Zoning Code Rewrite

The City of Sun Prairie's Planning Department is seeking a qualified consultant team to perform a comprehensive zoning code rewrite and develop new development regulations through RFP #23-PLA28. The project aims to create a modern, form-based code that supports the city's 2019 Comprehensive Plan goals of creating complete neighborhoods with diverse housing types, active commercial nodes, and improved physical design. Key deliverables include a detailed project plan, stakeholder engagement activities, public hearing attendance, and a final zoning code with graphics, illustrations, and editable electronic format compatible with Municode. The RFP was issued on June 14, 2023, with proposals due by July 26, 2023, at 12:00 PM CST. The contract term spans 24 months from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2025, with a potential one-year extension. Evaluation criteria include firm qualifications (25 points), relevant experience (25 points), cost (25 points), sustainability (10 points), DBE/WBE/DVB certification status (10 points), and local preference (5 points). Minimum requirements mandate credentialed community planners with expertise in form-based codes, public engagement, inclusive processes, social equity, and sustainability integration.

The RFP encourages participation from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE), and Disabled Veteran Businesses (DVB), with specific scoring considerations for these certifications. Local vendors within Sun Prairie receive additional preference points in the evaluation process. The project is partially funded through the City's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation and Planning Department general operating funds, with a established budget of $150,000 for project completion. Proposers are required to demonstrate how they can accomplish project objectives within this budget or identify potential scope expansion needs. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any proposals and may terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice. All proposal information is subject to Wisconsin Public Records Law, with trade secrets requiring clear identification. The project aims to improve the development entitlement process by increasing predictability, streamlining approvals, and allowing more housing types by-right, with the new code designed to function effectively across various urban and suburban contexts.