Nikki Jones
Planning Services Manager
www.newberlin.org
General Contact Information: 3805 S. Casper Dr., 53151, (262) 797- 2445
Comprehensive Plan: The City of New Berlin will begin updating its Comprehensive Plan in late 2007 for the Year 2020 planning horizon. The process is anticipated to take approximately 18 to 24 months. You can visit the City’s website at www.newberlin.org/dcd for more information.
Basic process of approval or denial of a development plan: The City of New Berlin Zoning Code, Subdivision Code Developer’s Handbook and Comprehensive Plan are the basis of the Plan Commission, Community Development Authority and/or Common Council review of projects. The development review process is outlined in the Zoning and Subdivision Codes and varies by the type of application. The City website lists all applications and handouts for development review.
1) The applicant has an optional pre-application meeting with planners, engineers, and others as required. The meeting should serve as a venue for the applicant to describe their ideas and receive feedback from a “team” of City staff.
2) The applicant then fills out a development application and pays an application fees.
3) The Development Review Staff reviews the material and prepares a detailed report and recommendation for the Plan Commission.
TIF Districts: The City of New Berlin has used TIF districts to encourage economic development in the past. Their most recent TIF district, Westridge Business Park, was recently closed years ahead of schedule.
Redevelopment Aid: The Department of Community Development works with various non-profits, state-run and country-run economic development programs to put them in touch with local businesses. The City recently established a Community Development Authority to facilitate redevelopment projects in the City. Recent projects have included the New Berlin Industrial Park Redevelopment Plan and the Mill Valley Business Park study.
Projects: New Berlin has some of the largest industrial parks in the state. The five industrial parks are the New Berlin , Moorland, Lincoln andWestridge / Towne Corporate Park. These industrial parks contain over 2.8 square miles (1800 acres).
– The newest additions are the Westridge and Towne Corporate Parks. These parks are located off Interstate 43 at Moorland.
– There are several different retail centers including a cluster of retail around the intersection of Moorland Road and National Avenue.
– A new mixed-use development named the City Center is in the process of being constructed. It is located at the intersection of National Avenue and Michelle Witmer Memorial Drive. This development includes the New Berlin Public Library, a Medical office Building, a variety of condominiums, and a mix of commercial and office buildings. The City is now coordinating with the developer on the next phase.
Applicant Fee Schedule (Please see the City of New Berlin’s website for the most up to date list of fees.):
Time Schedule for Plan Approval: Applicants are required to submit their application, along with other required documents 45 days before the Plan Commission meeting at which they would likely be reviewed. If the Commission approves the plans, the typical amount of time from submittal to final approval is 45 days. Projects that require a public hearing include conditional uses and re-zonings, which typically take at least three months.
Building or Growth Moratoria: The City has a six-month moratorium on land divisions and subdivisions. The purpose of the moratorium is for revisions to the conservative subdivision review process, design criteria and zoning regulations. The moratorium is in effect until March 9, 2005.
Environmental Issues: The Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District (MMSD) services only a portion of the City, and thus places restrictions on the amount of capacity that the city may place on the MMSD resources. The west half of the city (generally west of Calhoun Rd) is serviced by private wells and septic/mound systems.
The City is proactive in protecting wetlands and woodlands from development and believes in a 3-dimensional approach to water resource planning in order to protect and improve groundwater, surface water and storm water quality.
Single Development Department (“One-Stop Shop”): The City of New Berlin has a “one-stop” shop for the permit process. The Department of Community Development consists of Planning Services, Engineering Services, Inspection Services Divisions and the Water Resource Utility.. Thus, a developer deals with one department from initial concept, use approval, construction of public improvements, and final inspections.
Internet Connection:
www.newberlin.org/dcd
– Full Municipal Code
– Developer’s Handbook
– Meeting Schedules of various committees/ commissions including agendas and minutes
– Downloadable Application Form, Review Process handout, Application Review Procedural Manual
– A variety of maps including, but not limited to, Zoning, Topography, and Aerial Maps
– Storm Water Management Information
– A Student Study on the Redevelopment of the City’s Industrial Parks
– Existing Comprehensive Plan
– Contact Information
