Lakefront Property Housing Codes Changes and Planning Process

The City of Portage Council's priority FY 2023-2024 included addressing development challenges of the unique physical characteristics of lakefront properties. And, in July 2024, approved an ordinance creating new flexible zoning standards reflecting the city's commitment to balance residents' concerns with sustainable growth and development in lakefront areas.

Below is a summary of the planning process, community involvement, and new standards. 

Community Engagement

Fall/ Winter 2023 

Kicked off a planning process with city staff researching various data on lakefront property, such as past variance requests, development patterns, and property dimension elements. 

December/ January 2024

The survey link was mailed to lakefront property owners. 121 online surveys were received. View the Lakefront Property Housing Codes survey results. A neighborhood open house was provided, attracting nearly 100 lakefront residents to learn about the Lakefront Property Housing Codes Study.  Attendees visited with city staff to discuss and provide various lakefront home development/ redevelopment challenges. 71 individuals provided written comments.

March/ April 2024

After the open house and survey, city staff drafted new zoning language based on input about various land use challenges. Main topics included driveway widths, waterfront views, drainage, yard setbacks, and rebuilding of older homes/ garages.

May 2024

City staff presented a draft ordinance to the Planning Commission. The Commission supported the draft ordinance and forwarded it to the City Council for final vote. 

July 2024

The council voted to approve the draft ordinance. This made significant steps to address development challenges and improve living conditions in Portage's lakefront neighborhoods.

Overview of Changes

The adopted ordinance provides several key modifications to the current zoning code. 

Lake View Sheds and Flexible Yard Setbacks:

Previous Regulation: Most lakefront houses could have a rear yard (lakefront) setback of 40 feet. Substandard lot sizes were allowed a reduced rear yard setback of 30 feet.

New Amendment: The rear yard setback reduction for substandard lot sizes has been eliminated, maintaining a consistent 40-foot setback for all lots. This establishes a consistent viewshed for all along the lake.  To offset the reduced building space on the lakeside on the smaller (nonconforming) lots, they may now build closer to the street with a 20-foot minimum front yard setback instead of 25 feet. Additionally, the ordinance prohibits the artificial raising of grades which has led to cases of new houses creating a shadow or canyon effect on adjacent houses and affecting the views of neighbors. 

Detached Garage Setbacks: 

Previous Regulation: Existing detached garages could not be rebuilt if they were closer than 25-27 feet to the front lot line (ROW line), depending on the lot size.

New Amendment: Flexibility is provided by allowing garages to be rebuilt at least 20 feet from the front property line if they are rebuilt with the door facing the street, or at least 15 feet from the front property line with the door not facing the street (i.e. side-loaded garage).

Driveway Regulations:

Previous Regulation: Driveways were allowed a maximum average width of 24 feet for lot widths of 100 feet or less, and 30 feet for wider lots. And the driveway could not cover more than 50% of the front yard area (i.e. yard space between the house and street)

New Amendment: Driveway width is now standardized to a maximum average of 30 feet. Covering more than 50% of the front yard area is allowed but an engineered drainage plan must be provided. Also, acceptable driveway material is expanded to allow alternative materials such as previous pavers.