Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting - October 1, 2026

On October 1, 2026, the Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals (BOSA) held a meeting beginning at 10:15 AM to review consent agenda items and public hearings for various zoning, variance, and special use requests. The meeting spanned three public hearing segments (4:15 PM, 5:15 PM, and 6:15 PM) and included approvals, dismissals, denials, and adjournments. Board members present included Board Member St. Arnold, Board Member Rucker, Board Member Curran, Vice Chairman Smyski, and Chairman Lomberg.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda contained 29 items (numbered 1–29, with some adjourned). Staff recommended dismissals without prejudice for items 1–7, 9; approvals of varying durations (5-year, 10-year, tenure, running with land) for items 8, 10–14, 16–17, 19–20, 22–24, 26; adjournments for items 15, 18, 25, 29; and an extension for item 21 running through April 10, 2028. The motion to approve the consent agenda as presented passed unanimously (all ayes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alderwoman Taylor questioned how items 5 and 6 (dismissals) were placed on the consent agenda. Staff clarified that those items were dismissed, not heard.
• Robin Meister (Crash Champions) asked about 4930 South 6th Street, which was scheduled as a public hearing later in the meeting.
• Cynthia Chatham (Granville Havenwood Committee) expressed concern about the visual blight of a vehicle sales lot at 716 North 76th Street, calling it a “junkyard.”
• Stephanie Harling (Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership & BID) opposed the same 76th Street operation, citing parking in construction zones, after-hours activity, and disregard for regulations.
• John Erdman (neighboring property owner at 6930/6940 North 76th Street) described repeated code violations, cars parked on grass, and environmental concerns from oil bins.
• Neighbors of 3718 West Lancaster Avenue (including Adriana Odin) raised concerns about traffic, parking on narrow streets, and prior issues with the building.
• Victor Herpin spoke in support of the barbershop at 5063 West State Street, praising the applicant’s community-building.

Discussion Items

1124 North Martin Luther King Junior Drive (Parking Lot Special Use)

• The applicant (Interstate Parking) requested continuation as a principal parking lot. Staff noted deficient landscaping. The board approved a three-year special use with a condition that all landscaping be installed by May 15, 2027, per the 2015 approved plan. An Alderman’s security concern about loitering was addressed by 24/7 cameras and security dispatch.

7828 West Appleton Avenue (Community Center for Dementia Care)

• The applicant proposed a non-medical respite program. Staff noted permitting issues and requested a shorter approval. The board approved three years with conditions. The architect noted a future possible variance issue concerning removed columns.

10230 West Fond du Lac Avenue (Daycare Expansion – No Appearance)

• No applicant or public speaker appeared. The board voted to send a letter warning of future dismissal and adjourned the item.

6196 North River Trail Drive (Fence Variance)

• The applicants (foster pet owners) sought a six-foot fence (four-foot solid with two-foot lattice) exceeding height limits. Staff supported. The board approved the dimensional variance to run with the land.

500 East Center Street (Rooming House & 8-Foot Fence)

• The applicant (Fourth Dimension Sobriety) requested continuation as a rooming house and an eight-foot solid fence. Staff and board expressed concern about the fence height, pedestrian impact, and security. The board approved the rooming house special use (10 years) but denied the dimensional variance for the eight-foot fence, citing no unique hardship. The board suggested a six-foot fence with setbacks.

4731 West Burleigh Street (Daycare Changes)

• The applicant sought reduced capacity and extended hours. The board approved five years with conditions.

1773 South Muskego Avenue (Auto Repair Expansion)

• The applicant added a second floor for tire storage. Staff conditions included pedestrian connection and limited outdoor parking. The board approved the special use through October 16, 2030.

8653 West Brown Deer Road (Assembly Hall Expansion)

• The applicant (operating without proper occupancy) sought to expand from 150 to 400 capacity. Alderwoman Taylor cited continued operations without permits and MPD calls. The applicant acknowledged errors from a prior contractor. The board approved one-year special use to ensure compliance.

716 North 76th Street (Light Motor Vehicle Repair/Sales)

• The applicant faced four code violations since December 2025, including operating without an occupancy permit, with a case in municipal court. Neighbors and the BID opposed, describing blight and after-hours issues. The board denied the special use, finding that it substantially impaired neighboring properties and threatened public health, safety, and welfare.

1135 West Historic Mitchell Street (Assembly Hall)

• The applicant (experienced operator from Cudahy) planned a no-alcohol hall. Staff had no objections. The board approved three years.

4930 South 6th Street (Auto Body Shop Continuation)

• The item was adjourned from September. The applicant explained a miscommunication about renewal. The board approved 10 years.

2321 South Burrell Street (Auto Repair & Storage)

• The board approved a two-year special use and a two-year dimensional variance for landscaping along Burrell Street, with a condition to close an unused driveway and improve landscaping on Lincoln Avenue.

1122 East Holt Avenue (Auto Repair Continuation)

• The previous approval had expired. The board approved 10 years with conditions.

1500 West Oklahoma Avenue (Ground Transportation & Sales)

• The board approved with conditions on vehicle limits and prohibited feather flags.

2601 West North Avenue (Daycare)

• The board approved three years, subject to conditions including restoring windows and installing a decorative fence.

1905 West North Avenue (Auto Repair Continuation)

• The board approved five years with a condition of no parking west of the building.

1748 North 13th Street (Community Center)

• The existing occupancy permit was found invalid. The board approved 10 years.

3718 West Lancaster Avenue (Daycare)

• Neighbors raised concerns about traffic and past issues. The applicant (experienced provider) planned to provide transportation. The board approved three years with conditions requiring a modified transportation plan within 30 days and adequate lighting at the entrance.

4856 North 41st Street (24-Hour Family Daycare)

• DNS opposed 24-hour operation in a residential area. The applicant (four-star YoungStar provider) had five years of experience. The board approved three years.

5602 West Vliet Street (Gas Station Canopy Extension)

• The applicant relocated pumps and added landscaping. The board approved 10 years with conditions on pedestrian access and landscape restoration.

5063 West State Street (Barbershop)

• The applicant moved after a fire at the previous location. Alderwoman Taylor and a supporter spoke favorably. The board approved five years.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (29 items).
• 1124 N MLK Drive: Approved 3 years with landscape by May 15, 2027.
• 7828 W Appleton: Approved 3 years.
• 10230 W Fond du Lac: Adjourned with warning.
• 6196 N River Trail: Dimensional variance approved to run with land.
• 500 E Center: Rooming house approved 10 years; 8-foot fence denied.
• 4731 W Burleigh: Approved 5 years.
• 1773 S Muskego: Approved through Oct 16, 2030.
• 8653 W Brown Deer: Approved 1 year.
• 716 N 76th: Denied.
• 1135 W Historic Mitchell: Approved 3 years.
• 4930 S 6th: Approved 10 years.
• 2321 S Burrell: Approved 2 years with 2-year landscaping variance.
• 1122 E Holt: Approved 10 years.
• 1500 W Oklahoma: Approved (duration not specified, but typically 5–10 years per case file).
• 2601 W North: Approved 3 years.
• 1905 W North: Approved 5 years.
• 1748 N 13th: Approved 10 years.
• 3718 W Lancaster: Approved 3 years with amended transportation plan and lighting condition.
• 4856 N 41st: Approved 3 years.
• 5602 W Vliet: Approved 10 years.
• 5063 W State: Approved 5 years.