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City amends zoning code to allow larger pool covers, accessory dwelling units and to manage digital billboards
Summary
Ordinance 3809, which amends zoning and related code chapters, passed with one dissenting vote. Changes include allowing certain in-ground pool covers on larger lots, updated accessory structure size rules, rules to mitigate digital billboard conversions, and a phased approach to accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
The Fond du Lac City Council on Feb. 26 approved Ordinance 3809, amending chapters 255 and 720 of the city code to update rules for pools, accessory dwelling units, accessory structures and billboards. The ordinance passed with one councilmember recorded as voting no.
Community Development Director Benson outlined the ordinance package and said it reflects technical updates and policy choices from recent plan commission hearings. On pools, the code will allow in-ground pool covers rated to hold up to 450 pounds for lots of 15,000 square feet or more as an alternative to mandated fences, based on research with manufacturers, other communities and state standards. Benson said those larger lots provide more separation between properties.
Regarding accessory structures, Benson said the amendment replaces fixed-size limits that were disproportionately small for larger lots with a proportional approach so accessory storage buildings and detached garages scale with lot size; the ordinance also adjusts detached garage size to accommodate larger modern vehicles.
On billboards, the code now acknowledges that some interstate billboards exceed sizes in the previous code and allows the city to account for those existing interstate signs so conversions to digital signs can be mitigated through a removal/mitigation policy: generally, one new digital sign would require removal of two static signs elsewhere, Benson said.
The ordinance also creates a regulatory path for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential properties under specified conditions; Benson said the city will begin with ADUs for single-family homes and monitor impacts before expanding to other districts. Councilmembers expressed support for ADUs as a measured approach to housing supply, while Councilmember Leering said she prefers clearer agenda separation when multiple ordinances are bundled to make public review easier.
The council voted to adopt the ordinance (motion by Heisler, second by Godfrey); the transcript records the measure passed with Councilmember Schusser recorded as voting nay. No amendments or additional implementation directives were recorded in the meeting minutes excerpt.
