Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting – June 15, 2026

Note: The meeting transcript references a date of June 4, 2026, but the provided metadata specifies the meeting occurred on June 15, 2026. This summary uses the metadata date.

The City of Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals convened on June 15, 2026, at 5:45 PM under Chair Eric Rollenberg. The board considered a consent agenda of 23 items and held public hearings on 25 additional items, covering special use permits, dimensional variances, and sign approvals. Key themes included property maintenance, community engagement, and compliance with city plans.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–23 (except item 13 adjourned): All routine approvals and dismissals were approved unanimously. Staff recommendations included dismissals without prejudice for items 1–8, and approvals for items 9–23 with varying durations (e.g., 10-year, 5-year, run-with-the-land). Item 13 (E22 North 24th Street) was adjourned to a future hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 29 (3841 West Villard Avenue): Applicant Stacy Kern and representative testified about tire disposal practices. The board adjourned the item due to conflicting testimony between the plan of operation (which mentioned tire repair) and the applicant’s statement that no tire work is performed on-site. The board directed the applicant to submit a clear plan of operation.
• Item 37 (7822 West Capitol Drive): Alderman Westmoreland expressed frustration over property maintenance (overgrown grass, damaged fence) and opposed the sign variance. The applicant stated they had made repairs but acknowledged ongoing issues.
• Item 44 (7830 West Good Hope Road): Alderman Taylor and GAG committee member John Erdman testified. Alderman Taylor opposed the daycare due to perceived disrespect and lack of cooperation from the applicant. The applicant, Miss Grant, argued the process was cumbersome and that she received retaliatory treatment. The GAG committee had approved the application. The board approved the special use for 3 years.
• Item 47 (5900 West North Avenue): Montavius Jones (BID representative) opposed the drive-through, citing incompatibility with the West Side Area Plan and pedestrian safety concerns. Alderman Morris supported the project, noting community desire for activation. The applicant (Sam Gleichman) argued the drive-through would not cause traffic issues and that the site was designed for such use. The board approved for 3 years.

Discussion Items

• Items 24–26 (1800 S. First St., 1825 & 1803 S. Connecting Ave.): Same applicant for motor vehicle sales/repair. City departments noted fence and landscaping issues. The applicant agreed to repairs. Approved for 10 years.
• Item 27 (347 E. Ward St.): Community center operated by Woodland Pattern. DPW requested a loading zone. Approved for 10 years.
• Item 28 (3800 W. Campbell Ave.): Motor vehicle filling station. DPW required revised site plan for ADA compliance and removal of non-compliant ramp. Approved for 5 years.
• Item 31 (7501 W. Villard Ave.): New operator for motor vehicle sales. DPW limited outdoor vehicles to 13. Approved for 10 years.
• Item 33 (1568 N. Farwell Ave.): Projecting sign. Staff recommended approval. Approved to run with the land.
• Item 34 (2315 E. Ivanhoe Pl.): Sunroom addition requiring rear setback variance. Applicant noted unique lot depth and neighborhood precedent. Approved.
• Item 35 (929 N. Water St.): Changeable message sign. DPW required no video or motion, and message rotation no faster than every 8 seconds. Approved to run with the land.
• Item 36 (818 E. Mason St.): Wall sign on vision glass. Approved to run with the land.
• Item 37 (7822 W. Capitol Dr.): Sign variance. After a motion for 2-year approval failed (2-3), a motion to deny passed (3-2). The sign must be brought into compliance.
• Item 38 (8210 W. Capitol Dr.): Gas station renewal. Over $8,000 in reinspection fees for landscaping non-compliance. Applicant blamed a bad contractor. Approved for 3 years.
• Item 39 (405 W. Center St.): Restaurant with drive-through renewal. Facility had been closed for repairs and break-ins. Approved for 3 years.
• Item 40 (4344 W. Capitol Dr.): Motor vehicle sales/repair. Concerns about tires blocking sidewalk and parking on driveway approach. DPW limited outdoor vehicles to 6 east and 4 west. Approved for 3 years.
• Item 41 (2825 N. 46th St.): Group home for 5 occupants. Approved for 10 years.
• Item 42 (2201 S. 20th St.): Daycare center seeking extended hours and increased capacity. DPW required private trash hauler within 30 days. Approved for 2 years.
• Item 43 (8225 N. 107th St.): Community living arrangement for 16 occupants. Alderman Taylor withdrew opposition after applicant made improvements. Approved for 10 years.
• Item 45 (9175 N. 76th St.): Assembly hall. Alderman Taylor supported after meeting with applicant. Approved for 3 years.
• Item 46 (6300 W. Blue Mound Rd.): Wall signs exceeding display area. DPW required removal of QR code window sign within 30 days. Approved to run with the land.
• Item 48 (2720 W. St. Paul Ave.): Motor vehicle repair facility with new operator. DPW limited outdoor vehicles to 6. Approved for 10 years.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously (23 items).
• Items 24–26, 27, 28, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48 approved with conditions and varying durations.
• Item 29 adjourned to allow applicant to clarify plan of operation.
• Item 37 denied; applicant must modify sign to comply with code.
• Item 47 approved for 3 years despite opposition from BID; board cited community support and potential for activation.
• The board emphasized property maintenance and cooperation with district alderpersons in several decisions.