Shorewood Proposes Changes to Village Commercial Zoning Code

Shorewood officials want to update their commercial code so that developers wishing to submit proposals have clearer guidelines for their projects along the Commercial Corridor at Capitol Dr. and Oakland Ave.

The initiative was created in response to some recent redevelopments in Shorewood, including the Metro Market and Mosaic projects, said village planning and development director Bart Griepentrog. The biggest change in the code is that it will provide regulations for design-related issues, such as permitted building materials along the hallway.

The proposed code would also allow buildings to be set back further to allow for open spaces, and would require setbacks for upper floors or larger yards or buildings. A complete copy of the code can be found on the village website at www.villageofshorewood.org.

The updated code does not change the building’s height limit — four stories remain along Capitol Dr. and Oakland Ave. There is an organized effort to try to lower the height limit along the trade corridor, Griepentrog said. The Village has received several comments from residents who would like to see the height limits on the east side of E. Capitol Dr. reduced from four stories to three.

The village received at least one comment supporting keeping the height limit at four storeys, with a suggestion to increase it to allow for additional housing, Griepentrog said.

To get more feedback, the village is hosting an open house to answer any questions about the draft review on Nov. 16 starting at 4 p.m. at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall, located at 3930 N Murray Ave. in Shorewood.

To update the code, the village hired Illinois-based Codametrics and Duncan Associates to work with Shorewood’s Planning and Development Department and the Planning Commission. On October 25, a Codametrics representative presented an outline of the public review project to the Planning Commission. An overview of the papers presented at this meeting can be found on the village website at bit.ly/shorewoodpresentation.

Shorewood’s commercial code update was one of the main actions of the overall Shorewood 2040 plan. The village wanted to focus on hybrid form code elements, which emphasize the physicality of the development. This plan emphasizes how the development relates to the context of the surrounding area, according to the village.

Those with questions about the project can contact Griepentrog at [email protected]. or call 414-847-2640.

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