Planned Development Districts

Planned Development

(PD) zoning is intended to allow flexibility in land development for unique projects. This zoning is site-specific, and encourages development that is compatible with its surroundings and consistent with the City’s comprehensive plan. A General Planned Development (GPD) is sometimes recommended for multi-parcel, multi-phased developments and serves as a guiding zoning plan for the sites. Prior to construction of the development, a rezoning to a Detailed Planned Development (DPD), which approves the project specifics including building design and site plan, is necessary. When a proposal entails a single-phase development or does not require a GPD, rezoning directly to a DPD may be appropriate. Once established, a GPD can be amended as needed. Changes to a DPD might require either an amendment or a minor modification. We encourage you to speak with DCD Planning prior to submitting an application to rezone to, or amend or modify a Planned Development to determine what process might be the most suitable for your proposal.

The process for establishing or amending a Planned Development takes approximately 3 – 3.5 months and entails public hearings before the City Plan Commission as well as the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee before going to the full Common Council for consideration. A minor modification process requires the same approvals but is not a public hearing process, and typically takes 2.5 – 3 months. The applications, submittal checklists, and processing schedules are available in the links below.

Note: Please email copies of your application and affidavit to PlanAdmin@milwaukee.gov.
We will provide you with instructions on how to pay the application fee online.

You may mail the original documents to:
Dept. of City Development - Planning Administration
809 N. Broadway, 2nd Floor 
Milwaukee, WI  53202