City of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance Rewrite

The City of Oshkosh, Wisconsin is soliciting proposals for a comprehensive zoning ordinance rewrite through this Request for Proposals (RFP). The procurement seeks qualified planning and zoning consultants, multidisciplinary firms, or teams to replace the City's existing zoning code—originally drafted in the 1970s with subsequent updates in 1996 and 2017—with a modernized, graphic-rich, and user-friendly ordinance. The project objectives include supporting predictable development outcomes, reducing administrative burdens, and reflecting current technology and market conditions. Key deliverables include a diagnostic review of the current code, public outreach through interviews and open houses, development of solutions and code outline, preparation of a draft ordinance with stakeholder presentations, creation of maps and graphics identifying zoning inconsistencies, legal consultation, and assistance with adoption presentations. All work products must be submitted in multiple formats including Microsoft Word and PDF compatible with the City's GIS system, editable zoning map data, and graphics in source formats, along with monthly progress reports and quarterly Plan Commission meetings. The project timeline must not exceed 12 to 18 months, with a proposed budget capped at $125,000 including all travel and incidental costs. Evaluation criteria include consultant qualifications and experience with similar-sized communities, demonstrated understanding of project objectives, proposed price, examples of completed related projects, and overall proposal quality. The RFP timeline includes questions due March 2, 2026, with responses posted March 6, 2026, and proposals due March 23, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. to BSlusarek@oshkoshwi.gov. Potential finalist interviews are scheduled for April 1, 2026, with Plan Commission selection on April 7, 2026 and Common Council selection on April 14, 2026.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting proposal submissions to particular organization types or disadvantaged enterprises. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the documentation. The City requires integration with its existing GIS system infrastructure, necessitating deliverables compatible with this platform and the provision of editable zoning map data. Wisconsin reference clients are preferred but not mandatory. The total project budget is not to exceed $125,000, and consultants must provide hourly rates and estimated expenses as part of their proposals. The City reserves the right to reject all proposals and reissue the RFP and is not obligated to accept the lowest-cost proposal. All materials and work products become the sole property of the City of Oshkosh upon completion.