[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6278182,"mediaKeyId","2641820-9966f922145724b521ef653af00aec3a","parentId",2641820,"title","City amends zoning code to allow larger pool covers, accessory dwelling units and to manage digital billboards","audioSeconds",729,"startMs",1051000,"endMs",1780000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2641820-9966f922145724b521ef653af00aec3a&start=1051&end=1780","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2641820-9966f922145724b521ef653af00aec3a/thumbnail_1051000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6278182/Fond-du-Lac-City/Fond-du-Lac-County/Wisconsin/City-amends-zoning-code-to-allow-larger-pool-covers-accessory-dwelling-units-and-to-manage-digital-billboards","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278182-35238673183a93a1e5a39eb49d161697/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148844&Signature=nj9VOHyS~USFBqDd7Ufum4rMnr3C1wOWr~YtzsUfTnEs8V2gDaMI3Ulp9N9mnF2tsLhzFb-EsDSeHv~9gplhsQtV5W3R5UyThiCmH18GjCs7Ges38SG-B8HXJmY5yr-GGVGIDEULSpDFxfPZaje3A-kGB0JFt1MK708GDUrvEaEwfQMAwJdnRassID~e3Si1MzkrcTrYDT66mOflMuBfYXPraw8NBp0HPQ8lHmANdST8uXLchmJ~a0Sftqs6pjXGPtHlup90fTlmf7c6HK2z6K9GETb9ZNgUIXArLVqmUzVk-On~oALkOfAGQ4rgEMVf0AstKE8Re41tcwf0PVX1gA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-15T01:01:16.123Z","article","The Fond du Lac City Council on Feb. 26 approved Ordinance 3809, amending chapters 255 and 720 of the city code to update rules for pools, accessory dwelling units, accessory structures and billboards. The ordinance passed with one councilmember recorded as voting no.

Community Development Director Benson outlined the ordinance package and said it reflects technical updates and policy choices from recent plan commission hearings. On pools, the code will allow in-ground pool covers rated to hold up to 450 pounds for lots of 15,000 square feet or more as an alternative to mandated fences, based on research with manufacturers, other communities and state standards. Benson said those larger lots provide more separation between properties.

Regarding accessory structures, Benson said the amendment replaces fixed-size limits that were disproportionately small for larger lots with a proportional approach so accessory storage buildings and detached garages scale with lot size; the ordinance also adjusts detached garage size to accommodate larger modern vehicles.

On billboards, the code now acknowledges that some interstate billboards exceed sizes in the previous code and allows the city to account for those existing interstate signs so conversions to digital signs can be mitigated through a removal/mitigation policy: generally, one new digital sign would require removal of two static signs elsewhere, Benson said.

The ordinance also creates a regulatory path for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential properties under specified conditions; Benson said the city will begin with ADUs for single-family homes and monitor impacts before expanding to other districts. Councilmembers expressed support for ADUs as a measured approach to housing supply, while Councilmember Leering said she prefers clearer agenda separation when multiple ordinances are bundled to make public review easier.

The council voted to adopt the ordinance (motion by Heisler, second by Godfrey); the transcript records the measure passed with Councilmember Schusser recorded as voting nay. No amendments or additional implementation directives were recorded in the meeting minutes excerpt.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Fond du Lac City Council Meeting || 6pm || 2/26/25","oneSentenceSummary","Ordinance 3809, which amends zoning and related code chapters, passed with one dissenting vote. Changes include allowing certain in-ground pool covers on larger lots, updated accessory structure size rules, rules to mitigate digital billboard conversions, and a phased approach to accessory dwelling units (ADUs).","taxTitle","Fond du Lac City, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin","taxId",56044,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6278185,"Council authorizes FTA grant applications required to continue transit funding",44,788000,832000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2641820-9966f922145724b521ef653af00aec3a&start=788&end=832","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2641820-9966f922145724b521ef653af00aec3a/thumbnail_788000.jpg","/articles/6278185/Fond-du-Lac-City/Fond-du-Lac-County/Wisconsin/Council-authorizes-FTA-grant-applications-required-to-continue-transit-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278185-baee0a331c8a6ed80c1529b66cfe41ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148844&Signature=jhEzV1-OQc5QcsrwX9~Q0P3hk5NU~FWpT2iHA5VFse~M5X38gqEs7BlhCpyd5uj1H1G0dnyNmNaHbjE1cdUBaJ0wTmB1MER9IV5ocPBwmw5yCscSNGlmWLBX5TVm8oc98ECkAzflluWlFMZ2YlL~I9~FurUdnTDDuZh~hZ5v4Iv1Gx8OV~ZSLqfhry04zU3Jo2biV07JLJUhyL0FJkvdYh0wk6VleeeMD1txsuBI~D~oZqQZ3N3uw6-dWzS3QpboYXSaa9u3r84my6aMK6c7JgZdhvLr1IBjObnTYQv7oqq~~c0n4Gsf7m8gPWyhKjs76hOEkrCxZ~uxOylGfVfzeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fond du Lac City Council unanimously approved Resolution 9168 on Feb. 26 authorizing filing of applications with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and other federal programs to continue receiving federal transportation assistance.

Public Works Director DeVries introduced the item, describing it as a routine authorizing resolution required periodically for agencies that receive federal transit funds and noting the council’s approval was needed by the following week to keep grant processes on schedule. “This is a request from FTA for all agencies receiving funds from the federal government,” DeVries said, and recommended approval. The council voted to adopt the resolution without additional discussion.

The resolution references federal statutes administered by the FTA, including 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 and Title 23 U.S. Code where applicable. The transcript records no discussion of specific grant amounts, project details or local match requirements; staff indicated the authorization helps “keep our grants going in order.”

","Resolution 9168 authorizes the city to file required grant applications with the Federal Transit Administration; staff said the resolution is a routine authorization needed to keep federal transit funding in place.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6278189,"Council proclaims May 3 World Migratory Bird Day; local events planned",247,493000,740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2641820-9966f922145724b521ef653af00aec3a&start=493&end=740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2641820-9966f922145724b521ef653af00aec3a/thumbnail_493000.jpg","/articles/6278189/Fond-du-Lac-City/Fond-du-Lac-County/Wisconsin/Council-proclaims-May-3-World-Migratory-Bird-Day-local-events-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278189-1af6b4707b64305ab2472e7b8240dfc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148844&Signature=aInPmVYLY9O5dfzs9~hUhXwTV9Z9HnnvirkcFiUrfPRJWsCm7Vnxg1cTcHi3sfqgGlmybOR6gRAYqqug8kbBlM8nH8JhpqSl2oze2VD3uPzAlyNfttpYs4F5jN-2R-uL7399LUywHRUa3thTA8SFiIbn-w9hoNRvHHXWQgXL35leELFpIEJBCwPUcNYHRUSTRFBd-XxeUCg6hhuwGQSO89iul4C3V8W8zlB~UKcpaW43ZfRVTvHvJ7kMoilWeZft-XKbaf8hjVT9tdXOujOKwNMFmMIpgncKMJv2BkxoDmohqXcpEYod-YPOy0y3JoPGqA4UL9xLOE1nYXJBuYf0kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fond du Lac City Council unanimously approved Resolution 9167 on Feb. 26 declaring May 3 as World Migratory Bird Day in the city and enabling related outreach and events.

Laura de Gallier, a resident and science writer who spoke at the meeting, urged adoption of the resolution and described local birding and educational events planned for April 24 and May 2–3, including a library program that will feature a rehabilitated kestrel. “World Migratory Bird Day is here to remind all of us that birds are an essential part of our world,” de Gallier said, noting a long-term decline in bird populations.

Public Works Director DeVries introduced the resolution and said the city regularly applies for recognition as a Bird City and that adopting the resolution supports that application. DeVries recommended approval and offered to answer questions; none were raised by councilmembers. Councilmember Mullen moved the resolution; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Heisler and passed unanimously.

The resolution was presented alongside plans for guided bird walks and an evening program at the library; the meeting transcript lists dates for those events but does not record a city-funded budget allocation tied to the resolution. The council thanked residents and staff who helped complete the application and organize the events.

","The council unanimously approved Resolution 9167 declaring May 3 World Migratory Bird Day in Fond du Lac. Supporters described local birding events and urged the city’s continued participation in Bird City efforts.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6278193,"Fond du Lac council adopts ordinance tightening rules on dangerous dogs and nuisances",892,119000,1011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2641820-9966f922145724b521ef653af00aec3a&start=119&end=1011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2641820-9966f922145724b521ef653af00aec3a/thumbnail_119000.jpg","/articles/6278193/Fond-du-Lac-City/Fond-du-Lac-County/Wisconsin/Fond-du-Lac-council-adopts-ordinance-tightening-rules-on-dangerous-dogs-and-nuisances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278193-98ec1acefb3681b8bdad60009082de7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148844&Signature=Ytdew7dJo0-FfNAI4v0P2IZJsIQHpiExFZ35~NDfr71xWAUq2~4UK99oKnpffR6UVsSzFWrs~TDYQV2ix-nYhG~Ko0ydwpTA~YS3umbBFCjYDcNVC4wxvT4rCIdTD0Sl8qK-goQusS3BOeSkpRydCBJb6mhPPSypj8LI1KvpZ3jac8VYEqsKzk1Gc0hWuJlNx7HOssryDGtyyvW2C6Z1y4KKJyNgTaNjharEvh0U9n3qSN9EK4AEZv9mGpNY3l453koEajJbIbvVwW-XX0PA9QqHOpEFH6hdTF~drQXefstqaqlfS-GoCqPBUnMCGPhuZvj9f2-XFsC4vIsqn0mI7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fond du Lac City Council on Feb. 26 adopted Ordinance 3808, a broad amendment to city code addressing alcohol in parks, dangerous dogs, animal bites and related topics, after public comments urging stronger enforcement of dangerous-dog provisions.

The ordinance, introduced by City Attorney Hoffman, adds language clarifying that “nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting the abatement of a public nuisance by the city or its officials in accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin and/or chapter 476 of the code of the city of Fond du Lac,” a change Councilmember Schuessler requested and the attorney said was intended to align the ordinance with other state code references. Hoffman recommended approval and said the revisions, together with state law and other city code sections, address dog-related issues.

The measure’s passage followed public comment from neighborhood residents who described repeated problematic encounters with dogs. Jim Thomas, a resident who said his family’s situation started in August, thanked the council and staff for drafting the changes and urged the city to ensure the new rules are enforced. “We can say all we want on paper, but if there’s no action taken on what we have written down, then it’s pretty much useless,” Thomas said. Peggy Zechek, another resident, described filing a police report and not hearing back, and said she hopes the ordinance will be enforced if similar incidents recur.

Councilmembers who spoke praised the ordinance and the role of residents in prompting the changes. Councilmember Mullen thanked the city attorney and Councilmember Schuessler for adding the nuisance language and said the package represented progress, while others echoed appreciation for the community input. The council then voted to approve the ordinance; the meeting record shows the motion passed unanimously.

Discussion vs. decision: attendees raised enforcement questions during public comment and in council discussion; City Attorney Hoffman and staff said state code and the city’s existing code provide authority for abatement and enforcement, and the ordinance adds clarifying language. The council’s formal action was the adoption of Ordinance 3808; the council did not attach additional directions or a specific enforcement plan in the meeting minutes.

The ordinance amends multiple parts of the city code tied to park rules, animal bites and dangerous-dog provisions and explicitly cross-references state law and chapter 476 of the city code. Residents who testified asked for clarity about which office or department will carry enforcement responsibility; the council discussion acknowledged enforcement is important but did not record a specific assignment of enforcement duties at the meeting.

The council moved on to other items after the vote.

","The Fond du Lac City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 3808, amending multiple code chapters to strengthen dangerous-dog rules and clarify nuisance abatement; residents who raised the issue urged stronger enforcement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City amends zoning code to allow larger pool covers, accessory dwelling units and to manage digital billboards

Council authorizes FTA grant applications required to continue transit funding

Council proclaims May 3 World Migratory Bird Day; local events planned

Fond du Lac council adopts ordinance tightening rules on dangerous dogs and nuisances