Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting – March 5, 2026

The Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals met on March 5, 2026, at 2:15 PM CT, chaired by Eric Lowenberg, with a full board present. The meeting began with approval of the February 5, 2026 minutes, followed by the consent calendar and 23 public hearing items.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–20 were approved en bloc with staff recommendations. This included dismissals (items 1–6), adjournments (items 7–8), and special use and dimensional variance approvals with durations ranging from 3 to 10 years. Item 7 (2404 W Clyborne St) and item 8 (308 W Kilborn Ave) were adjourned. A brief public comment from an online attendee was addressed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 25 (Group Home): Multiple neighbors spoke in opposition, citing concerns about safety, property values, and lack of notification. Sarah Stone, Jim Weiss, Julie Black, and Jan Ungemach expressed opposition. Alderman Peter Burgallis presented a survey showing 5 opposed, 8 in support, and 2 unsure within the immediate notification area. Aldermen Zamaripa, Moore, and President Perez spoke in support, citing the applicant’s strong track record in other districts. The applicant, Alicia Hart, detailed the Courage House model serving LGBTQ+ foster youth.
• Item 32 (Vehicle Repair): Alderwoman Andrea Pratt opposed, saying the site has been a nuisance and neighbors fear walking near it. DNS provided a record of enforcement actions, including stolen vehicles and salvage operations.
• Item 34 (Tannery): Neighbor Dorothy Balicki testified about air quality, noise, and truck traffic issues. The applicant, Frederick Seidel, stated the business has operated for decades without changes and complies with environmental permits.
• Item 36 (Fence): Alderman Bauman opposed the variance, noting the fence was built without a permit. The applicant acknowledged the mistake and expressed willingness to comply.
• Item 39 (Outdoor Repair): A neighbor (Juan Busco) opposed the outdoor repair variance, citing noise and quality-of-life concerns. The applicant argued the business is successful but needs space.

Discussion Items

• Items 21–22 (Contractor’s Yard): Approved for 5 years with landscaping and screening conditions. Alderwoman Taylor supported. The applicant, Jeff Schrader, operates a seasonal seal‑coating business. Board members noted the business has operated since the 1990s without a prior occupancy permit. Unanimous.
• Item 23 (Daycare): Approved for 3 years. Applicant Jackie Claiborne has 13 years of experience. Alderwoman Taylor supported after a neighborhood council meeting. Unanimous.
• Item 24 (Towing/Storage): Approved for 3 years. DCD requested slats in the fence. DNS noted the 24/7 operation may disturb neighbors. The applicant, Mohammed Eid, agreed to limit storage to 5–10 vehicles overnight. Unanimous.
• Item 25 (Group Home): Approved for 3 years with conditions. The applicant, Courage House, provides trauma-informed care for LGBTQ+ foster youth. The board found the criteria met despite neighborhood opposition. Unanimous.
• Item 26 (Assembly Hall/Monastery): Approved for 3 years. The applicant, Kevin Perkins, sought to regularize occupancy. President Perez requested a shorter term to allow other city departments to address licensing issues. Unanimous.
• Item 27 (Body Shop): Approved for 5 years. Applicant Jason Keller has a five‑year lease. Unanimous.
• Item 30 (Detached Garage): The board granted the lot coverage variance (616 sq. ft., 76 sq. ft. over the limit) but denied the side street setback variance. The applicant must work with the permit center to ensure the garage is set back 14 feet from the property line. Motion passed (4–1).
• Item 31 (Daycare): Approved for 3 years. Applicant Adela Deakin owns the building. DPW requested the main entrance face the street, not the alley. Unanimous.
• Item 32 (Vehicle Repair/Towing): Denied after extensive testimony. DNS documented verified complaints, salvage operations, and stolen vehicles. The board found the criteria not met. Alderwoman Pratt and neighbors opposed. Unanimous.
• Item 33 (Vehicle Repair/Rental): Approved for 3 years, contingent on a revised landscape plan acceptable to DCD. The applicant, a lessee, agreed to plant trees or shrubs. Unanimous.
• Item 34 (Tannery/Intense Manufacturing): Approved for 10 years, concurrent with an existing approval. The board noted the business is a long‑standing operation with no change in activity. The neighbor’s concerns were acknowledged but not found to outweigh the established use. Unanimous (with one dissenting? Actually, the vote was aye, but Dorothy Balicki expressed disappointment).
• Item 36 (Fence): Denied. The fence was built without a permit and does not meet code requirements. The applicant can revise the plan and reapply. Unanimous.
• Item 38 (Emergency Shelter): Approved for 3 years. The applicant, Outreach Community Health Center, will operate a medical respite shelter for 12–15 individuals. The building has a fire sprinkler system. Unanimous.
• Item 39 (Outdoor Repair): Approved for 3 years for indoor repair and outdoor storage, but the variance for outdoor repair was denied. The board found the outdoor repair criteria not met. The applicant must conduct all work inside. Unanimous.
• Item 40 (Social Service Facility): Approved for 10 years. The applicant, Westcare Wisconsin, provides services to residents of a low‑income housing tax credit property. Unanimous.
• Item 41 (Daycare): Approved for 3 years. Applicant Aisha Eton currently runs a home daycare. The building requires minimal renovation. Unanimous.
• Item 42 (Community Center): Approved for 2 years. The applicant, representing a Rohingya/Burmese community, agreed to manage parking. Alderwoman Zamaripa requested a shorter term. Unanimous.
• Item 43 (Vehicle Repair): Approved for 1 year. The applicant is a new lessee; the site has a history of enforcement issues. The board imposed a short term to monitor compliance. Unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda: Approved as recommended.
• Item 25: Group home approved (3 years).
• Item 30: Partial approval – lot coverage variance granted, setback denied.
• Item 32: Denied.
• Item 34: Tannery approved (10 years).
• Item 36: Denied.
• Item 39: Special uses approved, outdoor repair variance denied.
• All other items approved as noted, with durations from 1 to 10 years.
• The board emphasized enforcement of conditions and encouraged applicants to maintain good relations with neighbors and city departments.