Committee approves lease amendment for Stoughton Road tiny-house village after neighborhood objections

The Dane County Health and Human Needs Committee on June 5 recommended approval of a lease amendment that updates the Stoughton Road tiny-house village project timeline and incorporates a requirement to operate in compliance with City of Madison ordinances.

The amendment to Resolution 30 would amend the existing lease to establish a Tiny House Village by September 2025 and revise Exhibit B to reflect the site plan and updated bathroom and kitchen facility information approved by the City of Madison. The committee voted to recommend approval without objection.

Why it matters: The project, funded in part by county grants, drew public comment from neighbors and representatives of Occupy Madison. Opponents argued the amendment removes specific safety provisions and extends deadlines for construction; supporters said the organization has a long record of volunteer-built tiny houses and sought a three-month extension to finish site work.

Liz Darby, identified in remarks as in-house counsel for a neighboring business, told the committee she opposed the amendment because it “removes the few safety requirements that Occupy Madison included in its grant application and seeks to extend another deadline Occupy Madison has failed to meet.” Darby said the county previously contributed “$200,000 toward these huts and other improvements” and later $150,000, and she questioned why permanent tiny homes promised to the city in 2021 had not been completed.

Brenda Konkle, appearing for Occupy Madison, said the organization shifted its project design after the city adopted a tiny‑house-village zoning category. Konkle said interior work on the shared building is “nearly completed” and that the group is seeking a three‑month extension to complete exterior work and site utilities; she described Occupy Madison as a volunteer-run nonprofit that operates multiple tiny-house villages and said the organization plans to recycle materials from older temporary structures into permanent tiny homes.

Interim Director Iyayo Kumre told the committee the amendment “updates the bathroom and kitchen facility information in Exhibit B based on the site plan approved by the City of Madison” and “amends the existing lease to allow the establishment of the Tiny House Village by September, 2025.” Casey Becker, division administrator, added that “even if the safety items are not spelled out in our agreement, they are covered by the city's ordinances and codes. So they have not been removed. The city is maintaining compliance and oversight of those items.”

Committee action: Supervisor Rylander moved the resolution; the chair called for unanimous approval and recorded “no objection” from members. The committee recommended approval of Resolution 30.

What’s next: The amendment will return to the county legislative process as required for final approval and execution. Supporters and neighbors said they hope the next months will yield clearer build and occupancy milestones.