Madison, WI Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

Section 33.24(4)(g) names the Secretary of the Urban Design Commission and ties the post to the Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development. Paragraph 3 hands that Secretary the review and approval of applications for minor building facade changes in the DC district, measured against the "Downtown Urban Design Guidelines" established by Resolution #12-00949. The paragraph was last amended by ORD-12-00134 on 1-2-13.

The same subsection gives the Secretary related staff-level powers. Paragraph 1 lets the Secretary administratively approve certain building additions, minor facade alterations or minor construction inside Urban Design Districts when they comply with the criteria of the district in question. Paragraph 2 lets the Secretary approve alterations to plans the Commission already approved if, in her or his professional judgment, the change does not substantially alter the approved design. Paragraph 4(b) assigns the Secretary sign permit applications in the DC and UMX districts under Sec. 31.13(9).

The zoning code for the Downtown Core District, Sec. 28.074(4), shows where the Secretary's work stops. Under 28.074(4)(a), the Director of the Department of Planning, Community, and Economic Development can approve minor exterior changes or additions that are compatible with the existing design or consistent with the Guidelines. Under 28.074(4)(b), all new buildings and additions of six stories or fewer, and every major exterior alteration, go to the Urban Design Commission itself, and the applicant or the District Alderperson can appeal that decision to the Plan Commission. Buildings and additions above six stories need conditional use approval, and on State Street or the 100 block of King Street any new building or addition over 20,000 square feet or over four stories needs conditional use approval as well. In both cases the Commission reviews conformity to the Guidelines and reports to the Plan Commission. Under 28.074(5), the Director can approve minor alterations to buildings already approved under those tracks if they are consistent with the Guidelines and the previously approved design.

Fees are set in Sec. 33.24(6)(b): minor exterior remodeling in an Urban Design District or a DC District is accompanied by a fee of $150. New construction or major exterior remodeling in an Urban Design District carries a $350 fee under 33.24(6)(a). Menu boards displayed in the Downtown Core also need Commission review against the Guidelines under Sec. 31.07, and where the sign rule and the Guidelines conflict, the more stringent requirement applies.