Common Council narrowly approves accessory dwelling unit ordinance after hours of debate, 8-7

The Milwaukee Common Council voted 8–7 to pass a substitute ordinance (file 240999) expanding where and how accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, can be built inside the city.

The vote came after more than two hours of debate during which council members disputed whether internal ADUs (units retrofitted inside an existing house), attached additions and detached accessory units should be allowed as a matter of right or require a special‑use hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA). Alderman Samaripa moved to replace Substitute 6 with Substitute 4 and pass the file as substituted; the council adopted that amendment 8–7 and later passed the ordinance as substituted by the same margin.

The ordinance, as adopted, was authored originally by Alderman Jose Perez and Alderman Bob Baumann and was the subject of competing substitutes on the floor. Supporters said ADUs provide an accessible path to more housing options — internal units are typically the least costly option and can help aging residents remain in place. Opponents argued that allowing ADUs as a matter of right cuts neighbors and local alderpersons out of a process that can address block‑by‑block concerns.

A chief point of contention was whether internal ADUs should be treated differently from…