City of Fitchburg Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee Meeting – March 17, 2026

The City of Fitchburg Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee met on March 17, 2026, for a discussion session on updates to the Exclusive Agricultural (AX) zoning district required for state recertification. No formal votes were taken. The committee reviewed proposed ordinance changes, debated the city's claim system and new farm residence policies, and discussed alignments with the upcoming comprehensive plan update.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public were present to offer testimony.

Discussion Items

• Exclusive Agricultural (AX) Zoning District Update for Certification (Discussion Only): The committee reviewed extensive proposed changes to recertify the AX district with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) before the end-of-year deadline.
  • New Farm Residences & Claim System: Staff recommended moving new farm residences to a conditional use permit. Deanna Schmidt (City Planner) positioned the city's claim system (one new residence per 35 acres from a 1979 base farm) as a critical tool for managing growth. Member Amy expressed concern that Fitchburg may be too restrictive, predicting a future of small farmsteads rather than large tracts. Member Adam advised against prioritizing the full codification of the claim system before the comprehensive plan update, suggesting the comp plan was the better venue for the broader policy discussion. The committee discussed the state-required 50% farm income attestation, broadly agreeing it is unenforceable and a privacy issue, but recognized it is a state statute. Staff reminded the committee that the city is not required by the state to allow new farm residences in the AX district at all.
  • Replacement Residences: A concern was raised that a family replacing a damaged or uninhabitable farmhouse would have to meet the strict "new farm residence" criteria, potentially preventing rebuilding on the existing site. Deanna Schmidt agreed with the severity of the issue and committed to investigating state definitions and crafting an exception for replacements.
  • Horse Boarding and Caretaker Residences: A proposal to allow horse boarding, training, and breeding facilities, plus one caretaker residence, in the AS (Agricultural Small) zone was discussed. Member Amy expressed strong support, viewing it as an option for her own property, though it was clarified she is currently zoned AX and would need to rezone or use a conditional use permit.
  • Specific Use Regulations:
    • Portable Restrooms: A proposed ban on temporary portable restrooms at rural event venues was questioned. Members argued they are often necessary and practical for large events. Staff agreed to revisit the clause, potentially allowing them for temporary events.
    • Setbacks for Existing Barns: Staff proposed language to grandfather existing agricultural structures, allowing them to maintain a 10-foot side setback even if a residential parcel is subsequently created next door.
    • Bonfires & Fire Kites: A committee member noted a conflict between proposed bonfire allowances and the existing fire code (which requires burning permits to be out by dark). Staff will reconcile the language. Fire kites were defined as prohibited due to fire hazard.
  • Rezones for Plan Alignment: Staff presented a draft map identifying parcels currently zoned AX that need to be rezoned because they are no longer in the certified Farmland Preservation Area (e.g., Curry Court lots, a former nursery, specific residential lots). Future zoning designations (e.g., RD, RL) were not yet finalized.
• Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Code Rewrite: Brad Sippel (Community Development Planner) updated the committee. RFPs are being reviewed and a consultant is expected within 4–6 weeks. The process is expected to take 2–2.5 years, enabling broader community input on farmland preservation and land use.
• Intergovernmental Agreement with Village of Oregon: Deanna Schmidt reported on an initial, positive meeting between city and village officials regarding the southeast side, prompted by the Department of Corrections juvenile facility requiring utilities. The discussion was described as collaborative and in its early stages.

Key Outcomes

• No Votes Taken: The meeting was strictly a worksession for discussion; no formal action was taken.
• Staff Directives & Next Steps: Staff will investigate a replacement farmhouse exception, revisit the portable restroom ban, and reconcile the bonfire code. A revised draft of the AX zoning updates will be brought to the committee for approval in April 2026.
• Upcoming Proclamation: A proclamation for National Agriculture Day will be presented at the March 24, 2026 City Council meeting at 6:30 PM.