Maple Bluff Village
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 4
General Design and Performance Standards
§ 225-4-1 Article purpose and applicability.
A.
This article includes substantive expectations for exterior design and appearance buildings, other structures, sites, and potential improvements and storage of materials on them in order to meet the following objectives:
(2)
Promote the Village's goals with respect to land use compatibility, property value maintenance and enhancement, aesthetics, environmental protection and enhancement, visual openness, pollution control, civic pride, and public health.
(3)
Achieve high-quality exterior building, site, and landscape design that reflects the design quality within Maple Bluff, without favoring any particular architectural style or site design approach.
(4)
Respect the attributes of the site, its buildings, neighboring principal buildings.
(5)
Not unduly restrain land owner choice to build, expand, remodel, or modernize to meet their needs and interests.
B.
Except where otherwise indicated, the provisions of this article apply to all buildings and sites within the Village when exterior modifications are proposed in one of more of the categories described in this article. This article describes the substantive standards for building, other structure, site, and landscape design, but not the associated Village review procedure, which is instead prescribed in Article 8.
§ 225-4-2 Building design.
[Amended 9-9-2025]
Each new, remodeled, or expanded building that meets the threshold for design review under § 225-8-5 shall:
A.
Meet dimensional standards in Figure 225.2.2 and § 225-2-5, and criteria in § 225-8-5F if a floor area percentage special exception is requested. Additionally, where a new or expanded single-family residence is proposed on a combination of contiguous parcels under different ownership on June 12, 2025:
(1)
The footprint of such residence shall not exceed the greater of 150% of the mean average footprint of any existing residence(s) on the combined parcel plus neighboring principal buildings as defined in § 225-9-3, except under Subsection A(2). Accessory buildings shall be counted as part of footprints for this calculation.
(2)
If the calculation in Subsection A(1) results in a smaller footprint than that of any existing residence(s) and accessory building(s) on the combined parcel, the footprint of a new/replacement residence and accessory building(s) shall instead not exceed the footprint of the largest existing residence on the combined parcel.
B.
Have attached garages with garage doors that face a public street only where such garage section is either set back at least 80 feet from the facing street right-of-way, or set back at least one foot and at least five feet narrower from the remainder of the primary building facade as defined in § 225-9-3.
C.
Incorporate one or more windows or doors on each flat wall greater than 20 feet in length.
D.
Incorporate a unified architectural design (including additions) that provides or maintains a general ratio of solids to voids; repeating scale and proportions; vertical or horizontal directional emphasis; and compatible doors, windows, trim, decorative features including lighting, siding exposure, siding corners, lintels, chimneys, and roof style across the building exterior.
E.
Incorporate roof, siding, and trim materials that are durable, present a finished appearance to public streets and neighboring principal buildings, and carry across all additions, building walls, and roofs unless multiple materials are a legitimate expression of the particular architectural style.
F.
Not include exterior exposure of the following materials: non-decorative or non-textured concrete block, foundation walls, or panels above two feet from the adjacent ground surface; plywood; untreated lumber; asphaltic siding; metal panels with exposed exterior fasteners.
G.
If the building is a detached accessory building, have an architectural style, color, material, and detail that is harmonious with the principal building, and not include any primary building facade (as defined in § 225-9-3) that has more than 75% of its width occupied by garage doors.
H.
Locate and design all building-mounted equipment to be integral with the building architecture or screened from view from public rights-of-way and neighboring principal buildings, except for small exterior communication or energy systems which are instead subject to § 225-3-5C.
I.
Where permitted, design and locate trash and recyclable dumpster enclosures, loading docks, and overhead loading doors as integral elements to the building and site, screened from view from public streets and neighboring principal buildings, and otherwise meeting applicable requirements of §§ 225-4-5 and 225-4-8.
J.
Where within the geographic area covered by the Village's Gateway Redevelopment Concept and Implementation Strategy Plan, comply with applicable building design standards within such plan.
§ 225-4-3 Site design.
Each adjustment to a site that meets the minimum threshold for design or site plan review under § 225-8-5 shall:
B.
Include site grading, structure siting, and hard and pervious surfaces that:
(1)
Compared to pre-development conditions, do not materially alter surface water drainage through and from the site (except where advised by the Village Engineer to address an identified problem); substantially increase the rate or volume of stormwater discharge from the site; or transmit mud, soil, mulch, or other visible sediment onto any adjacent property, public right-of-way, or surface water body.
(2)
Do not result in the compromise, degradation, defacement, or obliteration of any shoreline or bluff, or include any fill or shoreline enhancement that does not obtain the proper state or federal permit.
(3)
Respect the natural topography of the site and area, while allowing for the creation of earth forms that add interest to the existing topography or screen undesirable views.
(4)
Include a minimum low opening elevation for any new principal building that is two feet above the base flood elevation of any nearby floodplain or rim elevation of any nearby stormwater basin or drainage channel, as verified by the Village Engineer where necessary.
(5)
Minimize the removal of non-invasive mature trees and shrubs without compromising drainage or structure function.
(6)
Allow for the installation and maintenance of groundcover and other landscaping via proper slopes, topsoil maintenance, and otherwise.
(7)
Design and install all retaining walls pursuant to best engineering practices (such as those promulgated under the International Building Code or American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, "Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures") and with a style, height, and materials compatible with other site improvements.
C.
Provide for the undergrounding of public and private utility and communication wiring connecting to the building and site, where meeting the project threshold and per the requirements of § 225-8-5G(2).
D.
For shoreline stabilization projects, design and install any human-made or formed stabilization materials to be compatible with the principal building and with other structures on the parcel and pursuant to best engineering practices.
E.
Where within the geographic area covered by the Village's Gateway Redevelopment Concept and Implementation Strategy Plan, comply with applicable site and landscape design standards within such plan.
F.
Include trees, shrubs, and other landscaping to present an attractive street and community appearance, complement existing uses and site development on nearby lands, and buffer lower density and/or residential uses nearby where not associated with a single-family residence. Where required by the Building Board, a landscaped buffer yard shall be at least 25 feet in width and planted in sufficient quantities to provide an all-season screen within five years of planting and have a minimum height of three feet at time of planting. The Building Board may allow an alternative approach to meet a similar standard, such as decorative opaque fence or wall, and/or a berm, in lieu of or in addition to the landscape planting density and/or width.
G.
No species identified under NR 40, Wis. Admin. Code, or by the Village Forester as invasive is permitted.
H.
Landscape plantings and retaining walls in utility or other easements is at the risk of the property owner, and any impacts on such plantings or walls resulting from authorized work in such easements shall be borne by the property owner unless otherwise specified in a recorded easement.
§ 225-4-4 Fences and walls.
A.
Purposes. This section, in combination with Figure 225.2.2 and § 225-2-5, regulates the materials, location, height, and maintenance of fences, walls, and netting, and associated posts and gates, to achieve the following objectives beyond those described in § 225-4-1A:
(1)
Maintain the visual openness of the Village by minimizing substantial visual barriers between and among residential properties.
(2)
Recognize legitimate interests for fences and walls for certain functions and in certain settings.
(3)
Ensure proper visibility, screening, and/or security as the situation demands.
B.
Applicability.
(1)
Each fence, wall, post, and gate shall be constructed and maintained in a manner that is:
(a)
Structurally sound and good repair, including but not limited to being installed and maintained in a vertically level position; free from broken boards and other components; and free of rot and peeling, chipped, or flaking coating.
(b)
Not adversely affecting stormwater flow, including flow impediments that may result from the collection of organic materials (e.g., leaves) or debris on or around the structure.
(2)
Each fence, wall, post, and gate may be maintained without approval or building permit under this section. Maintenance includes activities to maintain the structure in accordance with Subsection B(1), but does not include any extension or structural alteration.
(3)
The remaining requirements of this section apply to the installation, extension, structural alteration, and replacement of permanent exterior fences, walls, gates, posts, and netting. These include but are not limited to boundary fences or walls erected along or near a property line for the purpose of enclosing a property and/or creating a barrier between parcels; architectural, aesthetic, or decorative fences erected for a purpose other than enclosing a parcel and/or creating a barrier between parcels; walls constructed of stone, brick, concrete, or similar substantial material; netting designed to limit the trespass of balls or other objects; or retaining walls greater than one foot above finished grade. This section shall not apply to other retaining walls, to arbors, or to trellises, and shall not apply to temporary fences that are:
(a)
Associated with a construction project, not exceeding the term of construction;
(b)
Snow fences, provided that such fence is temporarily erected to serve its defined purpose and removed between April 15 and December 1 of each year; or
(c)
Designed to enclose space or restrict access during a temporary event not more than one week in any calendar year.
C.
Permit required. Before work is commenced on the installation, extension, structural alteration, or replacement of any fence, wall, gate, or netting applicable under Subsection B(3), a building permit must be obtained from the Building Inspector following submittal of a complete application form and supplemental information indicated on that form to ensure the ability of the Village to evaluate the proposed fence and wall against applicable requirements of this section. The Building Inspector may require a Plat of Survey or other site mapping or investigation as the Inspector may allow to verify the exact location of the proposed fence, wall, gate, or netting relative to a property line.
D.
Measuring fence and gate height. The body of the fence or gate, including the tallest picket or plank on fences so designed, determines the fence height. If the fence or gate has been elevated, such as through use of an underlying retaining wall or landscape berm, height is measured from the ground elevation prior to the surface grade modification. Fence and gate support posts may extend a maximum of four inches above the maximum fence or gate height, but only where such posts are spaced fewer than three feet apart from each other. A maximum of four inches is allowed between the ground elevation and bottom of fence is allowed, typically for drainage purposes, with such space not counted as part of fence or gate height.
E.
General requirements. Each fence, wall, gate, post, or netting installed, extended, structurally altered, or replaced under Subsection B(3) shall at all times meet the following requirements:
(1)
Placed and maintained within the parcel it is intended to serve.
(2)
Not placed on or extend into a public or utility easement where public improvements are located or public access allowed without approval of an encroachment agreement by the Public Works Director that assigns to the property owner future responsibility for reinstallation of any such structure removed or damaged within the easement.
(3)
For each fence or gate with a more finished or more decorative side, such side shall face toward the adjacent parcel or public right-of-way (not including railroad right-of-way). As an example, exposed posts and lateral supports shall not face toward the adjacent parcel or public right-of-way unless such components are exposed on both sides.
(4)
Not include barbed, razor, or similar cutting wire; electrification (does not include invisible pet security fences); chicken wire; reflective glass or metal; unfinished cement block (such as that typically used for building foundations); plywood; untreated lumber; or railroad ties.
F.
Requirements for permanent fences and walls. For a building permit to be issued for an applicable permanent fence or wall, the fence or wall shall either be a replacement of the same size, location, and materials as an existing fence, or shall meet all of the following requirements:
(2)
Not constructed of chain link, woven wire, or similar design; or with PVC, vinyl, or other plastic material except for composite materials designed to closely resemble wood and for underground components. Notwithstanding the above, chain link and synthetic netting is permitted where parallel and within 10 feet of a railroad right-of-way or where enclosing an approved sport court or golf course.
(3)
Designed with no greater than 60% opacity as that term is defined in § 225-9-3 and with examples of compliant fences in Figure 225.4.1, except:
(a)
For the lowest two feet of any fence.
(b)
Where minimum setbacks are equal to the minimum principal building setbacks in Figure 225.2.2 and the fence is in the rear yard.
(c)
For fences, walls, and gates designed to screen mechanical units or outdoor storage areas described in § 225-4-5B.
(d)
For fences permitted under the height exception in § 225-2-5D(3).
(4)
Consistent in height, materials, style, and color to any existing fence or wall to which it will attach, except where such existing fence does not meet the requirements of this section.
(5)
Any included gates match the height, material, style, and color of the fence or wall.
(6)
Not constructed parallel to and within five feet of another fence, whether or not on the same parcel.
Figure 225.4.1: Examples of Fences with No Greater than 60% Opacity  |
§ 225-4-5 Outdoor storage.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the use of property for outdoor storage so as to protect the Village's aesthetic character and public safety and general welfare. Additional standards for outdoor storage applicable to specific land uses as specified in Article 3 also apply.
B.
Waste/recycling materials and containers. For all land uses without Village-provided residential waste and recycling collection, all solid waste and recycling materials, containers (i.e., dumpsters), and stacks (e.g., palates awaiting pick-up) shall be fully screened from public rights-of-way and adjacent parcels, placed on a hard surface, soundproofed with hatch closure noise mitigation measures and otherwise meeting § 225-4-8, and meet minimum accessory building setbacks in Figure 225.2.2. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to temporary portable storage containers or dumpsters described and regulated in § 166-11 of the Code.
C.
Operable vehicle parking and storage. Parking and storage of operable vehicles, including boats, in residential zoning districts shall be pursuant to Chapter 166, Article 3, and § 212-2 of the Code. Within other zoning districts, outdoor vehicle storage is not permitted, but temporary outdoor parking for employees, patrons, residents, and visitors is permitted in designated hard surfaced parking spaces only.
§ 225-4-6 Access, driveways, and parking.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to ensure traffic and personal safety, clear and efficient parking lots and on-site circulation, proper stormwater management, and aesthetic values through driveway access, vehicle circulation, and parking requirements.
B.
Generally.
(1)
Each access point onto a Village street or right-of-way shall have a driveway permit issued per § 86.07(2), Wis. Stats. Such driveway permit can be issued as part of or in conjunction with a building permit.
(2)
Each new or expanded surface parking lot, not including any single-family residential driveway, shall require design and site plan approval from the Building Board under § 225-8-5.
(3)
All new and expanded off-street parking, driveways, and traffic circulation areas shall:
(a)
Be surfaced and continuously maintained with a hard surface in good condition free of potholes and other signs of disrepair. Except within residential zoning districts, all such surfaces shall be designed to carry a wheel load of at least 6,000 pounds.
(b)
Meet the minimum hard surfaced area setback requirement in Figure 225.2.2, except for resurfacing of an existing hard surfaced driveway and as otherwise allowed within § 225-2-5C(4).
C.
Vehicular access points.
(1)
Each parcel shall not have more than one vehicular access point on any one street if its frontage on said street is less than 100 linear feet. For parcels with greater than 100 linear feet of frontage on any one street, a second vehicular access point on said street is permitted. No single-family residential parcel shall have more than two vehicular access points to public streets.
(2)
No new vehicular access point shall be located closer than 25 feet from the intersection of any two street rights-of-way. Replacement of an existing driveway may be closer than this 25-foot separation where the Zoning Administrator determines that such driveway placement does not impede safe traffic movement.
(3)
No new vehicular access point shall be closer than two feet from any side or rear parcel line, except for shared access driveways approved by the Zoning Administrator following recording of documentation with the Register of Deeds providing for their joint use and maintenance.
D.
Driveways and circulation.
(1)
Minimum driveway width is 12 feet for each single- and two-family dwelling and for each designated one-way route, except that hard surfaced width may be reduced to 10 feet where an additional three feet on each side of the driveway is free from obstructions.
(2)
Minimum driveway width is 20 feet where serving two-way traffic for multiple-family and nonresidential uses.
(3)
Maximum driveway width at the public street pavement edge is 30 feet.
(4)
Maximum driveway width for each single- and two-family dwelling is 20 feet, except that a width of up to 30 feet is permitted where required to provide a direct path from the garage door(s) to the public street and the width narrows to no greater than 20 feet within 10 feet of the public street pavement edge.
(5)
Where serving more than one single- and two-family dwelling, the Director of Public Works may require a turnaround area or other provisions for service and emergency vehicle access.
(6)
All access drives shall intersect with the public street at an angle of not less than 75°.
(7)
Driveways, parking, and circulation patterns shall be designed to pose no substantial danger to pedestrians or vehicles traveling in abutting streets, and to minimize interference with the free and convenient flow of traffic in abutting streets, which may include restrictions on vehicles backing into public streets except for driveways serving single-family residences.
(8)
Circulation patterns and traffic control measures shall conform to the general rules of the road.
E.
Vehicle parking.
(1)
The minimum number of required parking spaces are stated for each land use in Article 3, except that the required number may be decreased by up to 25% by design and site plan approval under § 225-8-5 for joint parking facilities and/or based upon technical documentation furnished by the applicant indicating that actual off-street parking demand for that particular use is or will be less than the normal minimum number of spaces.
(2)
Off-street parking lots shall be limited to the parking of licensed and operable vehicles not for lease, rent, or sale. Use of parking spaces and their circulation areas for other purposes such as outdoor dining or snow storage shall be permitted only if:
(3)
No off-street parking lot shall be used for the parking or storage of vehicles whose drivers and other occupants are not residing in, employed at, or patronizing uses on the premises, except by conditional use permit.
(4)
For each single- or two-family dwelling:
(a)
All vehicular parking in the front or street side yard shall be on a hard surfaced driveway.
(b)
There shall be not more than the following number of parking spaces in garages sized for cars, trucks, and/or recreational vehicles of similar or larger size: two spaces for parcels less than 10,000 square feet; three spaces for parcels between 10,000 and 22,000 square feet; four spaces for parcels between 22,001 square feet and one acre; five spaces for parcels greater than one acre.
(5)
For nonresidential or multiple-family residential uses:
(a)
All required off-street parking shall be on the same lot as the land use served, except where permitted by design and site plan approval on an adjacent lot in common ownership with a recorded restriction against independent transfer, within a shared parking lot including some parking on the same lot where a shared parking easement agreement is recorded, or otherwise by conditional use permit.
(b)
Where a parking lot is designed to have head-in parking within five feet of any parcel line or walkway, parking lot design shall provide a tire bumper or curb to ensure that no part of any vehicle will project beyond the parcel line.
(c)
Curbing or other adequate barriers around parking lots and circulation drives may be required as part of an approved site plan to direct stormwater flows, facilitate safe pedestrian movement, protect landscaped areas, or direct vehicular traffic.
(d)
Other than parking required to serve people with disabilities, the minimum length of parking spaces is 18 feet, minimum width is nine feet, and minimum vertical clearance is seven feet.
(e)
Parking for people with disabilities shall be provided at a size, number, location, and with signage as specified by state and federal regulations, and shall count towards minimum parking space requirement in Article 3 for the associated land use.
(f)
Where serving four or more vehicles, all parking spaces shall be clearly striped, with each stripe a minimum of three inches wide and repainted as necessary for clear visibility, including for all parking lots constructed prior to June 12, 2025.
(g)
A legally binding instrument for each new or expanded shared parking facility serving users on more than one parcel shall be prepared by the owners, approved by the Village Attorney, and recorded with the Register of Deeds.
§ 225-4-7 Exterior lighting.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the spill-over of artificial light spillover and glare on nearby properties and traffic, and to encourage a dark sky.
B.
Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to all exterior lighting and all interior light visible from the exterior on private and public property, except for:
C.
Depiction on required site plan. All exterior lighting shall be depicted as to its location, orientation, and configuration on any site plan, if a site plan is required under § 225-8-5. Otherwise, no Village approval or permit shall be required for lighting that meets the requirements of this section.
D.
Orientation of fixture. All exterior lighting shall be shielded, except for fixtures with light output of 2,600 lumens or less. No exterior lighting fixture of greater than 2,600 lumens output shall be oriented so that the lighting element (or a transparent shield) is visible from a property located within a residential zoning district other than from the property on which the fixture is located, except where required for security and erected by a public agency or on public property. See Figure 225-4.2.
E.
Intensity of illumination.
(1)
In no instance shall the amount of illumination attributable to applicable exterior lighting, as measured at any parcel line, exceed 1.0 footcandle.
(2)
The maximum average on-site lighting shall be 3.0 footcandles within or adjacent to a residential zoning district and 6.0 footcandles in all other locations.
(3)
Flashing, flickering, moving (such as search spot or search lights), and/or other lighting that may distract motorists is prohibited.
Figure 225.4.2: Illustration of Required Pole Lighting Orientation and Height  |
F.
Fixture heights. The maximum fixture height shall be per Figure 225.4.2 and measured from the ground directly below the fixture to the top of the fixture housing.
§ 225-4-8 Noise.
[Amended 9-9-2025]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the creation of noise that adversely affects adjoining properties to prevent the creation of nuisances, support enjoyment of property, and to promote public welfare.
B.
Applicability. The standards in this section apply to all uses and activities that create detectable noise, including all noises in effect as of or before June 12, 2025, except as follows:
C.
Measurement. Sound levels described in this section shall be measured, at minimum, by a Type 2 sound meter that meets ANSI standard S1.4.
D.
Standards.
(1)
The sound-pressure level of noise radiated shall not continuously exceed, at a neighboring principal building used for residential purposes, 60 decibels between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and 70 decibels at other hours.
(2)
If the noise is instead intermittent, such as for most construction activities, the maximum permitted noise levels in Subsection D(1) may be increased by five decibels between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and 15 decibels at other hours. Intermittent noises shall be measured over multiple occurrences to calculate an average.