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Plan commission advances discussion on ADUs, household definition and basements; public input sought
Summary
The Shorewood Plan Commission continued work on a 2025 housing initiative that would allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), propose raising the household adult limit from three to four, and remove the prohibition on sleeping space in basements; staff will return with refined proposals and public engagement plans.
The Shorewood Plan Commission advanced discussion on three housing‑policy items — accessory dwelling units (ADUs), an updated household definition, and removing the ban on sleeping space in basements — and asked staff to return with refined materials for public engagement.
Planning staff said ADUs are smaller independent residential units accessory to a primary one‑ or two‑unit household and can be internal (attic or basement), attached (small addition) or detached (conversion of an accessory building such as a garage). Staff presented examples and regulations used elsewhere and noted ADUs are not currently permitted in Shorewood.
Staff cited reference documents used in the village’s 2025 initiative, including a comprehensive housing market study and the Village comprehensive plan, and compared local options with other Wisconsin cities. Wauwatosa has allowed ADUs since 2019 but built only two in that period, staff said, and Wauwatosa now offers incentives to encourage construction. Milwaukee recently reintroduced ADU permissions; staff said Milwaukee’s rules allow units up to 1,000 square…
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