HomeMy WebLinkAboutDesignStandardsBrochureDesign Standards for Single and
Two-Family Homes
Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance
Section 30-241
EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2014
Department of Community Development
Planning Services Division
215 Church Avenue, PO Box 1130
Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54903-1130
Phone: 920-236-5059
www.oshkoshwi.gov
Guiding Objectives are to …
• Maintain and enhance neighborhood
character through minimal design protections.
• Stabilize values, protect investment equity and
increase property values.
• Promote appropriate rehabilitation methods.
• Encourage compatible addition and in-fill
construction.
• Promote neighborhood “Pride of Place”
Exceptions and Appeals
To the Application of the
Design Standards
Exceptions
Exceptions to the standards may be
granted by the Director of Community
Development, or designee, to permit
substitute building
materials or construction methods of
comparative quality or design when it
can be demonstrated that the provisions
of the
standards are infeasible and that the
granting of an exception is keeping with
the intent and purpose of the ordinance.
Decisions rendered by the Director of
Community Development or designee
may be appealed to the City Plan
Commission.
Variances/Appeals
The Plan Commission is authorized to
grant variances from the strict application
of the standards and an application for
an appeal may be made to the Plan
Commission when it is claimed that one or
more of the following
apply:
• The intent of the standards have been
incorrectly interpreted;
• Standards do not apply to the
particular project; and/or
• Enforcement of the standards cause
unnecessary hardship.
Decisions rendered by the Plan
Commission are final.
There is currently no fee associated with a
request for an exception or appeal to the
Design Standards. Applications are
available at the City of Oshkosh Planning
Services Department.
This brochure is a summary of the
City of Oshkosh
Design Standards for Single and
Two-Family Homes or Structures
It does not include the full language of the
Ordinance and is intended to be used as
a tool for reference. The
official Ordinance with adopted text is
located in the City of Oshkosh
Municipal Code in Section 30-241.
The full Ordinance can be viewed on the
City’s website at:
http://www.oshkoshwi.gov/
A copy can also be requested by
contacting the Oshkosh Planning
Services Division.
The purpose of the residential design standards is to maintain the basic architectural quality of residences within the
community, to minimize architectural and building construction practices that may detract from the character and
appearance of the neighborhood as a whole, and to ensure compatible design between existing and new homes
Windows and Doors
• Windows and doors fronting or located
within the first 20 feet of the side façade
may not be removed by closure or filling.
• Windows and doors may not be boarded
up for greater than 30 days.
Long term
Boarded-up
front door
Decks and Patios
• Decks and Patios must be located on rear
or side facades.*
• Decks visible from the street must include
posts, rails and balusters with non-visible
fasteners.
Decks on front
elevations
Rails
Posts
Balusters
Changes/Additions - Orientation, Footprint &
Height
• Additions shall be placed on the rear or
side elevations unless architecturally
compatible and shall not exceed 50% of
the existing buildings footprint.
• Additions shall not be higher than the
existing dominant roofline/peak.
Closed and/or
Filled windows
Side/rear
addition
placement
addition
exceeds
existing
In-Fill Construction : Front
Setback
• Homes street presence
must align with prevailing
setbacks on the block.
Setback is not consistent with surrounding homes on the block
Changes/Additions - Materials
• Material and color shall be complimentary
and tie into the original building.
• Exterior patchwork, repair or reconstruction
that results in multi-textured or multi-colored
effect or appearance is not permitted .
Changes/Additions -
Facades
• Facades visible from a
public street must not
create a blank wall and
must have 25% of its
area devoted to window
and/or door openings.
Material and
color contrast