JANESVILLE– The city of Janesville’s overhaul of its zoning code took center stage at a Plan Commission meeting Monday night, as consultants from GRAEF walked commissioners through proposed updates to development standards, landscaping requirements, dimensional rules, mixed-use zoning, and stormwater regulations.
The meeting focused on Article 6, which outlines development standards for new projects, and Article 8, which addresses stormwater, grading and erosion control.
City staff described the work as a needed modernization intended to match current development trends, respond to public input, and make the code more clear and user-friendly for residents, developers and builders.
Much of Monday’s discussion centered on landscaping and screening requirements, an area where consultants say public comments have consistently pushed for stronger standards.
Some commissioners questioned whether the city should allow more flexibility, particularly in cases where shared or consolidated green space might achieve better results than rigid planting minimums.
Staff noted that while the draft zoning update increases expectations for screening, especially around high-impact commercial sites, it also preserves administrative discretion when redevelopment constraints make strict compliance difficult.
Commissioners also reviewed a new mixed residential zoning district option in the updated code, created to allow a blend of single-family homes, duplexes and small multifamily buildings within one development.
The district is meant to offer more “missing middle†that the consultant explained is the housing option that is not available in the city currently, and to create smoother transitions between traditional neighborhoods and large apartment complexes.
They looked at what the city is proposing at 2400 Beloit Avenue which combines many different types of housing opportunities like duplexes, cottage style homes and apartments all in the same neighborhood.
“As we think through this, how do we ensure that we get the right mix and that the regulations, you know, aren’t overly restrictive,†the consultant from GRAEF explained.
Plan Commission Chair Kathy Voskuil said that she and other commissioners are doing their best to try to make sure that the new zoning code allows for a variety of housing based on the needs of the community.
“I think I would say, as a commission, we’ve spent a lot of time and thought on making sure that we can maximize the land with as many different varieties of housing,†she said.
Consultants plan to return in early 2026 with a complete ordinance draft that incorporates commissioner feedback and includes visual diagrams, revised tables and clearer examples. A community open house and additional public engagement opportunities are expected before the final adoption.