Like most cities, Shorewood's development review process has several steps. 

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First, an application for a project that requires permitting, including new developments or new housing (including teardowns) is submitted by the developer to the city. 

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The city Planning & Protective Inspections Department reviews the application, discusses the application with the developer and makes a recommendation about the application to the Planning Commission.   The recommendation is usually either to approve the application with conditions (other further steps that must be taken or non-city approvals that must be received) or reject the application.

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The recommendation of the Planning & Protective Inspections Department is passed to the Planning Commission, a group of five volunteer residents.  The Planning Commission has public hearings that are open to anyone to review the application.  The Planning Commission then makes recommendations to the City Council.  The Planning Commission cannot approve or reject applications but simply makes recommendations on them to the City Council.  The Planning Commission generally will approve the recommendation as presented by the Planning & Protective Inspections Department, or approve the recommendation but with additional conditions, or reject the application.  The Planning Commission also will sometimes defer decision on an application to a later meeting.  Only the first meeting to discuss an application is open for public review and comment. 

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The recommendation of the Planning & Protective Inspections Department then moves to the City Council, which can approve or reject the application as modified by the Planning & Protective Inspections Department and the Planning Commission.  The City Council meetings are open to the public and will involve public comment on any application. 

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Being Heard on Development Projects

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The Planning Commission hearing and City Council meeting to review each development are both open to the public and include periods for public comments.  Additionally, residents can reach out to City Council members, and Planning Commission and the Planning Director at any time with comments or concerns about projects. 

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