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Bill > SB247

WI SB247

WI SB247
Local and private regulation of accessory dwelling units. (FE)

summary

Introduced
05/09/2025
In Committee
05/09/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires political subdivisions with zoning ordinances to allow as a use permitted by right at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on each parcel on which single-family or multi-family residential use is a use permitted by right. The bill also prohibits political subdivisions from doing any of the following: 1. Charging fees, other than standard building permit fees, related to the addition of an ADU to a parcel. 2. Providing dimensional, physical, design, or locational requirements that apply to ADUs, but do not apply to single-family dwellings. 3. Providing standards, other than standards relating to habitability, that apply to ADUs but do not apply to other accessory structures. 4. Imposing any additional parking requirements to parcels on the basis of the existence of an ADU. 5. Requiring the installation of a separate utility connection to an ADU. The bill also provides that any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in a deed or other instrument affecting real property that prohibits or unreasonably restricts the construction, maintenance, or use of an ADU is void and unenforceable and prohibits a homeowners[ association from restricting or preventing the construction, maintenance, or use of an ADU, except to the extent necessary to protect public health and safety. LRB-0105/1 EVM&KRP:amn&wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 247 Because this bill may increase or decrease, directly or indirectly, the cost of the development, construction, financing, purchasing, sale, ownership, or availability of housing in this state, the Department of Administration, as required by law, will prepare a report to be printed as an appendix to this bill. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill requires counties, towns, and cities with zoning ordinances to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on parcels where single-family or multi-family residential use is permitted. An ADU is defined as a residential unit located on the same parcel as an existing dwelling that provides complete independent living facilities, and it can be within, attached to, or detached from the main dwelling. The bill prohibits local governments from charging additional fees for ADUs beyond standard building permit fees, imposing unique dimensional or design requirements, creating special standards, requiring extra parking, or mandating separate utility connections. For ADUs on single-family parcels, localities may limit the size to 75% of the existing dwelling's square footage. The bill also invalidates any deed restrictions, homeowners association rules, or other covenants that prohibit or unreasonably restrict ADU construction, maintenance, or use, with the only allowable restrictions being those necessary to protect public health and safety. The legislative intent behind this bill is to remove barriers to creating additional housing units on existing residential properties, potentially increasing housing availability and affordability.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (13)

Last Action

Housing report received pursuant to s. 13.099 (2) Wisconsin Statutes (on 06/13/2025)
(1 Companion Bills)

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