The City of Manitowoc is considering revisions to its zoning code.
Before a Plan Commission meeting on Wednesday (September 24th), the city held an open house to show the plans to change the code, which hasn’t been updated since the 1980s and does not always reflect best zoning and planning practices.
According to the city, the code has also become more confusing, and amendments have been made over the years.
After conducting a survey last year, most people believed that attracting new businesses and industry was the most important, along with public safety and supporting local businesses.
Users aged 65 and above also emphasized the importance of property maintenance, while families with children focused on environmental protection and affordability.
Most of the city is zoned for residential use.
Proposed changes could allow for options for smaller minimum lot sizes, legalizing two-family and duplexes in more areas, and allowing smaller front yards in the urban core to increase the buildable area, among others.
The city is also considering changes to the city center transition and central business districts, as well as landscaping and parking requirements for businesses.
The city council has not taken any action, and no proposed ordinance to change the zoning code has been introduced yet, as it’s still in the early stages.
For more information, visit Manitowoc.org.
