Rothschild City Zoning Code
ARTICLE X
Site Plan and Architectural Review for Commercial, Industrial and Multifamily Districts
§ 590-116 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is for promoting compatible development and stability of property values, protecting the attractiveness and functional utility of the community as a place to live and work, preserving the character and quality of the built environment by retaining the integrity of those areas which have a discernible character or are of special historic significance, protecting certain public investments in the area, and raising the level of community expectations for the quality of its environment. This article requires site plan and architectural review of proposed development. Applicable fees shall apply as per the fee schedule.
§ 590-117 Site plan review.
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall review commercial and industrial site plans and conditional use applications, as well as all other applications set forth in § 590-108A. The review will include existing and proposed structures, neighboring uses, utilization of landscaping and open space, parking areas, driveway locations, loading and unloading (in the case of commercial and industrial uses), highway access, traffic generation and circulation, drainage, sewerage and water systems, and the proposed operation. The Planning and Zoning Commission may approve said site plans only after considering the following:
A.
The proposed use(s) conform(s) to the uses permitted in that zoning district.
B.
The dimensional arrangement of buildings and structures conforms to the required area, yard, setback, and height restrictions of this chapter.
C.
The proposed use conforms to all use and design provisions and requirements (if any) as found in this chapter for the specified uses.
D.
There is a proper relationship between the existing and proposed streets and highways within the vicinity of the project in order to assure the safety and convenience of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
E.
The proposed on-site buildings, structures, and entryways are situated and designed to minimize adverse effects upon owners and occupants of adjacent and surrounding properties by providing for adequate design of ingress/egress, interior/exterior traffic flow, stormwater drainage, erosion, grading, lighting, and parking, as specified by this chapter or any other codes or laws.
F.
Natural features of the landscape are retained where they can enhance the development on the site, or where they furnish a barrier or buffer between the project and adjoining properties used for dissimilar purposes, or where they assist in preserving the general safety, health, welfare, and appearance of the neighborhood.
G.
Adverse effects of the proposed development and activities upon adjoining residents or owners are minimized by appropriate screening, fencing, or landscaping, as provided or required in this chapter.
H.
Land, buildings, and structures are readily accessible to emergency vehicles and disabled persons.
I.
The site plan is consistent with the intent and purpose of this chapter, which are to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, to encourage the use of lands in accordance with their character and adaptability, to avoid the overcrowding of population, to lessen congestion on the public roads and streets, to reduce hazards to life and property, and to facilitate existing community development plans.
J.
The site plan is consistent with the public goals, objectives, principles, standards, policies, and urban design criteria set forth in the Village's Master Plan or components thereof.
§ 590-118 Architectural review standards.
[Amended 8-16-2010; 7-27-2020; 7-28-2025]
The following architectural review principles, criteria, and review guidelines are established for commercial, industrial and multifamily sites:
A.
Building scale and mass. The relative proportion of a building to its neighboring buildings shall be maintained or enhanced when new buildings are built or when existing buildings are remodeled or altered.
B.
Building rooflines and roof shapes. Pitched roofs such as hip, gable, etc., shall be utilized when appropriate. The visual continuity of roofs and their contributing elements (parapet walls, coping, cornices, etc.) shall be maintained in building development or redevelopment. Shingles shall be made of cedar, asphalt or metal.
C.
Materials.
(1)
Material selection for architectural design shall be based upon the prevailing material already used on existing buildings in the area. No building shall be permitted where any exposed facade is constructed or faced with a finished material which is aesthetically incompatible with other commercial, industrial, and multifamily (R-5 and R-6) building facades in the area and which presents an unattractive appearance to the public and surrounding properties.
(2)
Metal buildings shall be limited to the commercial and industrial districts. Metal panel systems (including steel, aluminum, or composite panels) are permitted as primary or accent facade materials in commercial and industrial districts, provided they meet the following standards:
(a)
Design enhancements required.
[1]
Buildings incorporating metal as a primary material shall include a combination of other complementary exterior materials, including masonry, brick, stone, fiber cement, glass, or architectural wood finishes on a minimum of 25% of street-facing elevations, or a minimum height of 36 inches from grade level whichever is more restrictive.
[2]
The facade shall include architectural detailing such as cornices, parapets, trim, window framing, or reveals to add visual depth and avoid flat, monotonous planes.
(3)
Exterior insulating finishing systems (EFIS) (i.e., "Dryvit," "Sto," "cement board," etc.) are permitted as an accent material only and will not be permitted as the predominant exterior material on any facade without the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The use of EIFS as an accent material should incorporate the use of color, detail, pattern, and texture to take advantage of the design flexibility it affords. EIFS can be used on canopies, spandrels, fascias, soffits, accent bands and trim.
(4)
In the I-1 and I-2 zoning classifications, the sides and rear of all industrial buildings shall be finished in an attractive manner in keeping with the accepted standards used for industrial buildings, subject to the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Buildings must be of approved construction in conformity with all applicable building codes.
(5)
Unfaced concrete block and structural concrete may be permitted in I-1 and I-2 Zoning Districts upon approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Pole buildings shall not be permitted as a principal structure in any way.
(6)
Exterior wall coverage may, upon approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Village Board, be exempt from Subsection C(2) when the building placement is obscured from view from all sides due to existing buildings on the site consistent with compatible uses, or a one-hundred-percent landscape screen at a minimum height of six feet thereby obstructing the lines of sight of the building, or when the structure is located in an interior lot away from intersecting public streets and lines of sight consistent with compatible uses.
D.
Colors. Since the selection of building colors has a significant aesthetic and visual impact upon the public and neighboring properties, color shall be selected in general harmony with the existing neighborhood buildings, subject to approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Colors shall be nonfluorescent. Earth tones such as grays, browns, greens, burgundies, and tans are required. However, all proposed color schemes shall be reviewed on their individual merit based upon building design, building materials, longevity of the color choice(s) (fad/nonfad), statement in relation to overall theme, character and color of adjacent structures, and unity with existing structures on the project site.
E.
Building location. No building shall be permitted to be sited in a manner which would unnecessarily destroy or substantially damage the beauty of the area, particularly insofar as it would adversely affect values incident to ownership of land in the area, or which would unnecessarily have an adverse effect on the beauty and general enjoyment of existing structures on adjoining properties.
F.
Lighting.
(1)
General standards. All developments shall include exterior lighting enhancements, including but not limited to pedestrian scale lighting, facade accent lighting, parking lot and drive aisle illumination, and landscape or architectural lighting.
(a)
Lighting fixtures shall be dark-sky compliant by being shielded and either downward directed or aimed to prevent upward spill.
(b)
Consistent in style and color temperature throughout the site.
(c)
Pole-mounted fixtures in parking lots shall not exceed 20 feet in height in residential districts, 25 feet in commercial districts, and 30 feet in industrial districts.
(d)
Light trespass prohibited, footcandles shall measure 0.0 at the property lines.
§ 590-119 Plans and written submittals.
The following is a description of the plans, documents, and written submittals required for the various permits by this chapter. Applications shall be submitted on forms provided by the Village Clerk, along with applicable fees as per the fee schedule. All plans and documents must be reproducible by photocopier, except required scaled drawing.
A.
Written use description. A description of the intended uses, described in reasonable detail, may include the following:
(1)
Zoning. Existing zoning district(s) [and proposed zoning district(s) if different].
(2)
Land use plan designation. The designated type of use shown for the site on the Village Land Use Map.
(3)
Current land uses present on the subject property.
(4)
Proposed land uses for the subject property.
(5)
Projected use. Projected number of residents, employees, and daily visitors.
(6)
Proposed development. The amount of dwelling units, floor area, impervious surface area, and landscape surface area, and resulting site density floor area ratio, impervious surface area ratio, and landscape surface area ratio.
(7)
Operations. The operational considerations relating to hours of operation, projected normal and peak water usage, sanitary sewer or septic loading, and traffic generation.
(8)
Operational considerations. Relating to potential nuisance creation pertaining to noncompliance with the performance standards addressed in Article III, including street access, landscaping, traffic visibility, parking, loading, exterior storage, exterior lighting, vibration, noise, air pollution, odor, electromagnetic radiation, glare and heat, fire and explosion, toxic or noxious materials, waste materials, drainage, and hazardous materials. If no such nuisances will be created (as indicated by complete and continuous compliance with the provisions of Article III), then the statement "The proposed development shall comply with all requirements of Article III" shall be provided.
(9)
Building material. The exterior building and fencing material types and colors.
(10)
Expansion. Any possible future expansion and related implications.
(11)
Other information. Any other information pertinent to adequate understanding by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the intended use and its relation to nearby properties.
B.
Small location map. A map of the subject property showing all lands for which the use is proposed and all other lands within 200 feet of the boundaries of the subject property. The location map shall clearly indicate the current zoning of the subject property and adjacent properties and show any other jurisdiction(s) that maintains control over the property. The location map shall be at a scale that is not less than one inch equals 800 feet, as well as a location map copy on a sheet no larger than 11 inches by 17 inches, showing the subject property and illustrating its relationship to the nearest street intersection.
C.
Conceptual or sketch plan. A sketch plan or concept plan can be a freehand diagram over the property map showing a rough sketch of the general proposed development pattern for the site. Major features should be labeled.
D.
Scale site plan. A site plan of the subject property as proposed for development. A site plan shall be submitted at scale (and a reduction at 11 inches by 17 inches) that includes:
(1)
A title block which indicates the name, address and phone/fax number(s) of the current property owner and/or agent(s) (developer, architect, engineer or planner) for project.
(2)
The date of the original plan and the latest date of revision to the plan.
(3)
A North arrow and a graphic scale. Said scale shall not be smaller than one inch equals 100 feet.
(4)
A legal description of the subject property.
(5)
All property lines and existing and proposed right-of-way lines with bearings and dimensions clearly labeled.
(6)
All existing and proposed easement lines and dimensions with a key provided and explained on the margins of the plan as to ownership and purpose.
(7)
All required building setback lines.
(8)
All existing and proposed buildings, structures, and paved areas, including building entrances, walks, drives, decks, patios, fences, utility poles, drainage facilities, and walls.
(9)
The location and dimensions of all access points onto public streets.
(10)
The location and dimensions of all on-site parking (and off-site parking provisions if they are to be employed), including a summary of the number and size of parking stalls provided versus the number required by this chapter.
(11)
The location and dimensions of all loading and service areas on the subject property and labels indicating the dimensions of such areas.
(12)
The location of all outdoor storage areas and screening devices.
(13)
The location, type, height, size and lighting of all signage on the subject property.
(14)
The location, height, design/type, illumination power and orientation of exterior lighting on the subject property.
(15)
The location and type of any permanently protected green space areas.
(16)
The location of existing and proposed drainage facilities.
E.
Detailed landscape plan. A detailed landscape plan, at the same scale as the site plan (and a reduction at 11 inches by 17 inches), showing the location of all required buffer yards and landscaped areas and existing and proposed landscape point fencing and berm options for meeting said requirements. The landscaping plan shall demonstrate complete compliance with the requirements of Article VI.
F.
Grading plan. A grading plan, at the same scale as the site plan (and a reduction at 11 inches by 17 inches), showing existing and proposed grades, including retaining walls and related devices, and erosion control measures. It will include:
G.
Elevation drawings. Side views of proposed buildings, structures, or proposed remodeling of existing buildings showing finished exterior treatment shall also be submitted, with adequate labels provided to clearly depict exterior materials, texture, color and overall appearance. Perspective renderings of the proposed project and/or photos of similar structures may be submitted, but not in lieu of an adequate drawing showing the actual intended appearance of the buildings.
H.
Erosion control plan. An erosion control plan, at the same scale as the site plan (and a reduction at 11 inches by 17 inches), showing all erosion control measures, as required by Article IV:
(1)
Location and description of soil types which have been rated severe for erosion limitations by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service.
(2)
Elevation and extent of all proposed grading.
(3)
Plans and specifications for erosion control devices, such as retaining walls, cribbing, planting, anti-erosion devices, and other temporary or permanent protective measures.
(4)
Drainage areas of the site, upstream culverts or other restrictions.
(5)
Plans (written or drawn) for removal, recontouring, or other disposition of sediment basins or other temporary devices.
(6)
Plans prepared as per the Wisconsin Construction Site Best Management Practices Handbook, prepared by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.