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Plan Commission opens broad review of SR6 rules to enable duplexes, townhouses and ADUs
Summary
The Plan Commission heard detailed staff proposals Tuesday to expand housing types in the SR6 district — including duplexes, townhouses and accessory dwelling units — and directed staff to prepare draft code amendments for further review.
The City of Marshfield Plan Commission discussed a range of possible zoning changes Tuesday aimed at allowing more small-scale multifamily housing — including duplexes, twin homes, townhouses, limited apartments and accessory dwelling units — in and near the downtown area.
Planner Bryce Henbrook presented several scenarios for the SR6 single-family residential district, ranging from no change to allowing duplexes, twin homes and townhouses up to four units by right; allowing apartments and multiplexes up to four units by conditional use; creating a new small-scale residential "missing middle" zoning district; encouraging rezonings to Neighborhood Mixed Use; and expanding allowance for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). "What I'm looking for is if there is a certain direction that you would like to move," Henbrook said.
Henbrook and commissioners discussed market constraints: Henbrook said adding units often triggers more stringent building-code requirements once a structure becomes a multi-unit building, and that small 3–4 unit projects can be costly to construct under commercial building standards. He also noted that many local inquiries are about adding a unit to an existing property rather than building brand-new three- or four-unit buildings. "What he kind of been getting, on his end in terms of any inquiries... is about just adding another unit to their property," Henbrook said of the zoning administrator's experience.
Commissioners voiced broad support for expanding options. Several members favored allowing duplexes and twin homes in SR6 and considering townhouses; others encouraged exploring ADUs in SR6 and SR4. Commissioner Mike said he preferred a less-restrictive approach and supported allowing duplexes and townhouses by right. Commissioner John supported the staff-preferred "missing middle" approach that would require rezonings on a case-by-case basis so the commission and Common Council could vet locations and design.
Henbrook said staff will prepare draft text amendments and redline options for the commission, including potential ADU language and design guidance for small-scale infill, and encouraged more public outreach and educational materials because many residents do not know their property's zoning. No formal vote was taken; commissioners asked staff to return with specific draft language and illustrative options.
