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Shorewood plan commission narrows ADU rules, exempts new ADUs from added parking
Summary
After reviewing a community survey of 280 respondents, the Shorewood Plan Commission updated its ADU recommendations: it will exempt new accessory dwelling units from incremental parking requirements, remove a 1,000-square-foot cap in favor of requiring ADUs be smaller than the principal dwelling, and limit detached ADU height to 20 feet.
The Shorewood Plan Commission reviewed public-survey results and set final directions for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations, voting to exempt new ADUs from incremental parking requirements, remove a fixed 1,000-square-foot cap, and set a 20-foot maximum height for detached ADUs.
Staff presented results from a January housing-opportunities survey, saying it drew 280 responses and that "64% [of respondents] said yes" to allowing ADUs, according to the presentation. The survey also found 71% favored allowing ADUs at single-family houses, 42% at duplexes, and 74% of respondents favored requiring owner-occupancy at time of development.
Commissioners moved from discussion to action on parking first. After clarifying the scope — that the change would apply only when an ADU is built on a lot — the commission voted 4–1 to allow existing on‑site parking (including driveways and parking pads) to satisfy parking requirements rather than mandating additional enclosed parking for ADU projects. Trustee McGovern told the commission she supported allowing driveways to count as parking, and a resident who attended the meeting said converting an existing garage into an ADU should be permitted without forcing construction of new enclosed parking.
On ADU size, commissioners confirmed consensus to allow only one ADU per lot and to allow internal/attached and detached types. The commission debated a draft limit that had capped ADUs at the lesser of 1,000 square feet or the principal dwelling's gross floor area. A motion to remove the fixed 1,000-square-foot cap and require the ADU be smaller than the principal dwelling passed on a 4–1 vote.
Height limits drew lengthy debate. Staff explained that current accessory-structure rules are measured by mean roof height and that practice can produce high peaks; commissioners sought a clear, easy-to-apply standard. The commission voted 3–2 to include an explicit 20-foot maximum for detached ADUs (the draft language retained the phrase "same as the principal building or not to exceed 20 feet if detached" to clarify the intent). Commissioners said the Design Review Board would continue to review architectural details such as dormers, materials and roof pitch.
Commissioners also discussed short-term rentals and enforcement. Staff noted state law limits what local governments can prohibit for stays of certain lengths and cautioned that enforcement often requires proof of a short-term rental stay; the staff presentation said the draft would reflect the minimum restrictions consistent with state statute while recognizing enforcement practicalities.
Next steps: staff will prepare a draft ordinance reflecting the commission’s votes and return it for formal recommendation before it is forwarded to the Village Board for consideration and public hearing.
Votes at a glance: parking exemption for ADUs — approved 4–1; remove 1,000-sq-ft fixed cap (require ADU smaller than principal dwelling) — approved 4–1; maximum detached ADU height 20 feet — approved 3–2.
