City of Hartford - Permit Center

Special Exception

Description Upon written petition, the City may, on a case-by-case basis, grant a special exception for those development standards specifically noted as special exceptions in the zoning code.

Decisionmaker The Plan Commission makes the final decision.

Appeals The Plan Commission's decision can be appealed to the Coomon Council within 30 calendar days of the date of the decision.

Application Fee

There is no fee

Upcoming Meetings

Plan Commission - May Review

Date Reviewed:

May 12, 2025 ─ 10:30 PM

Filing Deadline:

April 21, 2025 ─ 9:00 PM

Plan Commission - June Review

Date Reviewed:

June 9, 2025 ─ 10:30 PM

Filing Deadline:

May 19, 2025 ─ 9:00 PM

Plan Commission - July Review

Date Reviewed:

July 14, 2025 ─ 10:30 PM

Filing Deadline:

June 23, 2025 ─ 9:00 PM

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Notes

1. In order for an application to be heard on a given meeting date, the application (including forms, fees, plans, reports, etc.) must be submitted AND deemed complete by City staff on or before the corresponding submittal date. Because of that, you may want to submit your application before the submittal date. That way, we may be able to let you know if anything is missing and you'll have some time to perhaps get it done before the deadline.

2. Meeting dates and their corresponding submittal dates are subject to change.

Submit Application

Frequently Asked Questions

If I submit an application and it is not approved, can I get my application fee back?

Application fees are not refundable. They are intended to cover the costs necessary to review the application.

What is a determination of completeness?

When we receive a development application, staff will review the materials to make sure the application submittal is complete and ready for formal review. If an application submittal is not complete, staff will notify the applicant and describe the parts that are not complete.

A determination that an application is complete means the application is ready for formal review and does not suggest the applicant has provided sufficient information in all regards or preclude the reviewing authority from requesting additional information it deems appropriate.

Can a decision of the Plan Commission be appealed?

Although the Plan Commission generally makes recommendations, there are some instances where the Commission makes the final decision (e.g., conditional uses). Those decisions can be appealed to circuit court. An appeal must be made soon after the decision has been made.

View all Frequently Asked Questions

Primary Staff Contact

Jacob Maas, Director of Community Development

(262) 673-8265

jmaas@hartford.wi.gov

About Reviewers

The following are involved in the review of this type of application.

The Plan Commission is a 7-member body established by the Common Council to review certain development projects and act on other matters. Depending on the type of the development proposal, the commission may be advisory to the Common Council or have the authority to make the final decision.

Planning staff provides technical support to the Common Council, Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, developers, neighbors, and other interested parties to facilitate the development review process.

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Everyone involved in reviewing development projects help ensure they align with City regulations and long-term planning goals to foster positive growth and development.

Zoning Code | Permit Center | Special Exception