Jefferson County Seeks Public Input on Accessory Dwelling Unit Amendment - Thursday [Updated]

Update 2/29/26 @ 5:00 p.m. – The agenda, which includes the virtual access link, may be viewed here.

The Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Committee invites residents to comment on a proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) amendment to the existing County Zoning Ordinance during its public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19 at the Jefferson County Courthouse (Room C2063) or via Microsoft Teams teleconference.

The County is exploring this amendment because it has potential to contribute to two pillars within the Jefferson County Strategic Plan: diverse housing opportunities and intentional economic growth. ADUs support diverse housing opportunities by enabling the addition of new housing units that broaden the variety, size, and cost of local housing options. They enable intentional economic growth by adding housing units quickly on developed land, with no impact on farmland or undeveloped spaces.

ADUs provide flexibility and efficiency that many existing housing options lack. Homeowners may opt to build an ADU to facilitate multi-generational family living on the same lot, or they may rent an ADU to supplement their income while providing additional affordable housing.

The amendment contains several safeguards designed to maintain quality of life for current residents:

Lot size restrictions: ADUs can only be built on standard, conforming lots
Lots must contain enough space for two parking stalls per dwelling unit
Septic/sanitary district requirements: Septic systems must be approved to serve the total number of bedrooms (main residence and ADU); all homes in sanitary districts must receive approval before permitting
The property owner must live onsite (in the main residence or the ADU)

After this public hearing, the Planning and Zoning Committee will consider the ADU amendment at its Planning and Zoning Committee meeting on February 23 and may recommend action by the Jefferson County Board at its March 10 meeting.

For more information about Jefferson County, visit https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Jefferson County on February 18.