The City of Madison’s Planning Division is asking residents to help update the city’s Urban Design Code. This ordinance has influenced local development for 50 years. The code guides the design review process for new projects. Since its creation, it has only had minor changes. This has led to inconsistencies and confusion about design standards for private buildings.
Madison’s Urban Design Code is divided into eight Urban Design Districts. These districts were created between 1975 and 2009 and are mostly along major city entry points. Each district has its own requirements. Some are more restrictive than others. The code also applies to certain zoning districts and specific types of development across the city.
The update project aims to make the urban design process clearer, more consistent, and more flexible. The first phase will identify key design principles and areas that need improvement. It will not create new guidelines or ordinance language yet. The project also seeks to align the Urban Design Code with other city policies, such as the Zoning Code, Sign Code, and programs like Complete Green Streets and Housing Forward…