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Lake Mills urges county ADU approval only after enforcement plan and building-code alignment
Summary
The Lake Mills Town Board voted to recommend that Jefferson County allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) countywide but only if ADUs meet residential building and zoning standards and an enforcement plan for conditional-use permits is in place before ADUs are permitted.
The Lake Mills Town Board on Dec. 9 voted to support a Jefferson County zoning text amendment to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) but attached three recommendations: ADUs should meet residential building and zoning standards (setbacks, occupancy/building codes), an enforcement plan for conditional-use permits must be in place prior to ADU approval, and the town will work to align its building-permit process to support enforcement.
Board members expressed concern that ADUs are primarily an urban response to land scarcity and questioned whether rural Jefferson County needs the same approach; they repeatedly emphasized enforcement as the key open issue. The board instructed staff to send a letter of recommendation that includes the three conditions.
The motion to recommend the amendment with those conditions passed by voice vote. Town staff and the planning commission will follow up with suggested language and a checklist to ensure proposed ADUs meet dwelling-code and zoning requirements if the county proceeds.
