|
|
Zoning Code Revision:
Frequently-Asked Questions
April 16, 2013
What is zoning?
State law gives municipalities the authority to adopt zoning regulations that seek to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the use of land. A zoning code typically consists of text and a zoning map. The zoning map depicts where the various zoning districts are located and the text establishes the requirements for existing and future land use development activities. The City of Washburn has various zones for residential, commercial, industrial, and other uses.
Why do we need to rewrite the City's current zoning code?
There are many reasons why we initiated this project. Washburn adopted a comprehensive plan in 2007 that represents a new way of looking at land use and development in the City. As required by state law, the zoning code and other land development regulations need to be consistent with that plan. Aside from that significant reason, significant changes to the current code were made in1991 and again in 1996. It is due again for updating. The intention is that the rewrite will provide a code that is much more user friendly, understandable, and will provide diagrams and graphics to explain challenging concepts.
How will the new zoning code be different?
Everything about the new code will be different. Parts of the existing code that have worked well will be carried over to the new code. Additional provisions will be added to bring the code into compliance with state law and to more closely reflect the intent of the City's comprehensive plan. The content will be organized differently and will be written in simple, non-technical language. Ambiguous provisions will be eliminated and graphics will be added to the code. Not only that, the adopted code will be posted online in a new interactive interface that will allow users to find the information they need - easily and quickly.
Will application fees (e.g., rezoning and variances) be revised as part of this project?
No. Application fees and other charges will not be revised as part of the zoning code rewrite project. The Common Council does however evaluate fees and charges each year and revises the fees when deemed appropriate.
Who is the project consultant?
The City of Washburn hired Civi Tek Consulting of Lake Mills, Wisconsin as the project consultant. Civi Tek will work with city staff and the Plan Commission and other stakeholders to develop a consensus-based proposal for Council and general public acceptance, which will be submitted to the Common Council for final approval.
Will the City's comprehensive plan be changed as part of this project?
The major intent of this project is to revise the zoning code so that it is consistent with the City's comprehensive plan. However, it is possible that as we work through the many issues it becomes apparent that revisions in the comprehensive plan may be needed to account for current priorities. If changes to the comprehensive plan are proposed, there will be a public hearing and other avenues for citizens to provide their input.
When was zoning first adopted in Washburn?
The City's first zoning code was adopted in 1972. Since then, two significant amendments have been made along with numerous minor amendments.
When will the new zoning code be adopted?
It is anticipated the Plan Commission will finish a recommended draft by April, 2014. After that, the Common Council will consider the draft and make revisions it deems appropriate.
Will the zoning classification of my property change?
A new zoning map will be prepared as part of the project. It is possible that the zoning classification of various properties will change. Again, the guiding benchmark is the future land use map in the City's comprehensive plan.
How can I stay informed?
Continue to monitor this web site for updates. Follow the work of the Plan Commission and attend their meetings to observe what is being discussed. Public review drafts will be posted on this site. In addition, we will be conducting various public forums in the future. The Plan Commission will also be conducting a public hearing. When those dates have been established, we'll post them. Finally, if you have any general or specific questions, be sure to contact Scott Kluver, City Administrator, at (715) 373-6160 or at washburnadmin@cityofwashburn.org.
What is zoning?
State law gives municipalities the authority to adopt zoning regulations that seek to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the use of land. A zoning code typically consists of text and a zoning map. The zoning map depicts where the various zoning districts are located and the text establishes the requirements for existing and future land use development activities. The City of Washburn has various zones for residential, commercial, industrial, and other uses.
Why do we need to rewrite the City's current zoning code?
There are many reasons why we initiated this project. Washburn adopted a comprehensive plan in 2007 that represents a new way of looking at land use and development in the City. As required by state law, the zoning code and other land development regulations need to be consistent with that plan. Aside from that significant reason, significant changes to the current code were made in1991 and again in 1996. It is due again for updating. The intention is that the rewrite will provide a code that is much more user friendly, understandable, and will provide diagrams and graphics to explain challenging concepts.
How will the new zoning code be different?
Everything about the new code will be different. Parts of the existing code that have worked well will be carried over to the new code. Additional provisions will be added to bring the code into compliance with state law and to more closely reflect the intent of the City's comprehensive plan. The content will be organized differently and will be written in simple, non-technical language. Ambiguous provisions will be eliminated and graphics will be added to the code. Not only that, the adopted code will be posted online in a new interactive interface that will allow users to find the information they need - easily and quickly.
Will application fees (e.g., rezoning and variances) be revised as part of this project?
No. Application fees and other charges will not be revised as part of the zoning code rewrite project. The Common Council does however evaluate fees and charges each year and revises the fees when deemed appropriate.
Who is the project consultant?
The City of Washburn hired Civi Tek Consulting of Lake Mills, Wisconsin as the project consultant. Civi Tek will work with city staff and the Plan Commission and other stakeholders to develop a consensus-based proposal for Council and general public acceptance, which will be submitted to the Common Council for final approval.
Will the City's comprehensive plan be changed as part of this project?
The major intent of this project is to revise the zoning code so that it is consistent with the City's comprehensive plan. However, it is possible that as we work through the many issues it becomes apparent that revisions in the comprehensive plan may be needed to account for current priorities. If changes to the comprehensive plan are proposed, there will be a public hearing and other avenues for citizens to provide their input.
When was zoning first adopted in Washburn?
The City's first zoning code was adopted in 1972. Since then, two significant amendments have been made along with numerous minor amendments.
When will the new zoning code be adopted?
It is anticipated the Plan Commission will finish a recommended draft by April, 2014. After that, the Common Council will consider the draft and make revisions it deems appropriate.
Will the zoning classification of my property change?
A new zoning map will be prepared as part of the project. It is possible that the zoning classification of various properties will change. Again, the guiding benchmark is the future land use map in the City's comprehensive plan.
How can I stay informed?
Continue to monitor this web site for updates. Follow the work of the Plan Commission and attend their meetings to observe what is being discussed. Public review drafts will be posted on this site. In addition, we will be conducting various public forums in the future. The Plan Commission will also be conducting a public hearing. When those dates have been established, we'll post them. Finally, if you have any general or specific questions, be sure to contact Scott Kluver, City Administrator, at (715) 373-6160 or at washburnadmin@cityofwashburn.org.