Development Incentive Overlay Zone (DIZ)

The specific purposes of the Development Incentive Overlay Zone are to provide opportunities to create new development projects which are more compatible with existing development on adjacent sites; create a pedestrian-friendly environment in both design and scale; encourage creativity, variety and excellence in project design and layout; and utilize a development review and approval process that meets these purposes without causing undue delays.

Projects within a Development Incentive Zone must go before the City Plan Commission for approval. Performance Standards for each Development Incentive Overlay Zone are approved by the Common Council and are used as the basis for review and approval of proposed developments. The performance standards may include design standards as well as modifications to the lists of permitted, limited and special uses in the underlying zoning district. Projects may apply also apply for a deviation from a performance standards of a Development Incentive Zone. We encourage you to discuss your proposal with DCD Planning staff prior to submitting an application.

Applications and Procedures for Projects in a Development Incentive Overlay Zone

Note: Please email copies of your application and affidavit to [email protected].
We will invoice the application fee and 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

• Application for Approval of a Project within an Overlay Zone
• Request to Deviate from Performance or Design Standards within Overlay Zone
• Development Incentive Zone Information and Submittal Checklist
• Processing Schedule
• Establishment of a New Overlay

Approved Development Incentive Zones