The city of Janesville hired Graef, an engineering consultant out of Madison, to take a look at the code and updated it. Some of the goals include simplifing it into an easy-to-read document that’s responsive modern market conditions and that can be applied to bring in quality new development.

Doug Seymour, a senior planner at Graef, said over the years rather than rewriting the code, it was continually amended. Now, there is a lot of confusing and outdated language, he said.

This past summer, Graef met with focus groups to talk about the zoning code and local development needs.

Focus group participants responded that housing and a more user-friendly zoning code were important. There also needed to be a focus on all parts of Janesville, not just downtown and Milton Avenue, respondents said.

What they really wanted was a zoning code that was understandable “without having to have a master’s degree in planning,” he said. So, the next iteration is expected to be simple, “keep it easy,” he said.

At Thursday night’s meeting, Graef consultants brought display boards that included some suggested changes.

Simplifying the zoning code on parking minimums and maximums, for instance, would help promote affordable housing because it would remove the cost of required parking, the consultants said.

Also proposed is an update to the zoning code to allow for different types of housing densities like townhomes, duplexes, cottage courts.

Currently the zoning code has strict limits on density and size of dwellings, which makes it difficult to develop anything other than single family homes, the consultants said.

“It opens up a lot of the housing market to allow for younger people, or people who are coming off of big, single family homes that want something to step down into and increases the tax base for the city,” one consultant shared.

Community reaction

Kyle Hammon, a community member, said he came to the open house because he is interested in the proposed zoning reform. He said the zoning code is one of the most important tools the city has and the current one is “archaic.”

After listening and asking questions, he said he liked what he heard and saw at the open house.

He said the city needs more mixed-use development and more medium density residential housing. He also said he’s optimistic that the zoning code update the city is pursuing will offer that.

Next steps for the city include drafting a revised zoning ordinance, holding a second public open house, and then bringing a final draft plan to the Plan Commission and City Council for approval.

More information about the proposed updates can be found on the project website:https://graef-usa.mysocialpinpoint.com/janesvillezoning

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