Zoning Code | Permit Center | Code Interpretation

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Code Interpretation
Description: From time to time, there may be instances where a person may have a question concerning a provision of this chapter or the application of a provision of this chapter. To ensure this chapter is consistently interpreted over time, a mechanism is needed to issue written interpretations. 

Initiation: Any person, including the zoning administrator, may submit a question for interpretation.

Decision-maker(s): The zoning administrator makes the interpretation; and the Planning Commission makes the final decision on appeal.

Application fee: There is no fee for this application type.

Application deadline: An application can be submitted at any time.

Review procedures:
  1. Submittal of question. The individual requesting the interpretation shall submit the question in writing to the zoning administrator and the application fee as may be established by the Common Council.
  2. Decision. In consultation with the city attorney, the zoning administrator shall make a written decision within 60 calendar days of when the petition was submitted.
  3. Notification of decision. Within a reasonable time following completion of the interpretation, the zoning administrator shall mail a duplicate copy of the interpretation by regular mail to the individual requesting the interpretation and provide a copy of the same to the Planning Commission, the city attorney, and those city employees and agents involved in the administration of this chapter, as appropriate.
  4. Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the interpretation shall be retained as a public record.
 
Review procedures on appeal:
  1. Submittal of application materials. The zoning administrator shall forward the application and other materials the applicant submitted to the Planning Commission along with the administrator's interpretation.
  2. General notice. Consistent with Division 2 of Article 4, the zoning administrator shall place the matter on the meeting agenda of the Planning Commission.
  3. Meeting. Allowing for proper notice, the Planning Commission shall consider the appeal at a regular or special meeting.
  4. Decision. In consultation with the city attorney, the Planning Commission shall make a written decision within 60 calendar days of when the zoning administrator’s decision was appealed.
  5. Preparation of decision document. Based on the action of the Planning Commission, the zoning administrator shall within 15 calendar days of such decision prepare a decision document consistent with this division.
  6. Applicant notification. Within a reasonable time following the Planning Commission’s decision, the administrator shall mail the decision document to the applicant by regular mail.
  7. Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the decision document shall be retained as a public record.​
Application Materials
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