Project timeline: January 1st 2019 – fall of 2019 City of Waupaca Project timeline: January 1st 2019 – fall of 2019 MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

What is zoning? The general purpose is to promote health, safety, morals, and the general welfare of the City of Waupaca. As taken from our code: “Among other purposes, such provisions are intended, in accordance with a comprehensive plan, to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers; to promote health and general welfare; to provide adequate light, air and solar access; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public treatments.”

What is wrong with our current zoning code? The current zoning code has not had a major update since 2006. Some of the complaints our office has received in the past include: Outdated Lacks applicability towards newer development trends (Tiny Houses, Live-Work) Difficult to navigate Not user-friendly The project will address complaints and take into consideration the opinions of the public, developers, community members and business owners.

How will the new code differ from the one we have now? The new code will focus on the design of the space and how it fits in with surrounding properties. Design standards with attention to landscaping, site-layout, and building materials will be highlighted Pedestrian friendly spaces will be encouraged through parking layouts, access and building placement Encourage mixed-use diversity to promote walkability, neighborhood pride and sense of place.

How are they different? Euclidean Form-Based Euclidean zoning is zoning by specific and uniform geographical division. It is a system of zoning whereby a town or community is divided into areas in which specific uses of land are permitted. Form-based codes address the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and types of streets and blocks.

Will it change my property’s current zoning? The short answer is yes. However, rather than having districts based on use, the zoning code will incorporate different “zones” based on geographic location. Within these zones will be what is the equivalent of districts now. The use of districts aims to create a greater sense of place in the areas and regulates development according to the area. EXAMPLE

Will this change my property value? Property assessment is based on the current use of a space. Assessors examine the properties and vacant land within a general area and determine the current uses to establish market values. So to answer the question, it has the potential to change property values.

Will the code be easier to understand? Yes, this is one of the main reasons we’re updating it! The new code will include graphics, charts and pictures to help assist people in finding the information they’re looking for. Here are some examples of other codes:

What is the timeframe of the project? As of now, this is our general timeline. The website will be updated with times and locations of future meetings when they become available. Date Meeting January 9th, 2019 Plan Commission January 16th Community Chat #1 February 6th March 6th April – May Library Visualization Exhibit April 4th Community Chat #2 April 3rd May 1st June 5th July 3rd August 7th August 21st Community Chat #3 September 4th October 2nd November 6th December 4th Community Chat #4

How can I be involved in the process? The City will be hosting four different “community chats” that are open to the public and will allow for participation in the process as well as giving attendees project updates. These meetings are strategically placed throughout the timeline and will be announced ahead of time via the City of Waupaca website (www.cityofwaupaca.org) and through social media outlets. Community members are also invited to attend Plan Commission Meetings at which City staff will be giving updates and asking for Commission member’s recommendations.

Community chat #1 recap The kick-off meeting was held at Farmer’s State Bank in Waupaca and had over 20 people in attendance. The following slides outline the discussion questions and answers provided by participants. We appreciate everyone’s willingness to help provide input into this project!

QUESTION #1 What frustrations do you have with the current zoning code? Answers from the Community Chat: Minimum square footage requirements (lots and buildings) No online zoning map available to public Projects don’t have a clear process to follow Lengthy state review process

QUESTION #2 What challenges and/or frustrations have you heard from others regarding the current zoning code? Answers from the Community Chat: Too many loops to go through with projects Landscaping requirements Sign requirements Feel unwelcomed by City staff Business side is too strict

Question #3 What rules do you think limit development for residents? For developers? Answers from the Community Chat: Landscape requirements

Question #4 How can the approval process be streamlined? Could review requirements be minimized if stricter design standards were in place? Answers from the Community Chat: Zoning process has to have built-in requirements Design standards hamper private development Should only be required in/on public spaces TIDs should be a benefit to the City, not the other way around City shouldn’t regulate private businesses

Question #5 What are your top 3 desires/outcomes you want to see with this code rewrite? Answers from the Community Chat: Live-Work “entity”, rather than having to own and occupy both spaces New/stricter property maintenance ordinances No approval process should take longer than 3 months If a property is rezoned and is “less valued”, City should settle the difference Enforce ordinances with current staff, no more hiring additional people Sign ordinance distinguish between single tenant and multi-tenant buildings and regulate size restrictions accordingly