Planning
DCD's Planning Division promotes and guides the development of the city by preparing plans, developing zoning tools, and staffing various boards and commissions. The Planning Division is composed of Long Range Planning and Planning Administration.
If you're wondering whether your project needs a permit or would like to request a zoning letter, the place to start is the Development Center of the Department of Neighborhood Services.
City Plan Commission
The City Plan Commission (CPC) is the City's official planning body established under State statute and is responsible for master planning activities. The CPC advises the Common Council on various land use and development issues needing approval and holds regular meetings to hear potential plan updates, zoning changes and other planning related activities.
Planning Administration
The Planning Administration section staffs the City Plan Commission and works to implement the Comprehensive Plan by developing zoning tools and processing zoning change and land division applications.
- Zoning Information
- Apply for a Zoning Change
- Combine or Divide Property
- Petition to Vacate a Street or Alley
- Check the Zoning of a Property
- Development Center (for permits)
- Board of Zoning Appeals (for variance or special use approvals)
Plan & Studies
Milwaukee's Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for development in the City of Milwaukee. The comprehensive plan consists of a city-wide policy plan and 14 area plans. The official comprehensive plan may be amended with additional documents such as economic development plans and strategic action plans. The City also prepares other plans and studies to support the comprehensive plan or to provide additional guidance or regulation in specific circumstances.
Urban Design
The Planning Division promotes best practices in urban design by developing design guidelines, conducting architectural review, and encouraging high quality design for buildings and public spaces.