Madison makes changes to encourage more ADUs

The city of Madison is loosening guidelines on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to encourage more lower-cost housing units, according to an article from the Wisconsin State Journal. The changes make it easier for single-family homeowners to create small backyard homes and carriage homes on their properties. The city is offering $400,000 in low-interest loans to encourage more of the projects. ADUs have been allowed in the city since 2013 but were required to go through a conditional use process for approval. Now, ADUs are permitted use in all zoning districts where single-family homes are allowed, without any special approval. ADUs can be up 900 square feet but are limited to no more than two bedrooms.