Purposes.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 295-601
in effect295-601. Purposes.
For the purpose of regulating the use of land in the city of Milwaukee and to provide for the orderly growth and development of the city, the following commercial zoning districts are established:
1. NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING DISTRICTS (NS1-NS2). These districts provide for residential uses as well as commercial uses that serve the neighborhood. Such commercial uses are necessary to satisfy basic shopping and service needs that occur frequently and must, therefore, be located close to residential areas. The character of these districts is intended to be compatible with that of surrounding residential neighborhoods. Buildings in these districts are typically smaller in scale than those found in local business districts. The NS1 district is characterized by a more suburban development pattern, with larger lots and deeper setbacks, while the development pattern in the NS2 district tends to be more urban, with smaller lots and smaller setbacks.
2. LOCAL BUSINESS DISTRICTS (LB1-LB3). These districts provide a wide range of goods and services to a large consumer population coming from an extensive area. Within these districts, motor-vehicle-related activities are of major significance. Good access by motor vehicle or public transit is important to local business districts, which are often located adjacent to intersections of major thoroughfares and in close proximity to bus transfer locations. The LB1 district is characterized by a more suburban development pattern, with larger lots and deeper setbacks, while the development pattern in the LB2 district tends to be more urban, with smaller lots and smaller setbacks. The LB3 district is the most urban and is characterized by design standards appropriate for neighborhood commercial hubs, centers, corridors and transit-oriented development areas that have a denser level of development and may have taller buildings, all of which promote compact, walkable, sustainable neighborhoods.
3. REGIONAL BUSINESS DISTRICTS (RB1-RB2). These districts provide areas where regional or city-wide shopping, employment or high-density residential uses may occur. These districts allow large-scale and tall buildings. They also have a high intensity of land use and may contain nodes of development that can be effectively served by public transportation. The RB1 district is characterized by a more suburban development pattern, with larger lots and deeper setbacks, while the development pattern in the RB2 district tends to be more urban, with smaller lots and smaller setbacks.
4. COMMERCIAL SERVICE (CS). This district is intended to provide areas where businesses and personal service establishments can be accommodated, but where extensive retail activities are not warranted by city plans.
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-sub6.pdf#page=1Fetched: 10/26/2026