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Development

The City helps implement our plans through the review of development proposals. There are different development processes based on the type of request.

The City’s Zoning Ordinance establishes permitted uses and conditional uses. It also establishes design and development standards such as height and density. Wisconsin state law says that zoning has to be consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Learn more about this on the City’s Comprehensive Plan page.  

A permitted use does not need public review by the City’s boards or Common Council. The property owner, developer or builder submits plans to the City. City agencies review the plans to make sure they follow City codes and ordinances. Then the City can issue the permits that are needed to open a new business or construct a new building. Visit the City’s Development Services Center to see what permits a project may need.

Other development proposals need approvals by the Common Council and/or City boards, including:

The Planning Division coordinates the review of the following types of development proposals. The City's codes and ordinances include approval standards for each type of proposal. City staff review the proposals to help the City's boards decide if it meets those standards. City staff also review the proposals to make sure they follow City codes and ordinances. Click the link for more information.

 

Visit the Current Development Proposals page to see a list of the current projects. This means Plan Commission and/or Common Council will review the project soon, or it was reviewed but permits have not been issued.

To see a list of projects dating back to 2013, please visit the appropriate link below:

 

Last Updated: 12/20/2024

Zoning Changes Notification

You can request to be notified of any proposed zoning map or text amendment(s) that may affect the allowable use of your property. Email the Planning Division at planning@cityofmadison.com. Or mail the request to: City of Madison Planning Division, Attn: Zoning Code Changes Notification, P.O. Box 2985, Madison, WI 53701-2985.

 

Requests should include: full name, whether you want to be notified via email or mail (US Postal Service), and your email address or mailing address.

Development Resources

Development Services Center - Site with information related to the City's Development Review process including: Conditional Uses, Demolition Permits, Rezonings, Subdivisions, Annexation of Land, Zoning Variances, Landmarks & Construction in Historic Districts, and Urban Design Approvals.


Applications


Submittal and Meeting Schedules

Contact Us

Kevin Firchow - Principal Planner, Development Review, (608) 267-1150

Tim Parks - Planner, Development Review, (608) 261-9632

Chris Wells - Planner, Development Review, (608) 261-9135

Colin Punt - Planner, Development Review, (608) 243-0455

Lisa McNabola - Planner, Development Review, (608) 243-0554

Heather Bailey - Landmarks Commission Secretary, (608) 266-6552

Jessica Vaughn - Urban Design Commission Secretary, (608) 267-8740