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City of Franklin Wisconsin
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Planning

Unified Development Ordinance Rewrite

The City in concert with planning consultants Houseal Lavigne and Birchline Planning is preparing a comprehensive rewrite of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  Information regarding the process, news and updates, how to get involved, and any documents related to the process (posted periodically) can be found at this website.  

Update to Floodplain Ordinance for City of Franklin, WI

The City of Franklin Unified Development Ordinance includes a Floodplain Zoning Ordinance that complies with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements for the community to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.  The Floodplain ordinance regulates development standards (where things can go on a lot, how they must be designed in terms of dimensions and building features) for structures in the regulatory floodplain as identified on the maps. 

This City’s ordinance, including the maps that outline the areas subject to regulation, require occasional updates.  FEMA completed their review and public comment period for these maps in 2023, and notified the City that such an update is needed. The draft/proposed Floodplain Ordinance was presented to the Common Council on July 2, 2024. The proposed ordinance will be brought to Plan Commission on August 8 for a public hearing, and to Common Council on August 20, 2024.  The deadline for adoption of the ordinance in order to meet FEMA requirements for this update is September 10, 2024.
 


The Planning Department oversees all community planning and zoning activities of the City.  Department staff facilitates development proposals through the review process and coordinates with other City departments whose service delivery to the public may be affected by such development.  Services include day-to-day administration of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and implementation of the Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) (including updates); review of site plans, subdivisions and condo plats, rezoning, special uses, special exceptions, planned development districts, variance requests, and zoning compliance permits; providing guidance to property owners on zoning and development issues; and researching answers to planning, zoning, and development questions posed by the public. 

The Planning Department is also responsible for providing development-related staff support for the Mayor and Common Council and primary staff support for the Plan Commission, the Quarry Monitoring Committee, the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, the Environmental Commission, and the Parks Commission.

Property Inquiry Contact Form

Please use this form to submit requests to the Planning Department for property inquiries.

Comprehensive Master Plan

The Comprehensive Master Plan documents set forth the City of Franklin's vision for its future development. These plans address issues such as population, natural resource features, land use, zoning, development objectives, transportation, parks, public sewer and water, among other issues.

Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2030

The City of Franklin Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is a fundamental tool utilized in sound public park, open space, and recreational facilities planning practices and is a key element of community planning. It is an element of, and amendment and addition to, the City's Comprehensive Master Plan.

Development Process

Information about the development planning process for those interested in pursuing development in the City of Franklin.

Housing Affordability Analysis

Report of the implementation of the housing element of the Comprehensive Master Plan.

Quarry Monitoring

Information about quarry monitoring in the City of Franklin including quarry complaint procedures and frequently asked questions.

Unified Development Ordinance

The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) defines the zoning, development, and land division regulations for the City of Franklin.