Overview

The City of Port Washington has embarked on the most comprehensive rewrite of its Zoning Code since it was drafted in the mid-60’s.  The intent of the zoning code rewrite project is to make the City’s code easier to understand and administer, modernized with current best practices, and compatible with the City’s recent planning efforts including the Comprehensive Plan update and Downtown + Lakefront Master Plan.

As the City moves forward through this process, the Port Washington community is invited to participate to help ensure the new Zoning Code best serves the community’s needs.  This website will function as the central hub for the Zoning Code update where you can find the latest on the rewrite process, provide feedback, view a calendar of events, and review relevant project information. 

Why Update the Zoning Code

Current Project Timeline

• 2024: 
  • Project Start and Data Gathering
  • Research and Staff and Community Engagement
• Public Engagement Elements
  • Updates and Draft Zoning Chapters Available on City Project Website
  • Plan Commission Meetings
  • Relevant Stakeholder Meetings as Chapters Rolled Out
  • Specific Downtown Outreach Through February 2026
  • WJ Niederkorn – Walk In Meetings with City Staff – February 2026
  • Zoning Code Project Informational Meeting – April 2026
  • Monthly Updates Provided via Website and to Common Council

Updates

• May 16, 2024 - Plan Commission Update Presentation
• September 2024 - Community-Wide Zoning Survey conducted. View the results
• May 15, 2025 - Plan Commission Update Presentation

Draft Chapters For Review - October 2025

• Article 1 General Provisions
• Article 2 Interpretation, Construction, Definitions
• Article 3 Administrative Bodies
• Article 4 General Procedure Requirements
• Article 12 Shoreland Wetland Overlay District
• Article 13 Shoreland Overlay District
• Article 17 Performance Standards

Working Draft Chapters For Review - November 2025

• Article 8 Alternative Development Options
• Article 9 Project-Based Districts
• Article 16 Land Uses
• Article 26 Nonconformities
• Article 27 Enforcement
• Appendix A  Land Use Table
• Appendix B  Land Use Descriptions and Standards (Updated 4/27/2026)

Working Draft Chapters For Review - December 2025

• Article 6 Zoning Map
• Article 7 Zoning Districts
• Article 14 Bluff Protection Overlay District
• Article 15 Environmental Corridor Overlay District
• Article 24 Outdoor Lighting
• Appendix F Mapping Requirements

Working Draft Chapters For Review - January 2026

• Article 10 Downtown Design Overlay District (Memo Version)
• Article 21 Site Design Standards

Working Draft Chapters For Review - February 2026

• Article 5 Specific Procedural Requirements (Updated 4/13/2026)

Working Draft Chapters For Review - March 2026

• Article 23 Parking, Loading, and Access

Working Draft Chapters For Review - April 2026

• Article 22 Landscaping and Buffers 
• Plan Commission Review - Outstanding Issues
• Zoning Code Project Informational Meeting
  • When:  Thursday, April 30 from 4pm to 6:30pm
  • Where: Port Washington City Hall, Common Council Chambers

                       100 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, WI 53074

Working Draft Chapters For Review - May 2026

• Article 18 Dimensional Standards
• Article 19 Environmental and Engineering Standards
• Article 20 Architectural Standards 
• Appendix C Dimensional Standards Tables 

June 2026

• Plan Commission Final Draft Review & Recommend

August 2026

• Common Council Public Hearing & Adoption

Resources

• Existing Zoning Ordinance
• 2035 Comprehensive Plan
• Downtown + Lakefront Master Plan

Contact

Bob Harris, Director of Planning and Development | rharris@portwashingtonwi.gov