At the June 2 Prescott Plan Commission meeting, City Administrator Matt Wolf briefed members on development challenges tied to zoning regulations in high-density residential areas. He explained that over the past few months, the city has received inquiries from developers interested in building in these zones, prompting two key concerns: impact fees and building height restrictions.

Regarding impact fees, Wolf noted the city is reviewing how to differentiate charges for single apartment units versus single-family homes. Addressing the second issue, Wolf stated, “But the other one has been zoning height. We currently have a height restriction of 35 feet.” He said this limit is proving problematic for prospective developers, and he asked the Commission whether they would consider changing the standard to a certain number of stories instead of a height in feet. He also reminded members that any zoning change would require a public hearing and formal notification process.

Commission member Bailey Ruona expressed concern about taller buildings in certain neighborhoods, saying she wasn’t sure a tall structure would look right in some of the high-density neighborhood areas. In response, Commissioner Joshua Gergen emphasized the importance of building vertically for cost-efficiency: “To be affordable you have to build up.”

Commissioner Mike Gerke raised safety concerns, asking whether taller structures would be accessible to local emergency services. Wolf acknowledged this limitation, explaining, “The fire department for the riverfront condos that are already down there would require us to get mutual aid from a ladder truck. Most likely this would be similar although these buildings are going to be fully sprinklered.”

CommissionerSteve Most proposed a zoning approach that allows for flexibility to tailor what the outcome could be. Wolf responded, “So you’re saying develop like an R5 system and change these to that zoning code?”

Most agreed, saying, “That would help keep the other ones in check with the terms they’re in there on and then encourage growth where we want it, the way we want it.”

Some members discussed whether conditional use permits could provide flexibility for height allowances. However, Wolf cautioned against relying on them because in the state of Wisconsin you can’t turn down a conditional use permit as long as you are meeting the requirements and the conditions that are set forth. He explained, “And then I also think it somewhat creates a false sense for public hearing because every time we have a public hearing, we’re asking the public to come out and comment.” He added, “It gives a false sense that they actually have a say in it because if the conditions are being met there is nothing that they can say to change it.”

Gerke reiterated his support for a separate zoning classification. Mayor Robert Daugherty suggested that Dexter Street near the ball field might be an ideal location for taller residential development.

“I feel like that would be a quick fix, or an easy fix,” Most agreed.

Wolf said the commission would begin drafting a potential R5 zoning designation at its next meeting, noting that it will be “a lengthy process.”

At the meeting, Wolf also introduced Luke Weiss, who began as the city’s new planner on June 5. “We’re showing him the ropes slowly,” Wolf said.