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Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for a bank drive-through in the General Commercial and Planned Unit Development Overlay (C2/PUD) zone at 7501 W. North Avenue, Luther Group LLC, applicant
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Submitted by:
Art Pinon
Department:
Development
A. Background/Options
The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to establish a drive-through facility for a bank proposed to be located at 7501 W. North Avenue, within the General Commercial and Planned Unit Development Overlay (C2/PUD) zoning districts.
The site is currently occupied by a bank with an existing drive-through; however, the property is proposed to be redeveloped with a newly constructed bank, including a drive-through, and a grocery store. While both the bank and grocery store are permitted uses within the C2/PUD zoning districts, the drive-through component of the bank requires approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
The proposed site plan locates the bank and drive-through at the northeast corner of the property, with a future grocery store at the western portion of the site and shared parking located to the south. Vehicular access is proposed from W. North Avenue at the north end of the property and from Watson Avenue at the south end. A one-way exit from the drive-through is proposed at the northeast corner of the site.
The proposed hours of operation for the bank are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Approximately 10 employees are expected to work at the location. The bank ATM at the drive through will be open 24 hours.
The required public hearing for this request was held before the Common Council on June 23, 2026. The applicant spoke in support of the proposal. No individuals appeared or spoke in opposition to the request.
B. Staff Comments
Planning/Zoning Division
This Conditional Use request supports the goals and objectives outlined in the City of Wauwatosa Comprehensive Plan, specifically by supporting development, improvement, and reinvestments in local commercial areas to promote a dynamic, vibrant, and accessible character and appearance as well as a mix of businesses (WCP, p. 20).
Building Division
Design Review Board approval is required for any exterior changes. Architectural supervision, plan review, and all applicable building permits are also required. A final occupancy inspection and approval must be obtained prior to occupancy.
City Assessor’s Office
Provide detailed costs of any alterations and/or new construction, as well as income & expense information when requested by the Assessor’s office
City Clerk’s Office
No comments.
Engineering Division
Site plans showing adequate water supply, sewer capacity, storm water management, traffic/access improvement, and construction staging impacts subject to approval by the Engineering Division. If the overall project will be constructed over two phases, a phasing plan must be included in the site civil submittal.
Applicant shall meet all requirements of City Code Section 24.12 pertaining to landscaping, including the requirement for a landscape performance guarantee (Section 24.12.070). Any proposed exemptions to the landscaping code are subject to approval by the Board of Public Works.
See Traffic Engineering Technical Memorandum dated July 7, 2026.
Fire Department
The project shall be designed, constructed and maintained in full compliance with all applicable national, state and local fire code requirements.
Health Department
No comments.
Police Department
No comments.
C. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval subject to:
1. Establishing hours of operation.
2. Design Review Board approval is required for any exterior changes. Architectural supervision, plan review, and all applicable building permits are also required. A final occupancy inspection and approval must be obtained prior to occupancy.
3. Per City Code 13.30.030, any building project in excess of $100,000 shall have the sanitary sewer lateral replaced or inspected and pressure tested per BPW requirements.
4. Providing detailed costs of any alterations and/or new construction, as well as income & expense as requested by the Assessor's office.
5. The project shall be designed, constructed and maintained in full compliance with all applicable national, state and local fire code requirements.
6. Prior to occupancy, at the North Avenue and East Driveway:
a. Close the existing easternmost driveways along North Avenue.
b. Construct a new East Driveway to accommodate right out only movements from the bank drive through.
7. Prior to site plan approval, the applicant shall enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City addressing all required mitigation measures for the future construction of other uses on the property.
8. Under WMC 24.16.040I., a Conditional Use will lapse and have no further effect eighteen (18) months after it is approved by the Common Council, unless a building permit has been issued (if required); the use or structure has been lawfully established; or unless a different lapse of approval period or point of expiration has been expressly established by the Common Council.
9. Obtaining other required licenses, permits, and approvals.