The current City of Manitowoc Zoning Ordinance was adopted in the 1980’s with periodic corrections and additions made over the years. Parts of the code are no longer consistent and do not reflect current best practices. The code is undergoing an update to provide greater opportunity for continued growth and success of the community.

The City of Manitowoc recently updated the Comprehensive Plan - setting a vision for the future of the community including potential changes to the zoning code. An updated zoning code will be simplified, responsive to market conditions, and facilitate high-quality development.

The City has developed this website to provide transparency in the update process. As the project progresses, please return to this site to find project updates, zoning ordinance drafts, and provide feedback.

Click on the project stages below to learn more:

Rewrite the zoning ordinance to reflect the character of newer development while preserving the historic characteristics of an older city with an historic downtown.

The new code should be easy to read, understand, and enforce, using graphics, charts, and images to communicate complex regulations.

Project information is shared on the project website. The website is a tool for sharing project resources and documents, asking questions, and gathering stakeholder comments/feedback, and providing updates.

A community survey was provided in Fall 2024 leading up to the October 2024 Plan Commission. The survey asked community members about issues and opportunities related to zoning such as housing, architectural design, and landscaping. The survey is now closed, but you can still view the survey at this link: Community Survey PDF

Results from the survey were shared at the October 2024 Plan Commission. The presentation is available under Public Engagement on this site.

Interviews with a diverse cross section of the community are held to make sure the code reflects the community's values and responds appropriately to the development landscape and real estate market. The interviews use a focus group format to explore key issues, opportunities, and strengths of the community to address and build upon.

An Open House will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the project and share feedback. Maps, presentations, and project materials will be provided.

Open House Date: TBD Summer 2025

The City has formed an Ordinance Working Group with City Staff and the Consultant Team (GRAEF and Civi Tek) to write the new code.

Presentation and workshop discussions will occur with the Plan Commission regarding draft updates.

Project Timeline

The zoning rewrite will take place from Spring 2024 through Summer 2025

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Spring 2024 - Summer 2024: Research & Data Gathering

    Project team analyzes and current Zoning Code issues and opportunities.

  • Timeline item 2 - active

    Summer 2024-Summer 2025: Public Engagement

    Project information is available online. Community members can take the community survey and provide input for the zoning rewrite leading up to the Open House event. Periodically, the Plan Commission will hold public meetings to discuss the zoning rewrite.

  • Timeline item 3 - active

    Fall 2024-Spring 2025: Draft New Zoning Ordinance

    The project team will update the zoning and land division ordinances for review by the Plan Commission.

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Summer 2025: Public Open House (Date TBD)

    The project team will engage with the community to review the proposed draft updates to the zoning ordinance. Feedback will be considered for the draft of the ordinance before final edits are incorporated and the code is considered for local adoption.

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    Summer/Fall 2025: Present Final Draft at Plan Commission and Common Council

    One or more public meetings will be held at the Plan Commission to review the final drafts of the zoning and land division ordinances. The draft will then move onto City Council for consideration of final adoption.