The City of Madison is a community of unique natural
and architectural beauty. To ensure that buildings and
landscaping enhance this beauty, the City creates special
districts in which it can guide the design
and appearance of the structures and land
[
City Ordinance Sec. 32.02].
To determine if your property is in an
Urban Design District call the Zoning staff
at 266–4551 with the property’s address or Find out the zoning for your property
. If
your property is within a District a
development proposal for your property
requires approval by the Urban Design
Commission or its staff; please contact the
Urban Design Commission staff at
266–4635.
PROCESS OVERVIEW:
Meet with Urban Design Commission staff
Early in the planning of your project you must meet with
the UDC staff to discuss the project and establish a
timetable for the approval process. You will also want to
contact the district alderperson to discuss your proposal
and learn of any neighborhood concerns. Projects
involving minor alterations may qualify to be administratively approved.
Otherwise, prepare your plans and follow the steps to obtain your building permit.
Where to go:
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Madison Municipal Building
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite LL 100
Madison, WI 53703
Submit Building Application
Notices and Public Hearing
After you submit your application for a project in
an Urban Design District, the Urban Design
Commission schedules a public hearing. This
hearing is held within thirty (30) days of the
date you file your application. City staff sends
a notice of the hearing to you, the
alderperson and owners of properties within
one hundred (100) feet of the boundaries of
the proposed project. The notice is sent at
least seven (7) days before the date of the
public hearing.
Urban Design Commission Initial and Final Approval
The UDC process includes initial and final
approval phases. The initial approval phase
considers general building and site design
aspects. Final approval considers the details of the project
such as building materials, colors and landscape plans. An
informational presentation is an option the applicant may
request as a way of receiving informal feedback from the
UDC. At the UDC meeting you present your plans and
answer any questions they may have.
You or the alderperson for the district may appeal an
Urban Design Commission decision to the Plan
Commission. Permits are not issued until the Plan
Commission acts on their appeal.
If your plan is approved you may proceed with
applying for any other permits you need to complete
your project.
Related Forms & Handouts
Have Questions?
Contact
Urban Design Commission - (608) 266-4635
(608) 266-4635