The Pfiffner Building is located at 425 Franklin St. in Stevens Point. (Metro Wire photo)

Public input sessions begin in May for comprehensive zoning code rewrite

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT – For the first time in nearly half a century, Stevens Point is launching a full rewrite of its zoning code to better align with the city’s modern-day needs and long-term vision.

It’s a massive undertaking, according to Community Development Director Jarod Kivela, as it “sets the stage for everything that comes after, in regards to construction and zoning.”

The Common Council on Feb. 17 authorized city staff to begin the overhaul, which is expected to take more than two years. The city’s zoning code, originally adopted in 1936, was last rewritten in 1979 and has only seen piecemeal amendments since.

Mayor Mike Wiza said the effort is a long time coming.

“While we make periodic changes to the zoning code, as we see the need, this will be our first comprehensive rewrite in decades,” Wiza said. “Ideals come and go, and we tend to shift our thinking as new ideas emerge or technology advances. This rewrite is our chance to set the tone for our community for a generation or more. I encourage people to be part of that process.”

City officials will collect community input through surveys, focus groups, and 13 neighborhood meetings. Several of those meetings have already been scheduled:

  • Northside: May 20, 5:30 p.m. at the Pfiffner Building

  • Business & Industrial Park: June 4, 4:00 p.m. at Stevens Point Transportation, 2700 Week St.

  • Stanley Street: June 10, 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s UMC, 600 Wilshire Blvd.

  • McDill Pond: June 23, 5:00 p.m. at The Commons Atrium, 2801 Hoover Rd.

  • Westside: July 8, 5:30 p.m. at MSTC CER 634/635, 1001 Centerpoint Dr.

  • Highway 10: July 24, 5:30 p.m. at Beloved Community Church, 900 Brilowski Rd.

  • District 1 & Division Street: July 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Pacelli High School Auditorium, 1301 Maria Dr.

  • Jefferson & Dixon Streets: August 19, 5:00 p.m. at Seramur Park, 1401 East Ave.

  • Church & Patch Streets: September 10, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at McKinley Elementary School Library, 2926 Blaine St.

  • Ice Cream District: October 9, 5:30 p.m. at MSTC CER 634/635, 1001 Centerpoint Dr.

Dates for meetings in the Downtown, Campus, District 11, Church and Patch streets, and Division Street areas are still to be determined.

The rewrite process is expected to continue through mid-2027. Additional information, including future meeting announcements and a feedback form, is available at stevenspoint.com/1463/Zoning-Code-Rewrite.

Residents who are unable to attend a meeting can submit comments to Adam Kuhn, associate planner and zoning administrator, at [email protected] or 715-342-4158.