Plan Commission

The Plan Commission is a key body in the Village of Warrens that oversees the planning and development of the community. It reviews land use plans, zoning requests, and development proposals to ensure they align with the Village’s goals and comprehensive plan. The Commission plays a central role in guiding the Village’s growth in a way that benefits both residents and the overall community.

Purpose of the Plan Commission

The primary function of the Plan Commission is to review development proposals, land use changes, and zoning ordinances. It provides recommendations to the Village Board on applications such as annexations, conditional use permits, variances, and zoning amendments. The Commission ensures that development aligns with the community’s long-term goals for land use, housing, and infrastructure.

Relevant State Statutes

The Plan Commission operates in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 61.35 and 62.23, which provide the legal framework for the establishment of planning commissions and outline their responsibilities in zoning ordinances, land use decisions, and development matters.

• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 61.35: Provides municipalities with the authority to establish a Plan Commission and regulate zoning and land use.
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 62.23: Details the powers of planning commissions in cities and villages, including the ability to review and approve land use plans, variances, and conditional uses.

For more details, refer to the full statutes linked below:

• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 61.35
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 62.23

Plan Commission Process

1. Application Review
The Plan Commission reviews applications submitted by property owners, developers, or residents. These applications could involve requests for conditional use permits, variances, annexations, and more. All necessary documentation and evidence are provided to the Commission for review.

2. Public Hearing
Following the submission of an application, the Plan Commission will hold a public hearing in which the applicant presents their case, and community members are invited to provide feedback or raise concerns.

3. Decision-Making
The Plan Commission will make a decision based on the facts presented, the Village’s comprehensive plan, and applicable zoning laws. In some cases, the Plan Commission makes recommendations to the Village Board, which has the final authority to approve or deny the proposal.

4. Village Board Action
The Village Board considers the Plan Commission’s recommendations and has the final say on the approval or denial of a proposal.

Schedule for Plan Commission Meetings

The Plan Commission meets regularly to review applications, conduct public hearings, and discuss issues related to planning and zoning. Meetings are typically held as needed and are open to the public. The public will be notified of upcoming meetings and hearings with adequate notice.

Plan Commission Members

The Plan Commission comprises five members, appointed by the Village Board for staggered three-year terms, following the establishment of the Commission.

• Chair: The Chair leads meetings, ensuring they are conducted in an organized and fair manner.
• Vice Chair: The Vice Chair assists the Chair and steps in when the Chair is unavailable.
• Commissioners: Commissioners are responsible for reviewing applications, attending public hearings, and ensuring decisions align with the community’s planning objectives.

Current Planning Commission Members

Below are the current members of the Planning Commission, appointed as part of the Commission’s establishment. These members serve staggered terms to ensure a balance of continuity and fresh perspectives.

• Chair: Alana Werner(Term Ends: April, 2028) 3-year term
• Vice Chair: Mike Clark (Term Ends: April, 2027) 2-year term
• Commissioner 1: La Vern Schroeder (Term Ends: April, 2028) 3-year term
• Commissioner 2: Marty Kaul (Term Ends: April, 2027) 2-year term
• Commissioner 3: Terri Swope (Term Ends: April, 2026) 1-year term

These terms were established to ensure a smooth transition and maintain consistency within the Commission. As the Commission moves forward, new members will be appointed for staggered 3-year terms to maintain continuity in the decision-making process.

If you are interested in serving on the Plan Commission or have any questions, please contact the Village Office at 608-378-4177 or info@villageofwarrens.com.