(1)

Statement of Purpose.

(a)

Recognize and enhance Downtown as the civic and cultural center of the City and region; the seat of state, county, and city government, and a significant retail, entertainment, and employment center;

(b)

Recognize and enhance the unique characteristics of Downtown neighborhoods;

(c)

Recognize the architectural heritage and cultural resources of Downtown neighborhoods;

(d)

Facilitate context-sensitive development;

(e)

Foster development with high-quality architecture and urban design; and,

(f)

Protect important views as identified in the Downtown Plan.

(2)

Downtown Height, Stepback, and Setback Requirements.

Building height within the Downtown, as defined, is established by the Downtown Height Map, Table 28E-3 and the Downtown Stepback Map, which establish maximum building heights and stepback requirements. Building setbacks within the Downtown, as defined, are established by the Zoning Code as supplemented by the Downtown Setback Map. (Am. by ORD-19-00089, 12-12-19; Am. by ORD-23-00043, 3-16-23)

(a)

Downtown Height Map and Table.

(Am. by ORD-19-00028, 4-29-19; Am. by ORD-23-00043, 3-16-23; Am. by ORD-23-00102, 11-28-23; Am. by ORD-23-00108, 11-28-23)

Table 28E-3.

1.

Buildings must meet both the maximum number of stories in the Downtown Height Map and the maximum height in Table 28E-3. In the CV area in the Downtown Height Map, the maximum height shall be the Capitol View Preservation Limit.

2.

Buildings with a voluntary contractual Land Use Restriction Agreement ("LURA") with the City of Madison to provide income and rent-restricted dwelling units or bedrooms in a dwelling unit ("affordable units") may exceed the maximum number of stories, provided the building remains at or below the maximum height in feet in Table 28E-3. To exceed the maximum number of stories, the building shall meet at least one of the following requirements:

a.

Any development or redevelopment with City of Madison funding to support affordable units.

b.

For buildings without City funding to support affordable units:

i.

The cumulative interior square footage of the affordable units shall be greater than or equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total interior square footage of all units and common amenity space, such as community rooms and fitness rooms, above the maximum number of stories in the Downtown Height Map. Subject to the details in the LURA, the cumulative square footage of the affordable housing units may be distributed throughout the building.

ii.

The affordable units shall be rented to households with an income at or below sixty percent (60%) area median income limits and at or below rent limits for sixty percent (60%) area median income as specified in the LURA.

iii.

The effective period of the LURA must be at least thirty (30) years.

c.

For buildings without City funding to support affordable units and where affordable units are rented to students enrolled at postsecondary educational institutions:

i.

A contractual agreement shall be voluntarily entered into by the property owner and the City of Madison. The property owner shall agree to comply with the provisions of a memorandum of understanding between the City and one or more postsecondary educational institution(s) regarding the referral of students from households with low or moderate incomes to rent bedrooms at below market rate; and

ii.

The property owner shall voluntarily execute a LURA for the benefit of the City guaranteeing that the property owner will provide the below market rate affordable units to students from households with low or moderate incomes for a specified period of time.

iii.

The Community Development Division shall approve the terms of any required documents and determine if the property owner has met the requirements of this subsection.

(Am. by ORD-24-00064, 9-20-24)

3.

Existing buildings as of January 1, 2013 that are taller than the maximum building heights allowed by Section 28.071(2)(a) Downtown Height Map and Table 28E-3 may be redeveloped at the same height, volume and mass provided the new building is approved under the requirements of Section 28.183 Conditional Uses.

4.

Existing zero-lot line buildings as of January 1, 2013 as depicted on the Parcel Analysis Map in the City of Madison Downtown Plan may be redeveloped at up to a maximum of five (5) stories, plus an additional story if stepped back on all sides if approved under the requirements of Section 28.098 Planned Development District.

(Am. by ORD-23-00043, 3-16-23)

(b)

Additional Height Areas Map.

1.

The Additional Height Areas Map defines eight (8) areas where buildings may be allowed up to two (2) additional stories above the maximum building height if approved as a conditional use under Section 28.183 provided that height is the only bulk requirement sought to be modified and the conditional use standards for additional height are met. Table 28E-3 shall be used to determine the maximum height in feet. (Am. by ORD-23-00043, 3-16-23)

2.

Buildings along the frontage of the 400 and 500 blocks of West Washington Avenue may be allowed two (2) additional stories above the four- (4) story building height limit provided there is a thirty- (30) foot stepback.

(c)

Downtown Stepback Map.

(d)

Downtown Setback Map.

(Cr. by ORD-19-00089, 12-12-19)

(e)

Downtown Setback Exceptions Map.

(Am. by ORD-21-00028, 3-30-21, Eff. 4-9-21)

(3)

Design Standards. The following standards are applicable to all new buildings and additions, within any ten-year period, exceeding fifty percent (50%) of existing building's floor area for non-residential buildings, mixed-use buildings, lodging houses, and residential buildings with 8 or more dwelling units. For a Civic or Institutional Building, the "Door and Window Openings" standards of subsection (3)(e) do not apply. (Am. by ORD-23-00077, 8-10-23)

(a)

Parking.

1.

Parking shall be located in parking structures, underground, or in surface parking lots behind principal buildings. Parking structures shall be designed with liner buildings or with ground floor office, or residential or retail uses along all street-facing facades. Surface parking lots are prohibited in the DC (Downtown Core) District. (Am. by ORD-22-00016, 4-7-22; Am. by ORD-24-00055, 8-16-24)

2.

For corner lots or through lots, rear yard surface parking areas abutting any street frontage are limited to fifty percent (50%) of that frontage, and shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from the street property line.

3.

Parking garage openings visible from the sidewalk shall have a clear maximum height of sixteen (16) feet and a maximum width of twenty-two (22) feet. Garage doors or gates shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from the front property line. Doors to freight loading bays are exempt from this requirement.

4.

No doors or building openings providing motor vehicle access to structured parking or loading facilities shall face State Street, King Street, or the Capitol Square.

(b)

Entrance Orientation.

1.

Primary building entrances on all new buildings shall be oriented to the primary abutting public street and have a functional door.

2.

Additional secondary entrances may be oriented to a secondary street or parking area.

3.

Entries shall be clearly visible and identifiable from the street, and delineated with elements such as roof overhangs, recessed entries, landscaping, or similar design features.

4.

Within ten (10) feet of a block corner, the facade may be set back to form a corner entry.

(c)

Facade Articulation.

1.

The facades of new buildings more than forty (40) feet in width shall be divided into smaller vertical intervals through techniques including but not limited to the following:

a.

Facade modulation, step backs, or extending forward of a portion of the facade.

b.

Vertical divisions using different textures, materials, or colors of materials.

c.

Division into multiple storefronts, with separate display windows and entrances.

d.

Variation in roof lines to reinforce the modulation or vertical intervals.

e.

Arcades, awnings, window bays, arched windows, and balconies to reinforce the vertical intervals.

(d)

Story Heights and Treatment.

1.

For all buildings, the minimum ground story height is twelve (12) feet, measured from the sidewalk to the second story floor.

2.

For ground-story residential uses, landscaping, steps, porches, grade changes, and low ornamental fences or walls or similar treatments shall be located between the sidewalk and the front door to create a private yard area.

(Am. by ORD-23-00043, 3-16-23)

(e)

Door and Window Openings.

1.

For street-facing facades with ground story non-residential uses, the ground story door and window openings shall comprise a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the facade area.

2.

For street-facing facades with ground story residential uses, ground story openings shall comprise a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the facade area.

3.

For all buildings, upper story openings shall comprise a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the facade area per story.

4.

Garage doors and opaque service doors shall not count toward the above requirements.

5.

Glass on all windows and doors shall be clear or slightly tinted, allowing views into and out of the interior. Spandrel glass may be used on service areas on the building.

(f)

Building Materials.

1.

Buildings shall be constructed of durable, high-quality materials. Table 28 E-1 below lists allowable building materials.

2.

All building facades visible from a public street or public walkway shall use materials and design features similar to or complementary to those of the front facade.

Table 28E-1: Building Materials in Downtown and Urban Districts.

A - Shall be used in conjunction with a palette of materials and shall not comprise more than thirty-three percent (33%) of any building.

B - Wood and fiber cement panels shall not be used on the ground story except between the sidewalk and the bottom of storefront windows or as an accent material.

C - Shall incorporate horizontal and vertical articulation and modulation, including but not limited to changes in color and texture, or as part of a palette of materials.

D - Shall not be within three feet of the ground or used on building facades facing State Street, King Street, or the Capitol Square.

E - Shall be used in conjunction with a palette of materials; shall be a heavy gauge, non-reflective metal

F - Shall be used in limited quantities as an accent material.

(g)

Equipment and Service Area Screening.

1.

Outdoor loading areas or mechanical equipment are not permitted in the front yard. When visible from an abutting public street or walkway, they shall be screened by a decorative fence, wall, or screen of plant material.

2.

No doors or openings providing access to parking or loading facilities shall abut the Capitol Square, State Street or King Street.

3.

Fences and walls shall be architecturally compatible with the principal structure.

(h)

Screening of Rooftop Equipment.

1.

All rooftop equipment, with the exception of solar and wind equipment, shall be screened from view from adjacent streets and public rights-of-way. Rooftop equipment shall be screened from view from adjacent buildings to the extent possible.

2.

The equipment shall be within an enclosure. This structure shall be set back a distance of one and one-half (1½) times its height from any primary facade fronting a public street. Screens shall be of durable, permanent materials (not including wood) that are compatible with the primary building materials. (Am. by ORD-15-00104, 10-15-15)

(1)

Table 28E-2 lists all permitted and conditional uses in the downtown and urban districts.

(a)

"P" means permitted in the districts where designated.

(b)

"C" means allows as conditional uses in the districts where designated, in compliance with all applicable standards.

(c)

"P/C" means permitted or conditional, depending on specific requirements in Supplemental Regulations, Sec. 28.151. (Am. by ORD-22-00096, 9-15-22)

(d)

"Y" means there are specific requirements in Sec. 28.151 associated with the use. (Am. by ORD-22-00096, 9-15-22)

(e)

"DC" means Downtown Core District.

(f)

"UOR" means Urban Office Residential District.

(g)

"UMX" means Urban Mixed-Use Districts.

(h)

"DR1" means Downtown Residential 1 District.

(i)

"DR2" means Downtown Residential 2 District.

Table 28E-2.

(Am. by ORD-13-00007, 1-15-13; ORD-13-00054, 4-24-13; ORD-13-00098, 6-12-13; ORD-13-00134 & ORD-13-00135, 8-14-13; ORD-13-00147, 9-11-13; ORD-13-00177 & ORD-13-00178, 10-23-13; ORD-13-00185, 11-5-13; ORD-13-00189, 11-26-13; ORD-14-00015, 1-29-14; ORD-14-00083, 4-16-14; ORD-14-00115, 7-11-14; ORD-14-00147, 9-12-14; ORD-14-00143, 9-12-14; ORD-15-00026, 3-11-15; ORD-15-00032, 4-8-15; ORD-15-00079, 8-12-15; ORD-16-00049, 5-25-16; ORD-16-00092 & ORD-16-00095, 11-9-16; ORD-16-00109, 12-14-16; ORD-17-00106, 10-25-17; Am. by ORD-18-00068, 7-19-18; Am. by ORD-18-00118, 12-3-18; Am. by ORD-19-00024, 4-29-19; Am. by ORD-19-00051, 7-2-19; ORD-20-00016, 2-13-20; Am. by ORD-21-00001, 1-19-21; Am. by ORD-21-00012, 2-10-21; Am. by ORD-21-00019, 3-15-21; Am. by ORD-21-00062, 9-13-21; Am. by ORD-21-00087, 12-15-21; Am. by ORD-22-00016, 4-17-22; Am. by ORD-22-00096, 9-15-22; Am. by ORD-22-00106, 10-21-22; Am. by ORD-22-00107, 10-21-22; Am. by ORD-24-00001, 1-17-24; Am. by ORD-24-00018, 3-20-24; Am. by ORD-24-00033, 6-3-24; Am. by ORD-25-00023, 4-24-25; Am. by ORD-25-00042, 6-27-25; Am. by ORD-25-00050, 7-25-25; Am. by ORD-25-00051, 7-25-25)

(Am. by ORD-22-00106, 10-21-22; Am. by ORD-24-00001, 1-17-24)

(1)

Statement of Purpose.

The DC District is established to recognize the Capitol Square, the State Street corridor, and surrounding properties as the center of governmental, office, educational, cultural, specialty retail and recreational activities for the City and the region. Residential uses are appropriate in some locations or in combination with other uses. This district is intended to allow intensive development with high-quality architecture and urban design.

(2)

Permitted and Conditional Uses.

See Table 28E-2 for a complete list of allowed uses within the downtown and urban districts.

(3)

Dimensional Standards.

Standards represent minimums unless otherwise noted. Dimensions are in feet unless otherwise noted.

(Am. by ORD-19-00089, 12-12-19; Am. by ORD-21-00028, 3-30-21, Eff. 4-9-21)

(a)

Specific front and/or side yard setbacks may be designated on the zoning map and may be designated as a specific location (build to line), a minimum, or a range.

(4)

Review. Review for all buildings and structures shall be as follows:

(a)

Minor exterior changes or additions may be approved by the Director of the Department of Planning, Community, and Economic Development if they determine that the changes or additions are compatible with the existing design or consistent with the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines.

(b)

All new buildings and additions to buildings with six (6) stories or fewer, as well as all major exterior alterations to any building shall be approved by the Urban Design Commission based on the design standards in the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines. The applicant or the Alderperson of the District in which the use is located may appeal the decision of the Urban Design Commission to the Plan Commission.

(c)

All new buildings and additions to buildings with greater than six (6) stories shall obtain conditional use approval. In addition, the Urban Design Commission shall review such projects for conformity to the design standards in the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines and shall report its findings to the Plan Commission.

(d)

For lots with frontage on State Street or the 100 block of King Street, all new buildings and additions to buildings with greater than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet or that have greater than four (4) stories shall obtain conditional use approval. In addition, the Urban Design Commission shall review such projects for conformity to the design standards in the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines and shall report its findings to the Plan Commission.

(e)

Class 2 Collocations and Radio Broadcast Service Facilities are permitted uses and are not subject to design review. They are subject to review as provided in Sections 28.143 and 28.148. See Wis. Stat. §§ 66.0404(3)(a)1 and (4)(gm) and 66.0406 (2013). (Cr. by ORD-13-00189, 11-26-13)

(Am. by ORD-25-00051, 7-25-25)

(5)

Alterations to Approved Designs.

For buildings approved pursuant to (b) or (c) above, the Director of the Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development may approve minor alterations or additions if they determine that such alterations or additions are consistent with Sec. 28.071(3), if applicable, the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines, and the previously approved design.

(6)

Site Standards: New and Existing Development.

(a)

Parking shall be located in parking structures. Surface parking lots are prohibited.

(b)

All business activities shall be conducted within completely enclosed buildings except:

1.

Off-street parking and off-street loading.

2.

Outdoor display and outdoor storage.

3.

Vending machines.

4.

Outdoor eating, cooking, and service areas associated with food and beverage establishments. (Am. by ORD-13-00178, 10-23-13)

5.

Bicycle-sharing facilities.

6.

Auto service stations.

7.

Agricultural activities.

8.

Temporary outdoor events.

9.

Solar energy systems and wind energy systems.

10.

Walk-up service windows.

11.

Yard sales.

12.

Composting.

13.

Keeping of chickens and keeping of honeybees.

14.

Outdoor recreation.

15.

Drive-through windows. (Am. by ORD-24-00033, 6-3-24)

16.

Farmers market.

(Am. by ORD-24-00055, 8-16-24)

(1)

Statement of Purpose.

This district is intended to provide for office uses in combination with medium-density residential uses in close proximity to residential neighborhoods. Limited retail and service uses serving the immediate neighborhood may be appropriate in combination with the primary office and residential uses. This district may also serve as a transition between more intense zoning districts and surrounding residential uses.

(2)

Permitted and Conditional Uses.

See Table 28E-2 for a complete list of allowed uses within the downtown and urban districts.

(3)

Dimensional Standards.

Standards represent minimums unless otherwise noted. Dimensions are in feet unless otherwise noted.

(Am. by ORD-19-00089, 12-12-19; Am. by ORD-25-00011, 3-8-25)

(a)

Specific front yard setbacks may be designated on the zoning map and may be designated as a specific location (build to line), a minimum, or a range.

(b)

Underground parking may extend into the rear yard setback if located completely below grade.

(c)

Reserved for Future Use. (Rpld. by ORD-25-00011, 3-8-25)

(4)

Site Standards: New and Existing Development.

(a)

All business activities shall be conducted within completely enclosed buildings except:

1.

Off-street parking and off-street loading.

2.

Outdoor display and outdoor storage.

3.

Vending machines.

4.

Bicycle-sharing facilities.

5.

Agricultural activities.

6.

Temporary outdoor events.

7.

Solar energy systems and wind energy systems.

8.

Yard sales.

9.

Composting.

10.

Keeping of chickens and keeping of honeybees.

11.

Outdoor recreation.

12.

Outdoor cooking and service areas associated with food and beverage establishments. (Cr. by ORD-13-00178, 10-23-13)

(1)

Statement of Purpose.

This district is intended to provide opportunities for high-density residential and office uses in combination with limited retail and service uses designed to serve the immediate surroundings.

(2)

Permitted and Conditional Uses.

See Table 28E-2 for a complete list of allowed uses within the downtown and urban districts.

(3)

Dimensional Standards.

Requirements represent minimums unless otherwise noted. Dimensions are in feet unless otherwise noted.

(Am. by ORD-19-00089, 12-12-19; Am. by ORD-21-00028, 3-30-21, Eff. 4-9-21; Am. by ORD-25-00011, 3-8-25)

(a)

Specific front yard setbacks may be designated on the zoning map and may be designated as a specific location (build to line), a minimum, or a range.

(b)

Underground parking may extend into the rear yard setback if it is located completely below pre-construction existing grade or under a slope of no greater than one (1) to three (3) feet to the lot line and is completely covered by landscape. (Am. by ORD-16-00051, 5-25-16)

(c)

Reserved. (Rpld. by ORD-25-00011, 3-8-25)

(4)

Review. Review for all buildings and structures shall be as follows:

(a)

Minor exterior changes or additions may be approved by the Director of the Department of Planning, Community, and Economic Development if they determine that the changes or additions are compatible with the existing design or consistent with the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines.

(b)

All new buildings and additions to buildings with six (6) stories or fewer, as well as all major exterior alterations to any building shall be approved by the Urban Design Commission based on the design standards in the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines. The applicant or the Alderperson of the District in which the use is located may appeal the decision of the Urban Design Commission to the Plan Commission.

(c)

All new buildings and additions to buildings with greater than six (6) stories shall obtain conditional use approval. In addition, the Urban Design Commission shall review such projects for conformity to the design standards in the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines and shall report its findings to the Plan Commission.

(d)

Class 2 Collocations and Radio Broadcast Service Facilities are permitted uses and are not subject to design review. They are subject to review as provided in Sections 28.143 and 28.148. See Wis. Stat. §§ 66.0404(3)(a)1 and (4)(gm) and 66.0406 (2013). (Cr. by ORD-13-00189, 11-26-13)

(Am. by ORD-25-00051, 7-25-25)

(5)

Alterations to Approved Designs.

For buildings approved pursuant to (b) or (c) above, the Director of the Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development may approve minor alterations or additions if they determine that such alterations or additions are consistent with Sec. 28.071(3), if applicable, the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines, and the previously approved design.

(6)

Site Standards: New and Existing Development.

(a)

All business activities shall be conducted within completely enclosed buildings except:

1.

Off-street parking and off-street loading.

2.

Outdoor display and outdoor storage.

3.

Vending machines.

4.

Outdoor eating, cooking, and service areas associated with food and beverage establishments. (Am. by ORD-13-00178, 10-23-13)

5.

Bicycle-sharing facilities.

6.

Auto service stations.

7.

Agricultural activities.

8.

Temporary outdoor events.

9.

Solar energy systems and wind energy systems.

10.

Walk-up service windows.

11.

Yard sales.

12.

Composting.

13.

Keeping of chickens and keeping of honeybees.

14.

Outdoor recreation.

15.

Drive-through windows. (Am. by ORD-24-00033, 6-3-24)

16.

Farmers market.

(1)

Statement of Purpose.

These districts are intended to recognize historic Downtown neighborhoods comprised of predominantly residential uses with some non-residential uses. The districts are also intended to:

(a)

Facilitate the preservation, development or redevelopment goals of the comprehensive plan and of adopted neighborhood, corridor or special area plans.

(b)

Promote the preservation and conservation of historic buildings and districts while allowing selective infill and redevelopment based on the recommendations of adopted City plans.

(c)

Ensure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed with sensitivity to their context in terms of scale and rhythm, building placement, facade width, height and proportions, garage and driveway placement, landscaping and similar design features.

(1)

Permitted and Conditional Uses.

See Table 28E-2 for a complete list of allowed uses within the downtown and urban districts.

(2)

Dimensional Standards.

Requirements represent minimums unless otherwise noted. Dimensions are in feet unless otherwise noted.

(Am. by ORD-14-00133, 8-13-14; Am. by ORD-19-00089, 12-12-19; Am. by ORD-23-00078, 8-10-23; Am. by ORD-25-00011, 3-8-25; Am. by ORD-25-00050, 7-25-25)

(a)

Front yard setbacks may be designated on the zoning map as a specific location (build to line), a minimum, or a range.

(b)

Underground parking may extend into the rear yard setback if located completely below grade.

(c)

Reserved. (Rpld. by ORD-25-00011, 3-8-25)

(3)

Building Standards.

The following standards are applicable to new buildings and additions, within any ten- (10) year period, exceeding fifty percent (50%) of existing building's floor area.

(a)

Maximum Building Width. The maximum width of any building fronting the primary abutting street shall not exceed sixty (60) feet.

(b)

Through-lot Development. Development of through lots shall be designed with buildings oriented to each street and with a minimum distance of sixty (60) feet between rear facades of above-ground building elements. Underground parking may extend into this shared rear yard area if located completely below grade.

(4)

Site Standards. For residential buildings, surface parking shall not be located between any street and the plane of the principal building's corresponding street-facing facade. For existing residential buildings with surface parking located between the building and any street, new surface parking may only be located behind or beside the building if the surface parking located between the building and the street is eliminated. (Cr. by ORD-17-00083, 9-13-17; Am. by ORD-24-00018, 3-20-24)

(Am. by ORD-23-00042, 3-16-23)

(1)

Permitted and Conditional Uses.

See Table 28E-2 for a complete list of allowed uses within the downtown and urban districts.

(2)

Dimensional Standards.

Standards represent minimums unless otherwise noted. Dimensions are in feet unless otherwise noted.

(Am. by ORD-15-00105, 10-15-15; Am. by ORD-19-00089, 12-12-19; Am. by ORD-23-00078, 8-10-23; Am. by ORD-25-00011, 3-8-25; Am. by ORD-25-00050, 7-25-25)

(a)

Front yard setbacks may be designated on the zoning map as a specific location (build to line), minimum, or a range.

(b)

Underground parking may extend into the rear yard setback if located completely below grade.

(c)

Reserved. (Rpld. by ORD-25-00011, 3-8-25)

(3)

Site Standards. For residential buildings, surface parking shall not be located between any street and the plane of the principal building's corresponding street-facing facade. For existing residential buildings with surface parking located between the building and any street, new surface parking may only be located behind or beside the building if the surface parking located between the building and the street is eliminated. (Cr. by ORD-17-00083, 9-13-17; Am. by ORD-24-00018, 3-20-24)

(Am. by ORD-23-00042, 3-16-23)