If you live in or around Madison, WI, you might have heard a thing or two about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the news lately. That’s because there have recently been some changes to ADU zoning laws that make it easier for homeowners in Madison to add these versatile living spaces to their properties. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know and how these changes might impact your plans for an ADU:
What is an ADU?
An accessory dwelling unit is a secondary housing unit built on the same lot as a primary residence. ADUs can come in many forms: a separate garage apartment, a basement conversion, a detached guest house, or even a small backyard cottage. They’re typically self-contained, with their own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Whether you use this area to house a family member, generate rental income, or simply add space, an ADU can significantly increase the functionality and value of your property.
Recent Changes to ADU Zoning in Madison
Madison’s city government has recently made it easier for homeowners to build ADUs by changing local zoning laws. The city has relaxed some of the more stringent regulations, allowing for more flexibility. The city began allowing ADUs to be built back in 2013. The city council changed the zoning code in 2021 to shorten the approval process and again last year to allow ADUs to be built adjacent to buildings with as many as eight units and to eliminate the requirement that the owner live on the property. Currently, the city government is mulling over another series of updates aimed at loosening setback requirements for side yards, removing the city’s Usable Open Space requirement, increasing the ADU’s allowable interior square footage, eliminating the limit on the number of bedrooms, and more.
Why Work with an Experienced ADU Builder?
Even with all the recent changes, building an ADU requires extensive knowledge of location zoning laws, building codes, and design considerations. If you’re seriously considering adding an ADU to your property, it’s important to work with an experienced ADU builder.
Here at Westring Construction LLC., we’re one of the few construction firms in or around Madison with experience building ADUs. We can help you navigate the complexities of the zoning process before creating a custom ADU that fits your exactly needs. Give us a call at 608-441-5435 today to get started on bringing your vision to life!