Zoning Map Change

The City's zoning map designates a zoning district designation for all property in the City of Milwaukee. A property owner may apply to change their zoning designation to a different district, for example from RT4 to LB2. If a regular zoning district does not meet Zoning Changes must be approved by the Common Council. Planning staff will review the proposed map change to determine if it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and contextually appropriate for the area. Staff will then provide a recommendation to the City Plan Commission (CPC). The CPC will review the proposed zoning map change and make a recommendation to the Common Council. The review and approval process for a zoning change takes approximately 90 days.

Applications and Procedures for a Zoning Map Change

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

• Zoning Change Application
• Affidavit for Zoning Change
• Zoning Change Application Procedure

• Processing Schedule

If a regular zoning district does not meet the need, property owners may apply to establish a Planned Development District

Zoning Code Text Change

The City of Milwaukee's current zoning ordinance was codified in 2001. The zoning code text is updated regularly based on recommendations from the Comprehensive Plan and other Plans and Studies. Members of the Common Council as well as staff from the Department of City Development often initiate zoning code text changes in a continuous effort to simplify and clarify the code while maintaining high standards for all development and further promoting the health safety and welfare of the city.

Recent Zoning Text Changes 

• Bicycle Parking Requirements
• Building Materials Ordinance
• Updated Landscaping and Screening Requirements