La Crosse, Wisconsin Development News
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Zoning Code Update Aims to Increase Housing Options and Improve Neighborhood Design
A comprehensive update was presented on the zoning subdivision code project, aiming to modernize the outdated code adopted in the 1980s. The goal is to create a user-friendly code that reflects the current comprehensive plan and facilitates housing development. The project involves a consulting firm, MSA, and sub-consultant Mike Lam, with extensive stakeholder and neighborhood engagement. Key drivers for the update include the need for more housing units due to changing household sizes (more one-to-two-person households) and market trends (first-time homebuyers purchasing later, increased housing costs relative to income). The proposed changes include consolidating six residential zoning districts into three: General Residential (10,000+ sq ft lots, allowing single-family, duplexes, ADUs), Neighborhood Residential (2,500-10,000 sq ft lots, allowing single-family, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and neighborhood commercial up to 3,000 sq ft), and Urban Residential (for larger apartment buildings requiring rezoning). Feedback is being sought on whether to separate triplexes and fourplexes into a distinct district. The project also incorporates form-based elements to ensure new developments, including single-family homes, duplexes, and other multi-unit structures, fit the character of existing neighborhoods through design standards for height, shape, and architectural features. This includes allowing smaller lot sizes (minimum 2,500 sq ft) and adjusting setbacks to facilitate new construction and infill development, particularly for affordable starter homes and owner-occupied programs. Industrial zoning is also being reviewed, with a proposal to consolidate two heavy industrial districts into one, while creating a flex district for mixed-use industrial areas. Engagement with industrial business owners (e.g., Mid-City Steel, Great Lakes Cheese) has provided feedback on these changes. Future plans include a walking tour of 'missing middle' housing examples and continued neighborhood engagement sessions.
Neighborhood Resource Officers Highlight Proactive Community Policing Efforts
Lieutenant Steve Kearns and Sergeant Manahano provided an update on the Neighborhood Resource Officer (NRO) unit. The NRO unit is a blend of community-oriented and problem-oriented policing, focusing on long-standing community issues. They engage with neighborhood organizations, conduct traffic details, and address issues like drug houses. The unit utilizes unmarked cars and varied uniforms for a softer approach, and also employs a specialized bike patrol for increased approachability. NROs aim to be responsive to community needs proactively rather than solely reacting to 911 calls. They can be contacted through informal requests after meetings, the non-emergency line (which is triaged by dispatch), or directly via provided contact information on cards or the website. Currently, the downtown NRO position is vacant, with Officer Lang covering Washburn and Officer Whistie covering the PPH neighborhood, while Officer Rollins handles parks, parking, and transit. The program has been well-received by community members and council members for its positive impact and responsiveness.
Copeland Park Site Improvements Awarded to Local Contractor
Councilmember Gaggin shared exciting news regarding site improvements at Copeland Park. The bids for the project have been awarded to Faller and Hammer, a local company. These improvements are intended to transform the north end of the park, making it more accessible and enhancing its amenities. The project will include a sidewalk on the east side offering river views, a new shelter, updates to the existing pavilion to ensure structural soundness, and increased green space. While road repair is still being addressed, the park improvements are seen as a significant positive development for the North Side and District 2.
Update on ADUs, Short-Term Rentals, and Off-Street Parking Ordinances
An update was provided on past initiatives, specifically regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), short-term rentals, and off-street parking ordinances. For ADUs, four have been permitted: one converted an existing legal non-conforming structure on 13th Street South, a new one at 1021 North Street, one under construction at 1126 Livingston, and a converted second-floor garage on 11th and Division. The cost is noted as a potential barrier to more ADU development. Regarding short-term rentals, adopted in late 2023, 36 were registered in 2024-2025 and 36 again in 2025-2026, with 20 registered so far in 2026-2027. No complaints have been registered, but some properties remain unlicensed. The ordinance defines short-term rentals as rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days. There is a noted challenge in ensuring full compliance and collecting room taxes, with ongoing discussions about responsibility for enforcement. For off-street parking, no projects have completely forgone parking; one development at 10th and Ferry leases spaces across the street from Mayo. Some developers have advocated for reduced parking requirements, and during the zoning code update, feedback suggested some desire to reinstate parking requirements. Developers and apartment owners are pushing for relaxed parking rules [cite: 217-219].
NRO Program Update, Zoning Code Revisions, and Community Engagement Highlighted
The Neighborhood Resource Officers (NROs) provided an overview of their unit's function, emphasizing community engagement and proactive problem-solving. They detailed their deployment strategies, including unmarked vehicles and bike patrols, and how residents can contact them. Council Member Gaggin and Commissioner McDowell expressed appreciation for the NROs' work. The discussion also covered past initiatives, including updates on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), short-term rentals, and off-street parking ordinances. Four ADUs have been permitted, and progress on short-term rental licensing and compliance was reviewed. The update on off-street parking noted that no projects have entirely omitted parking, with one development utilizing leased spaces. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the ongoing zoning code update project, explaining the rationale behind the proposed changes, which include consolidating residential zoning districts, allowing for greater housing density on smaller lots, and implementing form-based design standards. Neighborhood engagement efforts, including district forums, were also discussed, with commissioners sharing feedback on their experiences with these sessions. Topics covered in these forums included homelessness, North Side investment, zoning changes, and general community concerns. Finally, updates on neighborhood events, such as ice cream socials and community lunches, were shared.
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