Plan Commission approves accessory dwelling unit at 123 Joan Avenue with owner‑occupancy condition

The Green Bay Plan Commission voted April 13 to approve a conditional use permit for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 123 Joan Avenue. Staff presented the proposal as an approximately 691 square‑foot attached unit with its own entrance and utilities, told the commission the proposal met ADU standards (including the under‑1,000‑sq‑ft limit and siting behind the principal facade), and recommended approval; commissioners voted to approve and the matter will be forwarded to City Council for final action on April 21, 2026.

Staff emphasized key ADU requirements: no more than one ADU per parcel, either the principal dwelling or the ADU must be owner‑occupied, the ADU cannot be created solely to enable short‑term rental use, and a minimum of one dedicated parking stall must be provided for the ADU. The presenter noted the property already has multiple parking stalls and that a continuous walkway from the public sidewalk to the ADU would be required if a sidewalk is constructed in the future.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the ADU is attached or detached (staff said it is attached at the lower level), how owner occupancy will be enforced, and how ADUs interact with short‑term rentals. Staff said the ADU must be owner‑occupied (either the ADU or the principal home) and that the ADU cannot be used as an SDR itself; staff also observed that state law separately governs short‑term rentals in other contexts. Following questions, Commissioner Rubinsky moved approval, Alder Jim Hutchinson seconded, and the commission approved the CUP by voice vote.

The commission’s action clears the way for City Council review on April 21. The transcript contains inconsistent spellings of the applicant’s name (appearing as "Michael Kapke" and later as "Michael Copke"), which staff materials should clarify in the City Council packet.