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1. What is a Zoning Ordinance?

A zoning ordinance (also called a zoning code) is the set of rules that a local or county government adopts to regulate the use of land, particularly when new development is proposed. Different land uses may include residential, commercial, industrial, or a mix of uses. Zoning Ordinances also include rules for certain qualities of new development such as site design, landscaping, and signage.

2. Why does the City need a new Zoning Ordinance?

The City of Milton last comprehensively rewrote the Zoning Ordinance in 1968. As such, many of the development standards in the City’s current Ordinance do not reflect modern development and land use practices. The new Ordinance will develop new zoning districts and updated regulations for land uses, landscaping, bulk requirements, lighting, building materials, parking, signage, and nonconforming situations, among others. 

3. What’s the difference between planning and zoning?

The City of Milton Comprehensive Plan includes a Future Land Use Map. This map illustrates the City’s desires for how land will develop or change over time. Zoning is one (but not the only) tool that may be used to implement a plan. Different zoning districts may be mapped to realize the City’s land use desires in the Future Land Use Map. Changes to the Zoning Map must be consistent with the Future Land Use Map. 

A Future Land Use Map...	A Zoning Map...
…advises land uses over the next 20 years	…identifies land uses allowed today.
…is an advisory tool (a guide).	…is a regulatory tool (the law).
…divides the community into land use designations reflecting desired future uses.	…divides the community into zoning districts with different allowed uses.
…guides future zoning and subdivision decisions.	…must be used to make zoning decisions.
…allows for more consistent and defensible decisions on future changes to Zoning Map.	…is easier to prepare or change when backed by a Future Land Use Map.
….may be prepared or revised as the community sees fit.	…may be adopted or revised (through rezoning) as the community sees fit.
…requires a public hearing before any change.	…requires a public hearing before any change.

4. Who is guiding this process?

City staff will oversee the process with guidance provided by the Plan Commission, City Council, and public input. Vandewalle & Associates, the project consultants hired by the City, will be writing the new Ordinance, developing the new Zoning Map, and facilitating all public meetings. 

5. What is the project timeline and how will the public be involved?

The general project timeline is summarized below. The project is getting started in July 2023 and is expected to be completed by summer of 2024. Opportunities for public participation and the project tasks are listed below:

• July 18, 2023 – Plan Commission Kickoff Meeting
• July 26, 2023 – Public Workshop at City Hall (710 S. Janesville Street) from 6:30 – 8:00 PM
• Summer/Fall 2023 – Prepare Draft Zoning Ordinance and Map
• Winter 2023/24 – Review Draft Zoning Ordinance and Map with City staff and Plan Commission
• Spring 2024 – Public Open House to Review Draft Zoning Ordinance and Map
• Summer 2024 – Adopt New Zoning Ordinance 

6. Who do I contact with questions or comments?

If you have questions or comments, you may contact Mark Langer, Public Works Director, by phone at (608) 868-6900 or by email at MLanger@milton-wi.gov.