Madison Reporter

In a recent development, the City of Madison's Common Council has voted to approve additional housing options for residents, aiming to address the gap in housing between single-family homes and large apartment buildings. The unanimous decision brings significant changes to the city's zoning code, expanding the availability of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for the community.

The decision allows ADUs to be constructed on a lot with up to eight dwelling units, removing the previous requirement for the property owner to live on-site. This alteration in the zoning regulations marks a pivotal moment for housing in Madison, as Alders aim to cater to the "missing middle" in housing options within the city.

According to a council member, "The goal of the change is to allow for modest increases in housing density while creating more housing options to address the 'missing middle' in Madison." This move is expected to pave the way for a more diverse range of housing choices for residents.

Another significant aspect of the decision is the elimination of the owner-occupancy requirement for buildings with 3 to 8 units. As expressed by a council representative, "Since many owners of buildings containing between 3 and 8 units do not live in those buildings and owner-occupancy restrictions can be an obstacle to obtaining mortgage financing, the hope is eliminating the owner occupancy requirement with the latest zoning changes will lead to more ADUs being built."

While the current number of Accessory Dwelling Units in Madison is relatively low, with only 32 built or under construction since 2012, these changes are seen as incremental steps towards expanding housing options within the city. As stated by a source, "The number of Accessory Dwelling Units currently in the City of Madison is not high – a total of 32 have been built or are under construction since 2012 – but these changes are another piece of the puzzle in creating more housing options in the City of Madison."

The recent decision by the Common Council underscores a commitment to enhancing housing diversity and availability in Madison, marking a positive step towards addressing the evolving needs of the city's residents.