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Council approves zoning changes to allow accessory dwelling units, larger pool covers and billboard mitigation
Summary
Ordinance 3809, amending zoning and land-use chapters, passed after debate; changes cover in-ground pool cover standards, accessory structure proportionality, detached garage sizes, billboard mitigation and a pilot approach to accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
The Fond du Lac City Council on Feb. 26 approved ordinance 3809, which amends Chapters 255 and 720 of the city code to update standards for pools, accessory structures and lot sizes, billboards and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Community Development Director Ms. Benson summarized the ordinance as a package of technical zoning updates and policy steps toward housing options. On pools, the ordinance allows certain in-ground pool covers rated to carry 450 pounds to substitute for fences on lots of 15,000 square feet or larger, based on manufacturer standards and peer-city research. Benson said the change responds to new cover technology and homeowner requests.
On accessory structures, the code replaces fixed maximums with proportional limits so larger lots may have proportionally larger accessory storage buildings; the ordinance also adjusts standards for detached garage sizes to reflect larger modern vehicles.
The ordinance creates a billboard mitigation program: by recognizing the existing size of larger interstate billboards in code, the city can allow conversion to digital signage only if static signs elsewhere are removed under a 2-for-1 mitigation policy. Benson said the change “creates the possibility that when they convert those to digital, we can now get rid of some of those other static billboards within the city.”
On housing, the ordinance authorizes a cautious, initial rollout of ADUs limited to single-family properties meeting specific conditions; Benson said the city will “baby step our way through this” to avoid negative impacts and will revisit as the program matures. The code distinguishes manufactured homes (not permitted) from modular or tiny homes that meet local building codes.
Councilmembers debated the package’s breadth and how bundled items appear on the agenda. Councilmember Leering asked that future multi-topic ordinance packages be separated or made clearer on the agenda to aid public review; Benson noted the proposals had been the subject of a Plan Commission public hearing earlier. Councilmember Mullen and others praised the ADU provisions as a pragmatic, incremental step toward more housing options.
A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Heisler and seconded by Councilmember Godfrey. The motion passed with Councilmember Schusser recorded as voting nay; the transcript records the outcome but does not include a full roll-call tally in the meeting record.
Councilmembers and staff said the city will monitor interest and return with adjustments if needed.
