on Brewery Road and Saint Francis
Xavier cemetery behind St. Frances Xavier Catholic Church on Thinnes Street.
Churches
There are two churches in Cross Plains, Saint Martin’s Lutheran Church at 2427 Church Street and Saint
Frances Xavier Catholic Church at 2947 Thinnes Street.
Utilities and Community Facilities Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Goals:
1. Parks and Recreation Goal: To provide quality recreation and open space lands and facilities to all
residents of Cross Plains.
2. Community Service Goals: To provide high quality, cost-effective services to the Village and its
residents.
3. Utilities goal: Manage stormwater to the greatest extent possible.
2.4. Utilities goal: Meet 80 percent of all village operations energy needs with renewable energy by
2035.
Objectives:
1. Acquire an adequate amount of land to meet the recreational needs of the Village.
2. Provide safe and reliable facilities at Village parks as dictated by park use and type.
3. Ensure that new Village park lands (neighborhood, community, and conservancy areas) are accessible
to Village residents, whenever possible.
4. Ensure that all neighborhoods in the Village have easy pedestrian access to a neighborhood park
facility.
5. Coordinate park development, use of recreational facilities, and recreational program efforts
between the Village, local schools, and private institutions.
6. Identify open space lands that are important to the overall quality of life in the community and take
measures to assure their conservation.
7. Promote awareness of the impact of Village’s park, open space, recreation system on the quality of
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 87
life in the Village.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 88
8. Develop a system of pedestrian and bicycle routes that link Village and surrounding recreation areas.
9. Ensure that basic public services such as adequate police and fire protection, street services, solid
waste disposal, recycling, sanitary sewer services, and education are made available to all residents.
10. Coordinate community development projects in Cross Plains with plans and projects of other services
or facility providers.
Policies:
1. Utilize all available resources to further enhance the quality of the Village’s park system by working
with local residents and organizations and town, county, state and federal agencies and
organizations.
2. Ensure that new subdivisions and development projects provide adequate land dedications and/or
fees in lieu of land dedications to accommodate needs for park, open space and recreation created
by the development.
3. Implement the recommendations of the Park and Open Space Plan and update this Plan regularly.
4. All new neighborhoods must be connected to the Village bicycle and pedestrian system, when
practical.
5. Plan for future utility expansions, as needed, to address water pressure and sewer flow issues that
may arise from topography issues, which may include provision of private water services.
6. Extend sewer and water services to land within the current and future designated Urban Service Area
which are contiguous to existing served areas, and phase such service extensions in a manner that is
consistent with the growth policies found in this Plan for the goals, objectives, and policies for each
land use type. Village services shall not be extended outside of the corporate limits.
7. Encourage full utilization of the existing capacity of services (such as public water, sanitary sewer, and
power lines), prior to approving major expansions to any utility system.
8. Implement the Stormwater Management Plan for the urban service area with emphasis on utilizing
the natural drainage system indicated on Map 2: Agricultural, Open Space, and Environmental
Corridors to the greatest possible extent.
8.9. Update a stormwater management plan every 10 years
9.10. Consider the development of a storm water utility to manage stormwater facilities.
10.11. Consider the entire basin when designing storm water facilities for individual developments.
11.12. Require a division of land within the designated urban service area to be served by public
sewer and water prior to development, and to assure that such division of land be laid out in a
manner that would provide for the efficient construction of sewer, water and streets consistent
with the goals, objectives, and policies of each land use type.
12.13. Ensure the proper ongoing maintenance of existing on-site wastewater treatment systems in
the Village, and require all future development in the Village to connect to public sanitary sewer
service.
13.14. Avoid the extension of various utilities and services to areas of steep slopes which are more
costly to serve due to the need for specialized engineering consultation, equipment, construction
techniques, and/or maintenance practices.
14. Consider undergoing a detailed space needs and siting study for Village Hall and the police
department.
15. Implement the recommendations of the Village of Cross Plains Parks and Open Space Plan.
16.15. Maintain exemplary levels of municipal services including local fire and ambulance services,
police, and library.
Commented [SusCom47]: Retain this objective
Commented [SusCom48]: Retain policies 2, 3, 4, 8, 9,
and 10 (refer to original policies related to land dedications,
park and open space plan, bicycle and pedestrian system,
and stormwater management)
Commented [SusCom49]: Recommend to keep this
policy. A stormwater utility would help fund flooding
mitigation efforts.
Commented [SusCom50]: Duplicate - same as policy #3
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 89
16. Maintain a Village yard waste composting service and leaf vacuuming.
17. Support efforts to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) status at the library.
18. Electrify all new community facilities for which it is practical
19. Utilize renewable energy sources (e.g. solar, geothermal, heat pumps) as much as possible in all Village buildings
and operations
20. Update lighting ordinances to incorporate LED technology resulting in less wasted energy and a reduction in light
pollution.
17.21. Work with the School District to locate a future high school within the Village limits.
18.22. Meet with other surrounding jurisdictions (School District, Towns, County) on an annual
basis, or prior to committing to new facilities or services, to identify any areas where services,
equipment, or facilities could be shared or provided jointly.
19.23. On an annual basis, create and update a Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) to aid in the
budgeting of funds.
20.24. Plan for a zoned water system to address water pressure and fire flow issues for future
service along CTH P, north of the Village, should the Village develop that direction, where future
development areas may be served by one pressure zone above the historic Village public water
system.
21.25. Make revisions to other ordinances and codes as necessary to implement the
recommendations in this Plan, including City building codes, mechanical codes, housing codes,
and sanitary codes.
22.26. Continue to rely on the private sector for various community services such as cemeteries,
health care, child care, and telecommunication facilities.
23.27. Continue to contract with private waste disposal companies to provide reliable solid waste
disposal and recycling services.
Utilities and Community Facilities Programs and Recommendations
This section builds from the policies identified above, and suggests particular actions, positions, and
programs that the Village may undertake over the next 20 years.
Conduct a Municipal Space Needs Study
At the time of writing, it was determined that the Village Hall and police facilities are beyond capacity.
While a preliminary study was conducted, the Village intends to develop a more detailed space needs and
siting study. As a result of this study, the Village will ensure that various departments and facilities have
sufficient capacity to meet future service demands of the community, keeping multiple community
objectives in mind, including cost-effectiveness. Additionally, this needs assessment should also make
recommendations as to potential locations for a future Village campus.
The Village completed a Civic Campus Master Plan in 2016 which yielded conceptual designs of future
Village facilities located on the east side of Baer Park. The concept plans included administrative offices,
the police department, and community center in addition to recreational facilities like an expanded
municipal pool, ball fields, community plaza including a pavilion and a playground, and sledding hill. This
conceptual plan was not officially adopted but could be revisited following the space needs study.
The Village Hall is currently located near the heart of Cross Plains and it is in the Village’s best interest to
site a new facility in the Main Street area. A future site should have sufficient land for the building, on-site
parking, public and service entrances, and future expansion. This new facility creates an opportunity for
increased energy-efficiency and environmental sustainability. The Village may consider construction of a
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building, similar to the Rosemary Garfoot
Commented [SusCom51]: These services are highly
utilized and keep storm sewers clean.
Commented [SusCom52]: Unfortunately the library is no
longer LEED certified. Regaining LEED status would keep
sustainability building practices in public view and normalizes
discussion of these principles and also keep utility costs low.
Commented [BW53]: Do we want to put anything in here
about the new facility?
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 90
Public Library. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of
high performance “green” buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by
recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site
development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 91
Park and Open Space Improvements
The 2018 Parks and Open Space Master Plan provides a comprehensive evaluation and recommendations
to address the interest in park space, and should be referred to as the guide for future park system
recommendations. Over the next 20 years, to maintain its current park standards, the Village will likely
acquire and/or develop new parkland and make improvements to several existing parks.
Still, each Park and Open Space Master Plan focuses particularly on the next five-year period, while this
Comprehensive Plan identifies proposed growth patterns over the next 20 years. Expected future
residential growth areas are depicted on Maps 4a and 4b. With the next update of the Park and Open
Space Plan in 2023, ideas regarding the park and recreational needs of future growth areas should be
considered.
The Village also intends to pursue the following recreation-related initiatives:
Implement the Village’s updated standards for the dedication of land and payment of impact fees for
new development.
Coordinate with other organizations, such as Trout Unlimited, Natural Heritage Land Trust, Dane
County, the Nature Conservancy, Ice Age Trail Alliance and others on a regular basis to pool funds to
purchase additional park, recreation, and open space.
Meet with other organizations, such as WisDNR, Natural Heritage Land Trust, Dane County, Ice Age
Trail Alliance, Trout Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy, Black Earth Creek Watershed Association, and
others, to develop a long-term plan for the protection and enhancement of area conservancy and
agricultural resources.
For areas located in the Village of Cross Plains, limit or prohibit development on open space areas that
are important to the overall quality of life in the community. For areas outside of the Village of Cross
Plains, utilize the Village’s extraterritorial authority to protect these lands from harmful development.
Study viable new locations and designs for the municipal pool, moving it from Municipal Park.
Construct a dog park in the Village
Review the feasibility and appropriate design for a dedicated sports complex and the expansion of
playfields within the Village.
Update the trail map from the Village of Cross Plains Parks and Open Space Plan to include trail routes
to newly developing areas south and west of the Village to establish future bike and pedestrian routes.
Construct the proposed Village Loop Trail to create a continuous trail around the Village.
Work with the Dane County Parks Department and neighboring towns and villages to coordinate the
construction of a trail from Madison to Mazomanie, through Cross Plains.
Develop new parks as need increases.
Continue Coordination with the Middleton-Cross Plains School District
The health of the Village and the health of the School District are closely intertwined. A high quality
school district enhances the overall quality of life for Village residents, increases positive opportunities for
the area youth, and is a large factor in workforce and economic development. Several initiatives to ensure
close collaboration among the School District and Village are strongly advised. Ideas and advice include
the following:
To encourage awareness and ongoing communication between the Village and the School District,
the Village should involve the School District in review of residential development as well as other
issues of mutual concern. Commented [BW54]: Do we want to say anything about
our enrollment down at this time?
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Five: Utilities and Community Facilities
Adopted: December 17, 2018 92
The Village will continue to collaborate on a staff/department level to assure that shared facilities and
overlapping areas of concern—such as student safety—are addressed in an efficient and effective
manner.
As the community grows, the location of future school sites will become an important planning issue for
the Village and the District. School Siting decisions will be influenced in part by the locations of new
neighborhoods. The ease of access and availability of safe transportation routes should also influence
siting decisions. The Village is especially interested in identifying and reserving potential sites for a future
high school in Cross Plains.
Generally follow the timetable in Figure 19 to create, expand, or rehabilitate community facilities or
utilities.
Figure 19: Timetable to Expand, Rehabilitate, or Create
New Community Utilities or Facilities
Utility or Facility
Timeframe for
Improvements Description
Water Supply Ongoing Improve water storage capacity and the distribution system as
necessary to serve new development.
Sanitary Sewer Ongoing Extend interceptors as necessary and cost feasible to serve new
development and improve service to existing development.
On-Site Wastewater
Treatment (Septic) Systems
Ongoing Continue to work with property owners to connect to sanitary
sewer when appropriate.
Solid Waste Disposal and
Recycling
Ongoing Continue to contract with a private waste disposal company for
collection service.
Stormwater Management Ongoing Implement the Cross Plains Area Stormwater Management Plan.
Ongoing Update storm water management plan and ordinance as needed.
2020 Consider establishing a storm water utility.
Police Protection, Fire
Protection, and EMS Services
2018-2020 Ensure that facilities meet long term needs.
Library 2018-2019 Review future facility needs
Village Hall 2020-2021 Conduct a detailed space needs and siting study.
Medical Facilities Ongoing Encourage improvements to existing facilities as needed.
Schools Ongoing Continue to coordinate and communicate with the School District
on issues of mutual concern.
Parks & Recreation 2018 -2023 Implement recommendations of Park and Open Space Plan.
2023, 2028 Update Park and Open Space Plan.
Telecommunication Facilities 2018-2021 Consider updating standards for telecommunication (cell phone)
towers in zoning ordinance.
Power Plants/Transmission
Lines
Ongoing Continue to work with ATC on issues related to the location or
upgrade of transmission lines or power substations in the Village.
Cemeteries Ongoing Private parties will add to cemeteries as needed.
Child Care Ongoing Area child care facilities are projected to expand to meet needs,
serving new development and employment areas.
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development
Adopted: December 17, 2018 93
Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development The Housing and Neighborhood Development chapter establishes goals, policies, and programs to assure that there is an adequate supply of decent housing to meet present and future demand. The policies and recommendations also support the interest in achieving high-quality neighborhoods. Existing Housing Conditions Housing Age Characteristics Figure 20 compares the age of housing stock in the Village with that in surrounding communities, the County and the State. Census records indicate 22 XXpercent of the Village’s total homes were built after the year 2000. There remains a significant number of homes built in the 1970s. Figure 20: Housing Age Comparison (Housing Units)
Year Built Village of Cross Plains Town of Cross Plains Town of Berry City of Middleton City of Madison Dane County Wisconsin 2014 or later 16 1% 2 0% 3 1% 47 1% 372 0% 1,060 1% 6,516 0% 2010 to 2013 12 1% 15 2% 0 0% 402 5% 2,522 2% 5,342 2% 37,368 1% 2000 to 2009 313 20% 116 18% 86 17% 1,360 15% 17,563 16% 40,769 18% 344,300 13% 1990 to 1999 267 17% 131 20% 68 13% 1,389 16% 15,164 14% 35,969 16% 372,022 14% 1980 to 1989 189 12% 103 16% 41 8% 1,208 14% 12,451 11% 26,397 12% 263,304 10% 1970 to 1979 325 21% 80 12% 145 28% 2,257 26% 16,915 15% 37,074 17% 392,006 15% 1960 to 1969 148 9% 37 6% 28 5% 891 10% 12,812 12% 22,314 10% 259,547 10% 1950 to 1959 102 7% 40 6% 0 0% 576 7% 12,684 12% 19,842 9% 297,525 11% 1940 to 1949 34 2% 7 1% 13 3% 252 3% 5,291 5% 7,878 4% 153,101 6% 1939 or earlier 171 11% 114 18% 133 26% 471 5% 14,766 13% 26,163 12% 523,908 20% Total 1,577 645 517 8,853 110,540 222,808 2,649,597 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Housing Structural Characteristics The US Census classifies approximately 69 XX percent of housing in the Village of Cross Plains as single-family detached housing. Roughly 5 X percent of the housing is considered single-family attached (e.g. townhomes). Almost 7 X percent of the housing units are in buildings containing 5 to 9 units. Recent multi- family residential developments (constructed between 2014 and 2016) will not be reflected in these data.
HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY Support policies and programs that provide high- quality, affordable housing options in the community. Consider detailed design guidelines for all new or expanded multi-family residential developments. Commented [BW55]: Update table
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development
Adopted: December 17, 2018 94
Figure 21: Village of Cross Plains Unit Structure, 2016
Units in Structure Total Percentage 1-unit, detached 1,094 69% 1-unit, attached 77 5% 2 units 55 4% 3 or 4 units 70 4% 5 to 9 units 106 7% 10 to 19 units 123 8% 20 or more units 52 3% Total 1,577 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates The US census reports that all Village housing units have complete plumbing and kitchen facilities. Telephone service is provided to all but 1 Xpercent of Village housing units. Most homes in the Village of Cross Plains are heated with natural gas (78 XX percent). Nineteen percent of Village homes utilize electric heat. The remaining 3 X percent presumably use other fuels or heating systems. Housing Value Characteristics The median home value in the Village of Cross Plains is now higher than the median home value in the State and in Dane County (See Figure 22). This represents a shift since the 2008 drafting of this plan, when the Village’s mean home value was lower than the Dane County median. However, median home values remain higher in some of the surrounding communities, including the Town of Cross Plains, the Town of Berry, and the City of Middleton. The Towns of Cross Plains and Berry each have more than 60 percent of homes valued over $300,000.
Commented [BW56]: Update table Commented [BW57]: Check to see what the figures are now.
Adopted: December 17, 2018 93
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development
Figure 22: Housing Values, 2016
Home Value Village of Cross Plains Town of Cross Plains Town of Berry City of Middleton City of Madison Dane County Wisconsin
Total Percentage Total PercentageTotal PercentageTotal PercentageTotal PercentageTotal PercentageTotal PercentageLess than $50,000 0 0%9 2%7 2%54 1%1,299 3%3,075 3%86,375 6%$50,000 - $99,999 23 2%0 0%6 1%234 5%1,513 3%2,764 2%223,636 15%$100,000 - $149,99 27 3%9 2%9 2%517 11%5,657 11%11,248 9%336,079 22%$150,000 - $199,99 232 22%38 7%22 5%289 6%12,997 26%26,319 21%319,874 21%$200,000 - $299,99 576 53%137 25%119 27%1,398 29%17,209 34%43,495 35%343,677 22%$300,000 - $499,99 212 20%189 34%179 41%1,803 38%9,129 18%28,447 23%178,229 12%$500,000 - $999,99 0 0%150 27%85 19%438 9%2,370 5%7,994 6%49,351 3%$1,000,000 or more8 1%22 4%13 3%47 1%230 1%1,163 1%10,412 1%Median Home Val $ 255,200 $ 380,000 $ 341,600 $ 293,100 $ 217,000 $ 236,000 $ 167,000
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Commented [BW58]: Update figure
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development
Adopted: December 17, 2018 94
Housing Occupancy and Tenure Characteristics
The Village of Cross Plains enjoys very high residential occupancy with a vacancy rate of just 4.8 XXpercent.
Figure 23: Village of Cross Plains Housing Occupancy, 2016
Total Percentage
Occupied 1,502 95.2%
Vacant 75 4.8%
Total 1,577
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Housing Tenure
Housing tenure is a measure of how many occupied residential units are occupied by the owner
(homeownership), and how many are inhabited by residents who are not the primary owner of the
premises (renter). The Village of Cross Plains has a homeownership rate of 72 XX percent. Comparing
the Village to surrounding communities, it has slightly higher rental rates than the Towns of Cross Plains
and Berry, which are at just 11 and 12 percent respectively, but below the rental rate of the State of
Wisconsin (33 percent).
Figure 24: Village of Cross Plains Housing Tenure, 2016
Total Percentage
Owner-occupied 1,078 72%
Renter-occupied 424 28%
Total 1,502
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Housing Changes 2000 - 2010
The Village added 228 housing units from 2000 to 2010, increasing from 1,228 to 1,452. The average
number of people per household remained steady of the ten-year period at approximately 2.5.
Growth in communities across the county was relatively consistent between 2000 and 2010. After years of
rapid growth, the Village expanded its number of households at a steady 17 percent. This is on par with
other communities in the areas as well as Dane County as a whole.
Commented [BW59]: Update figure
Commented [BW60]: Check Homeownership rate for the
Village of Cross Plains, the Town of Cross Plains, and the
Town of Berry. Also check the rental rate. Is it more relevant
to look at the rental rate of Dane County or use the entire
state? I would think Dane County would be more relevant.
Commented [BW62]: Update all of this data
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development
Adopted: December 17, 2018 95
Figure 25: Total Households 2000 - 2010
2000 2010 Percent Change
Village of Cross Plains 1,199 1,386 16%
Town of Cross Plains 513 581 13%
Town of Berry 408 472 16%
City of Middleton 7,095 8,037 13%
City of Madison 89,019 102,516 15%
Dane County 173,484 203,750 17%
Wisconsin 2,084,544 2,279,768 9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census; U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census.
Residential Building Permits 2012 - 2018
The Village saw three apartment building developments in the period between 2012 to 2018. This
represents a shift from recent trends, however single-family homes continue to represent the majority of
residential construction in the Village.
Figure 26: Recent Residential Building Permits (2012– 2018)
Type of
Development
Number of Permits
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Single-Family 4 8 5 4 5 26 6
Duplex 2
Apartment 1 1 1
Total Permits: 4 8 6 5 8 26 6
Source: Village of Cross Plains
Housing Programs
Several housing programs are available to Cross Plains residents, including home mortgage and
improvement loans from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and
home repair grants for the elderly from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Housing Cost Reduction
Initiative (HCRI) funds activities such as emergency rental aid, homeless prevention efforts, and related
housing initiatives. assist with purchasing affordable homes and foreclosure prevention. Further
information on these programs can be obtained by contacting WHEDA. Local programs include:
Dane County Community Development Block Grant Program
Dane County Housing Authority
Madison Area Community Land Trust
Operation Fresh Start
Project Home
Commented [BW63]: Update figure
Commented [BW64]: Update all of this data
Commented [BW65]: Update figure
Commented [BW66]: https://ruralwi.com/resources/%E2
%80%8Bhousing-cost-reduction-initiative-program-hcri/
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development
Adopted: December 17, 2018 96
Housing and Neighborhood Development Goals, Objectives, and Policies Goal: 1. To provide safe, affordable, sustainable, quality housing of various types and in various locations in the Village. Objectives: 1. Encourage residential growth to occur in areas designated for residential growth in the comprehensive plan. 2. Ensure that new residential growth is contiguous with existing built-up areas within the urban service area. This reduces the costs to build and maintain Village infrastructure. 3. Ensure that new residential growth is staged with the expansion of supporting services and facilities per the goals, objectives, and policies of each land use type. 4. Discourage septic-based residential growth within mile and a half extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Village. 5. Encourage a variety of housing types in the Village, including single-family, duplex, multiple-family and condominium units. 6. Encourage a variety of housing cost options in both the rental and purchase markets. 7. Ensure that residential developments are adequately served with transit service, pedestrian , bicycle and recreational opportunities. 8. Design subdivisions, whenever feasible, to provide more than one vehicular access point and provide an appropriate internal circulation system. 9. Expand and integrate affordable housing opportunities for all persons, especially the elderly. 10. Encourage surrounding towns and villages to provide their fair share of low income and assisted housing units. 11. Maintain and enhance the quality and condition of the existing housing stock in the community. 12. Encourage the strengthening of existing neighborhoods through maintenance of existing housing stock, creative reuse of vacant or under-utilized buildings, and infill on vacant parcels. 13. Work with the Middleton-Cross Plains School District to provide joint school-park sites and programs wherever possible. 14. Encourage careful design of any multiple family residential developments that abuts established low density residential areas to minimize potential negative impacts on existing homes. 15. Encourage sustainable building practices in all new housing construction. 14.16. Reduce barriers to implementing sustainable features on existing homes.
Commented [BW67]: Is this consistent with other sections of the Comp Plan? Commented [BW68]: Are we currently doing this?
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development
Adopted: December 17, 2018 97
Policies:
1. Implement a residential growth phasing program to ensure that housing supply is consistent with the
capacity of community utilities and services, including the School District and transportation systems.
2. Work with residential developers to schedule construction of new residential units such that the
annual average number of units over a five-year period does not exceed 40 new units per year.
3. Conduct an assessment of current and forecasted housing market conditions, evaluating projected
demographics (including household size and income and age of householders) against the current
stock. Use this information to establish housing type requirements for new housing developments in
the Land Division Ordinance.
4. Promote the programs available to help Village residents repair and maintain their homes. Consider
the development of a locally funded revolving loan program for the renovation of homes in the
Village.
5. New residential construction within the Cross Plains Urban Service Area shall not be allowed unless it
is contiguous with existing built-up areas of the Village.
6. New residential construction should be allowed only on land designated for residential use on Maps
4a and 4b: Future Land Use.
7. Encourage increased residential densities in the central business district (at least 7 dwelling units per
acre) to help make transit service economically viable.
8. All non-agricultural development on lands located within the adopted Cross Plains Urban Service Area
shall be served with the full array of municipal services per the goals, objectives, and policies for each
land use type.
9. Unsewered subdivisions within the Cross Plains Urban Service Area shall not be permitted.
10. Land division for new residential development proposed outside the Cross Plains Urban Service Area
but inside the Village’s 1.5 mile extraterritorial zoning area shall not exceed a maximum density of 1
dwelling unit per 35 acres.
11. The Village encourages neighboring towns to adopt and implement land use plans which emphasize
agricultural preservation, protection of natural resources, and very low residential densities (1
dwelling unit per 35 acres) in areas outside of the Cross Plains Urban Service Area.
12. Through the use of extraterritorial authority, the Village will oppose any development in areas
identified for protection on Map 2: Agricultural, Open Space, and Environmental Corridor.
13. New residential developments shall encourage pedestrian and bicycle facilities that connect to the
existing Village system. These shall include sidewalks, and may also include bike paths if such paths
exist or are planned for construction on adjoining property.
14. All proposed residential development shall comply with the parkland dedication and/or fee in lieu of
land dedication requirements of the Village’s Municipal Code.
15. Review Village Land Division Ordinance and update to require that all new developments install
pedestrian sidewalks.
16. Encourage new residential subdivisions over 10 units (both single and multi-family) to provide garden spaces for
residents and neighborhood composting facilities
17. Revise zoning ordinances to encourage higher-density, mixed-use developments that reduce reliance on personal
vehicles.
18. Identify impediments to green and sustainable building practices such as green roofs and grey water systems.
19. Encourage new construction to meet net-zero energy standards, where the total amount of energy used by the
building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.
20. Encourage superior insulation, high-efficiency windows, and airtight construction to minimize heat loss and gain
21. Promote the installation of rooftop solar panels and other renewable energy systems on new and existing homes
Commented [BW69]: I don’t think this was ever done. Do
we want to keep it in the Comp Plan?
Commented [BW70]: Map 4A Future Land Use Village
View Map 4B Future Land Use - ETJ View (Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction)
Commented [BW71]: This is also referred to in Chapter 4
of the Comp Plan
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development
Adopted: December 17, 2018 98
through favorable zoning, including multifamily homes and apartments.
22. Incentivize the installation of rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable uses such as irrigation.
23. Encourage the use of greywater recycling systems for landscaping and other appropriate applications and the use
of native and drought-tolerant plant species in new developments to reduce outdoor water consumption.
24. Encourage the use of building materials sourced from local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions and
support the local economy.
25. Promote the use of materials with high recycled content, such as recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and recycled
concrete.
26. Incorporate more stringent energy efficiency and green building standards into the village building codes.
27. Offer property tax abatements for homes that achieve specific sustainability certifications (e.g. ENERGY STAR,
LEED, Passive House).
15.28. Consider amending existing definitions of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to include
tiny homes on foundations (less than or equal to 400 sq ft)
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development
Adopted: December 17, 2018 99
Housing and Neighborhood Development Programs and
Recommendations
Building off of some of the policies listed above, the following are programs and recommendations to
promote high-quality, sustainable, and affordable housing and neighborhoods in Cross Plains, in
established neighborhoods as well as newer neighborhoods near the Village’s fringe.
Support the Provision of Affordable Housing
The Village intends to continue to support policies and programs that provide high-quality,
sustainable, and affordable housing options in the community. The following strategies will be
explored:
Promote the maintenance of older neighborhoods: The existing housing stock in Cross Plains is an
important component of the affordable housing supply, provided that housing is well maintained.
Greater use of programs like CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) would help fund
rehabilitation grants and loans for existing housing. In addition, facilitating development proposals
for senior housing also helps free up older homes for a new generation. A review of existing
ordinances may also help facilitate proper maintenance and upgrading of new homes. For
example, the Village intends to make sure that setback and other standards in zoning districts
mapped over older sections do not unnecessarily stymie appropriate home improvements.
Support housing in the Main Street area: As part of ongoing Main Street revitalization efforts, the
Village should emphasize the retention and conversion of upper story spaces into housing. The Village
also supports a variety of housing types including condominiums, apartments, and townhomes for
certain redevelopment sites.
To sustain Black Earth Creek water quality, new development should utilize environmentally friendly
stormwater practices, such as rain gardens, bio-swales, and subterranean cisterns to minimize runoff
into the river.
Encourage smaller Village lot sizes: The Village intends to adopt, utilize, and encourage residential
zoning districts that allow lots smaller than 9,600 square feet, provided that house plans or design
standards are provided that are suited for those sized lots and promote high-quality design. Smaller
lot sizes result in lower development costs, lower lot prices, and a more compact land use pattern
that uses land more wisely. Lots as small as 7,000 square feet and as narrow as 50 feet are becoming
increasingly common in southern Wisconsin.
Allow high-quality multiple family housing: Higher density housing that complements the character of
surrounding neighborhoods can be an important component of the affordable housing stock.
Multifamily housing includes both renter-occupied and owner-occupied (e.g., condos, townhouses)
housing options. Too often, resistance to higher density housing is a result of people’s experience
with poorly designed multi-family developments that do not reflect the character of the community,
or are generally unattractive. The design standards discussed and illustrated later in this chapter are
intended to address these issues. Another option is to support cooperative housing developments,
which is explained in more detail below.
Support senior housing: Identify locations in the Village that are appropriate for senior housing and
encourage developers to design and build senior housing in those locations. Criteria for judging
appropriate locations include proximity to transit, proximity to retail establishments (especially
grocery stores), and proximity to public facilities (e.g. the public library). Work with Dane County and
non-profit groups to locate and offer financial incentives for construction of senior housing units.
Support programs to provide new affordable housing: Several State and federal programs exist to
help provide affordable housing. Programs such as the federal tax credit program, administered
Village of Cross Plains Comprehensive Plan Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development
Adopted: December 17, 2018 100
through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Agency, can help provide high-quality housing for lower income residents. The Village should support appropriate use of such programs to increase the supply of affordable housing for people who are often not accommodated through the private market. Support programs that incentivize energy efficiency and renewable energy sources: Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program provides rebates, discounts, and expert guidance to help residents and improve energy efficiency, offering incentives for heating/cooling upgrades, insulation, smart thermostats, solar installations, and more. These types of installations help to lower costs in the long term. Renewable energy sources such as rooftop solar, geothermal, and heat pumps continue to decline in price and federal tax credit programs have been available periodically to help offset the upfront costs. Renewable energy use can lower utility bills considerably compared to traditional sources of energy. Allow tiny houses on foundations as a permissible form of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Tiny houses are dwellings less than or equal to 400 sq ft. Allowing this type of building on existing properties creates additional opportunity for homeowners to use as housing for aging parents, adult children, or rental property. This type of housing can be used to address shortages while also lowering housing costs. Tiny houses need to meet all other applicable building and safety codes. The Village should establish specific setback requirements and lot coverage allowances for tiny houses on foundations that are appropriate for their size and ensure adequate light, air, and privacy for both the primary dwelling and neighboring properties. Enact Design Standards for Multi-Family Housing Multiple family housing provides options for the elderly, younger residents, and employees for Cross Plains businesses. However, such projects often cause community opposition. In some cases, this is because such projects have been poorly and cheaply designed. The Village should include detailed design guidelines for all new or expanded multi-family residential developments in the zoning ordinance and enforce them during development review processes. The following guidelines and Figure 26 provide a foundation: Incorporate architectural design that fits the context of the surrounding neighborhood, and Cross Plains’ overall character. Encourage layouts where buildings appear as a grouping of smaller residences. Withi
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Source: Village of Cross Plains website. First collected Oct 19, 2026.