Thinking Big About Zoning

Zoning determines key characteristics of what gets built (homes, shops, employment) and the overall look, feel, and function of our community. It directly affects the places we live, work, and play in every day.

Zoning affects everyone in Sun Prairie

A teacher searching for affordable housing near a school and walking trails.

A youth wanting a safe, cool, and welcoming gathering space to hang out.

A small business owner investing to grow their business in the city.

A senior looking for a community near their grandchildren and medical services.

Reimagine Sun Prairie inspires all of us to think big about zoning. This new code will offer predictability for the community, improving the awareness of what type of development to expect in different areas. It will also be firmly rooted in the goals and elements outlined in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. It will expand flexibility and freedom to invest in our homes, neighborhoods, and businesses. Together, we can create a new zoning code that reflects our community's values and brings our vision to life!

During this process, we will:

REVIEW

our existing code, alongside City staff and community members, to understand what’s working and what isn’t.

REALIZE

the impacts – the good and bad – that zoning has had in the past and can have in the future. This community-informed process can improve social, economic, and environmental health.

REBUILD

the guiding principles of the code based on the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for the future of Sun Prairie. It will be rooted in the community values for everyone who lives, works, and spends their time here while respecting the characteristics of Sun Prairie that make it unique.

RECALIBRATE

how we accommodate our growing population and ensure everyone – from youth to seniors to small business owners – can thrive within our community.

REWRITE

the code so it’s accessible for everyone to understand and use. The new code will be highly visual and created with all people in mind. It will demonstrate how the City will regulate development and design and how its users can navigate the zoning and site development process efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Zoning refers to local laws or regulations regarding land and what you can do with it. It affects the fabric of our day-to-day lives—structures, streets, parks, parking, landscaping, gathering spaces, and more! It can protect and enhance the value of real estate, and prevent the incompatibility of different land uses. Most importantly, zoning can help accomplish the overall goals of a given community, stimulate economic growth, and preserve natural resources and agricultural land.
CLICK HERE to check out Sun Prairie's 'Mapping the Future' resource that provides more information on zoning.
The current City of Sun Prairie zoning code is outdated and ready for a rewrite. Some of the weaknesses of the current zoning code are:
- The contradicting standards and the number of Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) in the code make it confusing for property owners and difficult for City staff to administer.
- Restrictions that limit housing development and increase the cost of housing.
- Create barriers for investing in existing neighborhoods.
- Lacks user-friendly features such as graphics and illustrations that help explain the code.
Your VOICE matters! The investment and design decisions we make today can create a built environment where future generations live, work, and choose to spend their free time. Let us know what type of development is right for Sun Prairie and what isn’t.
Stay tuned for opportunities (in-person and digitally) to share your thoughts throughout the planning process. Check out the GET INVOLVED page to learn more.