Getting Started
Your first step is to visit the City of Racine Building Department. Building Department staff will provide you with an application and list of required documents to be submitted in order for your request to be considered.
It is strongly suggested that you schedule a preapplication meeting with the City Development Staff prior to submitting your application.
Conditional Use Permit
A conditional Use Permit is required permit for automotive repair, service and storage businesses.
This allows the City of Racine to minimize the impact on neighboring properties.
Review Process
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) applications have a 3-step review process.
- Review One: City Development Staff
City Development Staff will review your application for completeness and begine preparing for a public hearing.
- Review Two: City Plan Commission
A public hearing will be held to hear support or concern from the public.
The Plan commission will consider the request, make recommendations and submit the recommedations to the Common Council.
- Review Three: Common Council
The common Council considers the recommendations at a council meeting, typically the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month.
The Common Council will approve or deny the Plan Commissions recommendations.
If approved, a letter is sent to you outlining the action and any requirements or restrictions that were included.
Occupancy Certificate
A Conditional Use Permit does NOT replace an Occupancy Certificate.
The Occupancy Application is available in the Building Department
Once you submit your application, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with the City’s Building, Fire, Plumbing, and Electrical Inspectors. They will conduct inspections and ensure compliance with applicable City, State, and Commercial Building Codes.
An Occupancy Certificate will be issued once the buidling is in complicance and conditions of the Conditional Use Permit are complied with.
It is recommended that you begin the process after you recieved a recommentation of approval for your Conditional User Permit from the City Plan Commission
Things to keep in mind
Depending on when a complete application is recieved, the review process can take up to 60 days. Plan accordingly.
Compliance with the permit requirements must occur within 12 months of the date of approval, unless otherwise specified.
The property/business owner must comply with all conditions of approval as long as the business is operation or until property ownership changes. whichever is longer. If violations are observed, fines will be imposed!
If violations are not corrected timely, the City can proceed to revoke the permit.
