Recurring Updated

ordinance variance appeals

Requests to override city rules on where someone may live

What to Watch
Watch whether the Jul 31 Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing is tied to a specific zoning variance appeal and whether any written decision standards are spelled out.
Coming Up
The Story

The last concrete action on this topic was a 9-0 City Council vote denying a request to waive the city’s sex-offender residency limits under Chapter 9-9. Next up on the calendar is a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting with a listed public hearing item, but the agenda text doesn’t say what it’s for.

Key Decisions
  1. passed 9-0 City Council · Dec 15, 2025

    25-251 Consider Appeal for a Variance from the City Residency Restrictions Applicable to Sex Offenders, Per Chapter 9-9 of City Ordinances

    Motion to deny the appeal, consistent with the recommendation of the Chief of Police

    Mark Bittner Yes
    Doug Brandt Yes
    Shannon Derby Yes
    Bill LeClair Yes
    Darla LeClair Yes
    Tim Petri Yes
    Bonnie Shimulunas Yes
    Scott Stechmesser Yes
    Adam Wachowski Yes
Record

  1. City Council voted to deny a request to waive the city’s sex-offender residency restrictions under Chapter 9-9.

    City Council

  2. Reasons stated for denial included: the nature of the offense; no qualifying exemption or prior residency tie to the city; inaccuracies in the waiver request; and that the applicant purchased a residence despite knowing the ordinance restrictions.

    City Council

  3. Council treated the request as an enforcement decision rather than a hardship exception.

    City Council
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