Design Review & Approval

Stone building
Landscaping
Corner of a building

Site, landscaping, and architectural alterations, as well as Conditional Uses, require design review by the City's Plan Commission. These reviews are intended to provide for the placement of all elements necessary to create a safe, functional, convenient, healthful, durable, and attractive environment. Review also seek to preserve positive features of the site and ensure development functions within the context of the site and surrounding area.

APPLICATION

Use the online Planning Application to apply for design reviews, Conditional Use permits, and other planning services.

Applications for Plan Commission review are due on the final Friday of each month. The applicant's project will be considered by the Plan Commission at the following month's meeting, which takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Review Types, reference Information, & Fees

TypeReference InformationFee
Site, Landscaping and Architectural Design Review
Level 1: Project Cost $0 - $1,999
Design Review Process (PDF)
Submittal Checklist (PDF)
Design Review Guidelines (PDF)
$125
Site, Landscaping and Architectural Design Review
Level 2: Project Cost $2,000 - $4,999
Design Review Process (PDF)
Submittal Checklist (PDF)
Design Review Guidelines (PDF)
$275
Site, Landscaping and Architectural Design Review
Level 3: Project Cost $5,000+
Design Review Process (PDF)
Submittal Checklist (PDF)
Design Review Guidelines (PDF)
$525
Conditional Use Permit
(Public Hearing Required)
Conditional Use Process (PDF)
Submittal Checklist (PDF)
Design Review Guidelines (PDF)
$525 + Plan Review fee
Rezoning and Land Use Map AmendmentsRezoning Process (PDF)$600
Master Sign Program or Sign Plan AppealMaster Sign Program Guidelines (PDF)$125
Certified Survey MapCSM Process (PDF)$750


DESIGN REVIEW GUIDELINES

View West Allis' Design Review Guidelines here

Design Review Guidelines are approval criteria that must be met as part of design review. 

Adopted in November 2022, the Guidelines serve as parameters for discussion and deliberation for the Plan Commission. The Guidelines must be met for new development or significant redevelopment projects. The Guidelines are not mandatory for minor projects, such as amendments, but still serve as a framework for review. In these cases, Plan Commission may require compliance with certain guidelines.

Finalization

Once designs have been reviewed by staff and approved by the Plan Commission, revisions and conditions of approval must be submitted to the Planning & Zoning office before necessary building permits can be approved. The following forms provide examples of common conditions of approval:

Additional Resources

Information regarding residential improvements (other than new 1-2 Unit Dwelling construction) and temporary signage may be obtained from the Code Enforcement Department. You may contact the Code Enforcement Department at 414-302-8400.

Information regarding businesses licenses may be obtained from the Clerk's Office. You may contact the Clerk's Office at 414-302-8200.