City of Oshkosh Zoning Code Rewrite

The City of Oshkosh is working with a consultant to rewrite the zoning ordinance. The project is currently in its the first phase, Project Initiation, which includes the development of a public participation plan, and introductory meetings with City departments and advisory committees.

Phase 2, Zoning Issue Assessment will start shortly. City staff will work with a consultant to identify issues with the existing code, and methods for updating them during the rewrite process.

How can I get involved in this process?

There will be multiple opportunities to get involved in this process, including online and in-person options. Please check this website for opportunities. All opportunities will be listed under the Opportunities for Public Input heading.

What happens if my property is rezoned?

If your property is rezoned as part of this zoning ordinance rewrite, there may be new regulations on the property. For most properties, the changes will have minor or no impact. Any uses or structures that were permitted by the previous zoning district but are not permitted by the new zoning district will be considered legal non-conforming. This means that the existing structures and uses can continue but cannot be substantially expanded or altered.

How does the zoning ordinance relate to the Comprehensive Plan that was adopted in 2018?

The comprehensive plan establishes a long-term vision and goals related to land use, economic development, transportation, and more. The zoning ordinance is one way for the City to help to implement the comprehensive plan through land use and development regulations. The zoning ordinance rewrite will support the comprehensive plan goals and vision, and will be compatible with the Future Land Use Map established in the plan.

How is the zoning ordinance used on a day-to-day basis?

City staff use the zoning ordinance to approve, conditionally approve, or deny development plans submitted to the City. This approval process is how the zoning ordinance is enacted and long-term land use goals are achieved.

Developers, architects, and property owners also regularly use zoning ordinances to determine what structural alterations are permissible and what types of uses are allowed on a given parcel.

The zoning ordinance rewrite will include multiple opportunities for public input. These opportunities will include public open houses, a community survey, pop-up booths at community events, and public hearings. Specific opportunities will be added to the website once they are scheduled. We look forward to hearing from you!

The City of Oshkosh is rewriting its zoning ordinance to increase the accessibility of the code, modernize the code to reflect best practices, and make the code simpler to enforce. The zoning ordinance will also help to implement the land uses and goals established in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Zoning Code

A municipal law that regulates the uses and development on parcels.

Zoning Districts

A geographic area where specific uses and development types are allowed, and others are prohibited.

Permitted Structures and Uses

Land uses or structures that are allowed in a zoning district.

Conditional Uses

Land uses or structures that may be allowed in a zoning district but are subject to individual review.

Setbacks

The distance between a structure and the edge of a parcel.

Height Restrictions

The minimum and maximum height requirements for structures, which are typically listed in either feet or stories.

Lot Coverage

The percentage of a lot that is taken up by structures.

Density

The intensity of development, generally measured by the number of dwelling units per acre.

Public Participation Plan (link coming soon)