City Plan Commission Meeting - September 28, 2026

The La Crosse City Plan Commission met on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a public hearing and vote on a rezoning for a community center, approval of a final plat for a 36-lot subdivision, and a detailed presentation on the ongoing zoning code update project.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote with a motion and second.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 26-0944 – Rezoning of 1552 Kane Street: Dick Schwanson, a board member of the North Side Neighborhood Center, Inc., spoke in favor of the rezoning. He stated he was born on the north side in 1941 and lived there for over 60 years. He distributed brochures describing the proposed community center and requested the commission's support.

Discussion Items

• 26-0944 – Rezoning for Community Center: Staff presented an ordinance to rezone 1552 Kane Street from Single Family Residence District to Public and Semi-Public District. The North Branch library closed in June 2025 and was declared surplus. In July, the Economic and Community Development Commission issued an RFP, selecting a proposal from the North Side Neighborhood Center, Inc. in August. The proposed uses include meeting rooms, museum exhibits, performance and rehearsal space, reading room, and computer lab. Commissioner Elaine Yager recused herself. The commission heard public comment (see above). A motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Councilmember Aron Newberry and seconded, passing unanimously.
• 26-0985 – Final Plat of Featherstone Rise: Staff recommended approval of the final plat for Featherstone Rise subdivision in the Town of Shelby. The proposal subdivides four existing parcels into 36 residential lots and one outlot for a park. Preliminary plat was approved earlier in 2026. The Town of Shelby approved the plat on August 18, 2026, and La Crosse County Planning Resources & Development Committee approved it on August 31, 2026. Developer representative Grant Ducotch of Cell Engineering confirmed that DOA comments are minor and being addressed. A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Yager, seconded by Commissioner Olivia Stine, with the explicit condition that approval is subject to any conditions required by the engineering and fire departments. The motion passed unanimously.
• 25-0143 – Update on Zoning/Subdivision Code Project: Staff (likely Director Tim and Jenna) delivered a presentation on the proposed new zoning districts and standards, which will be shown to neighborhood groups in upcoming meetings. Key points included:
  • Residential Districts: Reduction from six to four residential-only districts: Open Space/Reserve (replacing agricultural), Mobile Home Residential, Fringe Residential (replacing General Residential, allowing single-family and duplexes), and Neighborhood Residential (majority of city, allowing up to fourplexes and accessory dwelling units). Density tied to lot size: 2,500–10,000 sq ft for 1 unit, 5,000+ for 2 units, 7,000+ for 3 units, 8,000+ for 4 units. Form-based elements require gables, porches, and garage setbacks.
  • Commercial/Mixed-Use Districts: Neighborhood Mixed Use (up to 45 ft height, 50% transparency), Urban Mixed Use (up to 55 ft), and Commercial Corridor (no residential). Small-scale commercial up to 2,500 sq ft allowed in Neighborhood Residential.
  • Institutional District: Proposed for five major institutions (hospitals and colleges), requiring submission of a master plan for council approval and annual reviews.
  • Other Districts: Development Flex District (replacing light industrial, allowing residential, office, and light industrial), Public Facilities and Parks, and Downtown District with enhanced form-based standards.
  • Conservancy District: Still under discussion with stakeholders.
• Commissioner Yager shared positive feedback from a Rotary meeting regarding the zoning update. Commissioner Trost asked about the relationship to property tax base; staff responded that the primary goals are to modernize the code, respond to comprehensive plan feedback, and enable more housing options, not specifically to increase tax base.

Key Outcomes

• Item 26-0944 – Rezoning Approved: Ordinance to rezone 1552 Kane Street to Public and Semi-Public District passed unanimously (Commissioner Yager recused). The property will be used as a community center by North Side Neighborhood Center, Inc. A development agreement is expected in November.
• Item 26-0985 – Final Plat Approved: Featherstone Rise final plat for 36 residential lots and one park lot approved unanimously, subject to conditions from engineering and fire departments.
• Item 25-0143 – Zoning Code Update: Presentation received; no vote taken. Staff will continue neighborhood and stakeholder meetings. The draft zoning map and presentation materials will be posted on the Forward La Crosse website. Additional public meetings planned for November to allow interactive map feedback.