JANESVILLE — The Janesville Plan Commission continued its months-long review of a planned update to the city’s zoning and subdivision code Monday night, hearing from consultants on how it could reshape the future review and approval of housing projects.
Consultants Craig Huebner of GRAEF and Tim Schwecke of Civitek Consulting led the presentation.
The proposed new zoning code, available in its current draft form on the city’s website, , aims to modernize development standards, create more flexibility for different housing types and clarify review processes for both developers and city staff.
Among the key features discussed Monday was a new mixed residential housing provision that would allow developers to combine housing types, such as single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes, within a single project.
Unlike traditional Planned Development Districts (PDDs), which require a two-step review process, mixed residential projects would be reviewed as a single rezoning application to help streamline approvals.
Schwecke said under the proposed standards, projects with a mix of housing types would qualify for higher density allowances. For example, a 10-acre project normally allowed 20 units per acre could have 26 units if it offered five different housing types.
“The more housing options that they build into their proposal, the density goes up as well,” Schwecke said
Commission members asked about ownership requirements, flexibility for multi-party developments, and how to prevent single-family housing from dominating mixed-use neighborhoods.
Commission Vice Chair Doug Marklein raised concerns about language requiring “single ownership or control,” noting that many projects involve multiple partners or landowners. Huebner said that standard is common in many communities but could be adjusted for clarity.
Other commissioners focused on how the proposed ordinance would affect their role in reviewing development projects.
Chairperson Kathy Voskuil paused the discussion to highlight that the code update would mark a major procedural change. Under the new framework, certain projects currently reviewed through a conditional use permit process would instead be handled as rezoning decisions, shifting more final authority from the plan commission to the city council.
City staff, including Planning Director Duane Cherek, agreed that the shift would be substantial.
“No longer will the plan commission be the final decision maker for these types of projects,” Cherek said. “But the commission will still play a key role in shaping recommendations and holding public hearings before proposals go to the council.”
After wrapping up discussion, commissioners summarized their key takeaways for next month’s meeting, including:
- Reviewing ownership requirements for alternative development options;
- Examining how mixed residential housing might interact with planned development districts; and
- Further clarifying procedures for nonconforming uses.
The next zoning code update review session is scheduled for Nov. 17, when the commission will examine its proposed development standards.
During a public comment portion of Monday night’s meeting, several city residents and local advocates spoke in support of zoning changes that promote mixed-use and walkable neighborhoods, citing economic and social benefits for the community.
Bill Connors of Smart Growth Greater Madison encouraged the city to reduce reliance on planned development processes, calling them “time-consuming and cumbersome.”
City resident Max Ryan asked commissioners to consider whether the new code would allow replication of Janesville’s historic downtown character elsewhere in the city.
“Classic downtown beats the big-box sprawl every time,” Ryan said. “Allowing for more developments like that is just going to be good for Janesville”
Other speakers, including Aiden Rank and Patrick Lindsley, expressed optimism that the zoning overhaul could create more affordable housing options and encourage community-centered growth.
