Interim Study Overlay Zone (IS).
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 295-1005
in effect295-1005. Interim Study Overlay Zone (IS).
1. PURPOSE. The interim study overlay zone is intended to allow discretionary review of development proposals in areas where changes in zoning provisions are contemplated or under study. This zone will allow new developments to proceed through a review process that will insure that the development is compatible with the city's comprehensive plan rather than establishing a moratorium during a time when new or modified zoning provisions are being put into place.
2. PROCEDURES. a. Creation. Creation of an interim study overlay zone shall be by amendment to the zoning map, pursuant to s. 295-307, and may occur only in a location for which an area-specific comprehensive plan element has been adopted by the city plan commission.
b. Study Plan. Prior to approving the establishment of an interim study overlay zone, the city plan commission and the common council shall approve, by resolution, a study plan that identifies regulatory problems and states land use and development issues to be resolved for the area proposed for reclassification.
c. Zoning Map Designator. Each interim study overlay zone shall be shown on the zoning map with an "IS" designator and an appropriate number.
d. Special Use Permit Required. Upon the establishment of an interim study overlay zone, all uses listed in the existing or proposed district as permitted, limited or special uses shall be special uses for which approval of special use permits by the board of zoning appeals is required. In addition to the findings required for special uses, the board shall find that a proposed use will not conflict with or exacerbate the land use and development issues identified by the study plan approved for the area at the time the interim study overlay zone was created.
e. Time Limits. An ordinance establishing an interim study overlay zone shall contain a provision terminating the interim study overlay zone designation at a specified time, but not more than 2 years from its effective date. An ordinance establishing an interim study overlay zone may be amended, reenacted, or superseded by a zoning map amendment adopted as prescribed by s. 295-307.
f. Resubmittal of Development Proposals. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 295-307, a special use permit application that has been denied, or approved subject to conditions unacceptable to the applicant, may be resubmitted on or after the effective date of a zoning map amendment superseding an interim study overlay zone designation.
g. Amendment of Zone Boundaries. Amendment of the boundaries of an interim study overlay zone shall only be initiated by a motion of the common council or by a petition submitted to the common council and signed by owners of 50% or more of the area of all land included in the zone. Following passage of the common council motion or the department’s receipt of a petition, the proposed boundary amendment shall be considered by the plan commission and common council in accordance with the zoning map amendment procedure in s. 295-307-3.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-2/CH295-sub10.pdf#page=2Fetched: 10/26/2026