Village of Cross Plains Official Map Overview

What is an Official Map?

An Official Map is a plan implementation tool authorized under Wisconsin Statutes (Section 62.23(7)) for adoption by local governments. An Official Map is not the same as a “chamber of commerce”-type road map. It is actually an ordinance that may be used to show alignments of future roads, expanded rights-of-way for existing roads, and other existing and planned municipal facilities like stormwater facilities, potable water facilities, public works facilities, and trails and parks. When land development is proposed in an area of a facility shown on the adopted Official Map, the city or village may obtain or reserve land for that future facility through public dedication, public purchase, or reservation for future purchase.

Municipalities generally use Official Maps to show future highways and bypasses, other future arterial and collector streets, and suggested wider rights-of-way for some existing major streets. Official Maps generally show desired right-of-way widths for all future new and expanded roads, but do not show road improvement standards like pavement width or sidewalks. Official Maps rarely show planned minor streets, as their locations are usually difficult to determine in advance of development. Municipalities also typically use Official Maps to show existing and planned stormwater facilities, potable water facilities, and public works facilities. Such facilities may be added to the Official Map in the future.

Wisconsin Statutes attach some unique authority to Official Maps. For example, a city or village may require that no building permits be issued within land shown for a future public facility on its Official Map. Additionally, a community may require that no subdivision or land division may be recorded unless its arrangement conforms to the Official Map. These and related provisions may apply within both the municipal limits and within the city’s or village’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (e.g., generally up to 1½ miles outside of the limits of small cities and villages).

How has the Village developed the draft Official Map?

The idea of preparing an Official Map was first suggested in US 14 Cross Plains Operational Needs Study from 2005 and again recommended in the Village’s Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2008. The main impetus for undertaking this project is US 14. US 14 is a vital roadway that serves the Village of Cross Plains and the southwestern region of Wisconsin. However, traffic has increased 30% to 40% over the last ten years (with approximately 14,900 vehicles per day in 2005) and is beginning to exceed the capacity of the highway. While improvements are currently underway to extend the life of the current highway, the Village believes it is critical to identify a new US 14 bypass corridor around the community.

A variety of options were considered for the US 14 bypass. It is important to note that after detailed study, an “on alignment” expansion of the highway through the Village is not acceptable given the very narrow right-of-way and the resulting very substantial impact on current development. The Village considered both a northern route and using two lanes on Bourbon Road and Main Street during peak travel times before deciding on the southern route. In addition, adjusting parking arrangements and access management may be considered in the future as an interim measure. 

The Village has gathered input on the draft Official Map from a variety of stakeholders. The Map was presented to the Good Neighbor Committee (and intergovernmental group focused on information sharing) in July and November. Village staff shared the draft Map with Town of Berry representatives and the Village President presented the map to the Town of Cross Plains. Staff from WisDOT SW Region has reviewed and provided comments on the draft Map which the Village incorporated into the current draft of the Map. The Village has also received comments from residents who have concerns about the bypass. A Village Board public hearing on this issue is scheduled for February 8, 2010.

Village of Cross Plains Official Map Fact Sheet

Contact Information:

Name             Position                                              Phone             Email

Mike Schutz    Village President                                 516-6111         mschutz@charter.net 

Jan Klock        Administrator-Clerk/Treasurer           798-3241         act112@charter.net    

Jerry Gray        Director of Public Facilities                798-3241         jerrygray@charter.net 

Warren             Village Engineer                                 273-3350         Warren@tcengineers.net        

Jessica              Village Planner                                   255-3988         jschmiedicke@vandewalle.com

Paul                 Village Attorney                                  592-3877         pjohnson@lathropclark.com  

 Official Mapping Project Timeframe:

• Initial Recommendation for Bypass                2005
• First Draft of Official Map                              Spring 2009
• Good Neighborhood Committee Meeting       July 2009
• Town of Berry Meeting                                   September 2009
• Town of Cross Plains Meeting                         September 2009
• WisDOT Review                                             October 2009
• Revised Draft Official Map                             November 2009
• Presentation to Plan Commission                    December 2009
• Public Hearing                                                 February 8, 2010

 Official Mapping Statutory Reference: 62.23(7)