On the agenda: Stevens Point City Plan Commission — data center (Oct 5)

Our intention is to have in-person meetings going
forward. For the time being, we will hold the City
Committee Meetings, Plan Commission, Council and
most others at the Community Room at 933 Michigan
Avenue. This in-person location will meet the legal
requirement for our open meetings.

Members

We will have a virtual option available, but the
technology for the hybrid style meeting may not be
reliable all of the time.

• Mayor Wiza
• Alderperson Kneebone
• Commissioner Arntsen
• Commissioner Beacom
• Commissioner Rice
• Commissioner Schade Stroik
• Commissioner Schuler

AGENDA
CITY PLAN COMMISSION
Date
and
Time:

October 5, 2026
6:00 PM

Location:

Community Room
933 Michigan Avenue, Stevens Point, WI
OR
Zoom Teleconferencing
Meeting ID: 846 9672 6674
Passcode: 404491
By Computer:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84696726674?pwd=TH5lmqsabdjMDzeU
By Phone: +1-312-626-6799 (US Chicago)

Opening Section:
1.

Roll Call

Discussion and Possible Action on:
2.

Report of the September 8, 2026 meeting of the City Plan Commission.

3.

Public Hearing and action on a request from the City of Stevens Point to amend Chapter
23, Zoning Ordinance, of the Revised Municipal Code of the City of Stevens Point. Said
request amends Ch. 23.02(1)(h)(2) & 23.02(1)(h)(3) to permit by right the construction of a
detached garage utilizing setback requirements of the “R-TND” Traditional Neighborhood
Overlay District.

4.

Public Hearing and action on a request from the City of Stevens Point to amend Chapter
23, Zoning Ordinance, of the Revised Municipal Code of the City of Stevens Point. Said
request amends Ch. 23.01(16)(a) to allow the construction of privacy fencing up to six feet
in height at the alley right-of-way line.

5.

Discussion only: data center construction - community input, led by Alderperson
Kneebone.

Closing Section:
6.

Adjourn

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any person who has special needs while attending these meetings or needs agenda materials for these meetings
should contact the City Clerk as soon as possible to ensure that a reasonable accommodation can be made. The City Clerk can be reached by
telephone at (715) 346-1569 or by mail at 1515 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481.
Maps further defining the above area(s) may be obtained from the City of Stevens Point Department of Community Development, 1515
Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481, or by calling (715) 346-1567, during normal business hours.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a quorum of the Common Council may be in attendance at this meeting.

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MINUTES

Members

CITY PLAN COMMISSION

Date and Time:

September 8, 2026
6:00 PM

Location:

• Mayor Wiza
• Alderperson Kneebone
• Commissioner Arntsen
• Commissioner Beacom
• Commissioner Rice
• Commissioner Schade Stroik
• Commissioner Schuler

Community Room
933 Michigan Avenue, Stevens
Point, WI
OR
Zoom Teleconferencing

Opening Section:
1.

Roll Call
• Meeting called to order at 6:00 P.M.
• Members present: Mayor Wiza, Alder Kneebone, Commissioners Arntsen,
Beacom, Schade Stroik, Schuler.
• Members absent: Commissioner Rice.
Discussion and Possible Action on:

2.

Report of the August 3, 2026 meeting of the City Plan Commission.
• Background: Minutes of the August 3, 2026, meeting of the City Plan
Commission were included in the agenda packet.
• Motion: Schade Stroik moves to approve the meeting minutes.
• Second: Arntsen seconds the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.

3.

Public Hearing and action on a request from Benjamin Nusz, representing
Mid-State Technical College, for a conditional use permit to operate a
technical college facility on the property located at 1101 Centerpoint Drive
(Parcel ID 281240832202976), consistent with Ch. 23.02(1)(c)(3)(d).
• Background: Associate Planner & Zoning Administrator Kuhn provides an
overview of the request.
• Public Hearing: Mayor Wiza declares the public hearing open. None wishing to
speak, public hearing closed.
• Motion: Schuler moves to approve the conditional use permit, subject to the
conditions in the staff report.
• Second: Beacom seconds the motion.

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• Vote: Unanimous approval (Commissioner Arntsen recused).
4.

Public Hearing and action on a request from Christy Harris for a conditional
use permit to operate a large group day care center on the property located
at 2343 Ellis Street (Parcel ID 281240833201902), consistent with Ch.
23.02(1)(b)(3)(e).
• Background: Associate Planner & Zoning Administrator Kuhn provides an
overview of the request.
• Public Hearing: Mayor Wiza declares the public hearing open
o Kendra Mell, a neighbor of Christy Harris, speaks in favor of the request,
citing no issues.
o Agnus Kowalski,1425 Michigan Avenue, speaks in favor of the request,
and shares her positive experience with Christy.
o A letter from a neighbor was submitted.
• Motion: Beacom moves to approve the conditional use permit with staff
conditions.
• Second: Kneebone seconds the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.

5.

Public Hearing and action on a request from Bill Pritchard, representing the
Elizabeth Revocable Trust, for a final subdivision plat review on an
unaddressed parcel bounded by West Zinda Drive (Parcel ID
281240831401241) and Lots 1-15 of the Riverwood West Subdivision (Parcel
ID 281240831401211-281240831401226), consistent with Ch. 20.05(2).
• Background: Associate Planner & Zoning Administrator Kuhn provides an
overview of the request.
• Public Hearing:
o Josh Curwen, 501 Johns Drive, speaks about the proximity of the project
to wetlands and the benefits of protecting wetlands.
o Natalie Wachowiak, West Maple Ridge Drive, shares her concerns
regarding negative environmental impacts.
o Katie Schimke, 440 West Trillium Court, speaks about other projects that
have been proposed in the area and the negative impacts of disrupting
wetlands.
o Jackie Schimke, 440 West Trillium Court, speaks about projects that were
denied in the area in the past and shares reasons for not approving the
current proposal.
o Ninth District Alderperson, Sam Lang, speaks against approving the
proposal, citing bedrock concerns and endangered animals.
o Jenny Burton, 5718 Sandpiper Drive, shares language that existed in the
original proposal describing portions as "undevelopable" and shares
concerns for the wetlands.
o Fourth District Alderperson, Andrea Olson, speaks about additional
conditions that could be included if approved.
o Trina Dorn, 2725 Main Street, shares concerns regarding preservation of
the wetlands and speaks against approval.

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o Kaden Robinson, 3825 Robert Place, speaks about the endangered
animals he has observed in the proposed area and speaks against
approval.
• Discussion:
o Attorney Beveridge provides clarification on potential liability.
• Motion: Arntsen moves to approve, subject to staff conditions.
• Second: Schuler seconds the motion.
• Vote: Motion carries with 4 votes in favor and 2 against (Schade Stroik,
Kneebone).
6.

Public Hearing and action on a request from Jim Lucas, representing R&L
Developers, for a conceptual plan review of a proposed multi-family
residential development on the property located at 1016 Third Street (Parcel
ID 281240832200425), consistent with Ch. 23.02(4)(b)(5).
• Background: Associate Planner & Zoning Administrator Kuhn provides an
overview of the request.
• Public Hearing:
o John Reichert, Great Northern Distilling, shares his concerns regarding
parking.
• Motion: Schade Stroik moves to approve the conceptual plan with staff
recommendations.
• Second: Schuler seconds the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.

7.

Public Hearing and action on a request from Jim Lucas, representing R&L
Developers, for a conditional use permit to construct a multi-family
residential building on the property located at 1016 Third Street (Parcel ID
281240832200425), consistent with Ch. 23.02(1)(f)(3)(b).
• Public Hearing: Mayor Wiza declares the public hearing open. None wishing to
speak, public hearing closed.
• Motion: Schuler moves to approve the conditional use permit, subject to staff
conditions.
• Second: Schade Stroik seconds the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.

8.

A request from Jim Lucas, representing R&L Developers, for a site plan
review to construct a multi-family residential building on the property
located at 1016 Third Street (Parcel ID 281240832200425), consistent with
Ch. 23.02(4)(b)(1)(2).
• Background: Associate Planner & Zoning Administrator Kuhn provides an
overview of the request.
• Motion: Schade Stroik moves to approve the site plan to construct a multi-family
residential building based on staff conditions.

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• Second: Kneebone seconds the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.
9.

Public Hearing and action on a request from the City of Stevens Point to
amend Chapter 23, Zoning Ordinance, of the Revised Municipal Code of the
City of Stevens Point. Said request amends Ch. 23.01(17)(i)(3)(a)(iv) to
increase the maximum turnaround area size allowed for driveways off of an
arterial street from 80 square feet to 120 square feet.
• Background: Associate Planner & Zoning Administrator Kuhn provides an
overview of the request.
• Motion: Kneebone moves to approve the ordinance amending the zoning code.
• Second: Schade Stroik seconds the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.

10. July 2026 Monthly Report.
• Background: Monthly reports are included in the agenda packet.
Closing Section:
11.

Adjourn
• Meeting adjourned at 7:28 P.M.

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City of Stevens Point
1515 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3594

Department of Community Development
Adam Kuhn
Associate Planner
Zoning Administrator
Ph: (715) 346-1567
Fax: (715) 346-1498

MEMORANDUM
To:

Plan Commission

From:

Adam Kuhn, AICP
Associate Planner / Zoning Administrator

Date:

October 5, 2026

RE:

Zoning Ordinance Amendment – “R-TND” Garages and Fencing
-------------------

Background: Enclosed you will find two proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning
Ordinance.
Text Amendment – “R-TND”
Garage Setbacks: The first
amendment pertains to the
construction of detached
garages within the “R-TND”
Traditional Neighborhood
Overlay District. Since the
creation of the City’s “R-TND”
Overlay District in the early-2000s,
lesser setback requirements were
possible for the construction of
principal and accessory
structures. Lesser setback
requirements for principal
structures were allowed via a
conditional use permit up until
the early-2020s, until the Council
moved to change said setbacks
requirements as permitted by
right. Lesser setback requirements

www.stevenspoint.com
Open Records Rider: The City of Stevens Point is subject to Wisconsin Statutes relating to public records.
Communication, such as this document, sent or received by City employees are subject to these laws. Unless
otherwise exempted from the public records law, senders and receivers of City communication should
presume that the communications are subject to release upon request, and to state record retention
requirements.

Page 1 of 2

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for detached garages have always been allowed via a conditional use permit. The
proposal is to permit garage “R-TND” setbacks by right, which has been identified
during the Zoning Ordinance rewrite project.
Setback requirements for detached garages in the “R-TND” District are as follows:
•
•
•
•

Corner front yard: 20’
Corner side yard: 12’ with no access to a public street
Interior side yard: 1’
Rear yard: 1’

Garage developments that do not seek to use “R-TND” setbacks are subject to the
following setback requirements that apply citywide.
•
•
•
•

Corner front yard: Varies by zoning district – typically 25’
Corner side yard: Varies by zoning district – typically 25’
Interior side yard: 3’
Rear yard: 3’

Text Amendment – Privacy Fencing Along Alleys: The second amendment pertains to
the maximum height that is allowed for privacy fencing along the alley right-of-way line.
Currently, privacy fencing along the street and alley right-of-way lines are allowed up
to three feet in height. If privacy
fencing is desired to be more
than three feet in height, it must
be set back a minimum of ten
feet from the right-of-way line.
The enclosed proposal seeks to
allow privacy fencing up to six
feet in height at the alley right-ofway line. No changes are
proposed in relation to the street
right-of-way line. Please note that
the City’s clearview requirements
– the laws that dictate clear
visibility from driveways abutting
alleys – would still apply for fence
location.
Staff Recommendation: Staff
recommends APPROVAL of the
text amendments as presented.

stevenspoint.com

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ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REVISED MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN
[Chapter 23 of the Revised Municipal Code – Zoning Ordinance – “R-TND” Traditional
Neighborhood Overlay District]
The Common Council of the City of Stevens Point, Portage County, Wisconsin, do
ordain as follows:
SECTION I: That Section 23.02(1)(h)(2) and 23.02(1)(h)(3), Zoning Ordinance of the
Revised Municipal Code of the City of Stevens Point, shall be amended as follows:
2) Permitted Uses: as allowed in the underlying zoning district and as outlined
below:
a) All setback requirements of the underlying district apply.
b) Alternate permitted setbacks for Single- and Two-Family Uses, provided
that the following development standards are met. If the following
development standards are unable to be met, the applicant may apply
for an alternative setback through the conditional use permit process:
1) In no case shall the front facade of the building consist of a blank
wall or a series of garage doors.
2) One ground floor entry shall be oriented to the front of the lot on a
public or private street.
3) Attached garages shall be sited in several ways:
a) In the rear yard, accessed from a public street or an alley.
b) Accessed from a public street with the garage doors facing
the public street provided it be set back a minimum of two
(2) feet from the front façade of the building.
4) Consideration shall be given to the impact of the proposed
addition on neighboring light, ventilation, and privacy from existing
windows and yards.

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c) Alternate permitted setbacks.
1) Primary Structure
a) Front street yard - 12 feet
b) Corner street side yard – 12 feet
c) Interior side yard – 4 feet
d) Rear yard – 15 feet
2) Garage (attached to dwelling)
a) Front street yard – 20 feet
b) Corner street side yard – 12 feet, with no access to a public
street
c) Interior side yard – 4 feet
d) Rear yard – 15 feet
3) Detached Garage
a) Street front setback – 20 feet
b) Corner side yard – 12 feet, with no access to a public street
c) Interior side yard – 1 foot
d) Rear yard – 1 foot
3) Conditional Uses as allowed in the underlying zoning district
The Common Council may consider the following conditional use setback
requirements as an alternative to the setback requirements in the underlying
zoning district. These conditional use setback requirements shall be applied to
only to single- and two- family uses.
Conditional Use Setback requirements:
•

Detached Garage
o Street front setback – 20 feet
o Corner side yard – 12 feet, with no access to a public street
o Interior side yard – 1 foot
o Rear yard – 1 foot

The Corner side yard is the side yard adjoining the street on a lot bounded on
two or more sides by public right of way. As applied in this conditional use, the
Common Council shall define the primary facade of the home as being the front
yard and the secondary facade of the home as the side yard.
SECTION II: That this ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication.

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Dated:
Adopted:

October 5, 2026

Drafted by:
Return to:

Adam Kuhn
City Clerk

Approved:

________________________________
Mike Wiza, Mayor

Attest:

________________________________
Susan Pagel, City Clerk

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ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REVISED MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN
[Chapter 23 of the Revised Municipal Code – Zoning Ordinance – Fencing Standards]
The Common Council of the City of Stevens Point, Portage County, Wisconsin, do
ordain as follows:
SECTION I: That Section 23.01(16)(a) Zoning Ordinance of the Revised Municipal Code
of the City of Stevens Point, shall be amended as follows:
a) No fence shall rise over two feet in height above the level of the public sidewalk
or land surface within 20 feet of any two or more adjoining streets and ten feet
parallel and perpendicular to a driveway so as to interfere with traffic visibility
across from any corner.
Fences shall not be permitted within ten feet of any street or alley right-of-way in
such manner as to interfere with traffic visibility. In no case shall a fence with less
than 50 percent of its surface uniformly open and unobstructed in any area
exceed three feet in height in that part of a yard within ten feet of a street rightof-way or alley right-of-way. In no case shall a fence with less than 50 percent of
its surface uniformly open and unobstructed in any area exceed six feet in height
in that part of a yard within ten feet of an alley right-of-way.
SECTION II: That this ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication.

Approved:

________________________________
Mike Wiza, Mayor

Attest:

________________________________
Susan Pagel, City Clerk

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Dated:
Adopted:

October 5, 2026

Drafted by:
Return to:

Adam Kuhn
City Clerk

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From:
To:
Subject:
Date:

District 7
Mike Wiza; Adam Kuhn
Plan Commission Agenda Item Request
Monday, September 28, 2026 2:14:38 PM

Mayor,
There have been several moves lately by local municipalities regarding the regulation of Data
Centers. I think we should get ahead of the game and at least discuss what Commissioners
and our constituents feel about Data Centers.
I would like to formally request that a Discussion Only item on Data Center Construction be
placed on the October 8, 2026 Plan Commission Agenda. That will give us, and the public, an
option to weigh in on the topic before the holidays and budgeting arrive!
Thank you Mayor,
Mary Kneebone
District 7 Alder

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