Council Poised to Eliminate Single-Family Housing

Would you be surprised to learn that a multiple-family dwelling can go in next door to you without you or your elected alderperson having a say or even knowing about it?

That would be the impact of legislation being considered tomorrow (Tuesday, July 15) by the Common Council.

In a well-intentioned effort to make room in the zoning code for what are called “accessory dwelling units” to facilitate multi-generational living and aging-in-place, the Council may inadvertently open the (accessory) door much wider than that.

Under legislation proposed at committee, the days of single-family-only homes are numbered. All such homes would be allowed to incorporate an additional dwelling unit (complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area) within the four walls of the structure as a matter of right, requiring no Council approval, no neighborhood notification…nothing.

In other words, a duplex could be plopped in the middle of a single-family neighborhood and you wouldn’t know it until the “for rent” sign popped up or the AirBnB listing for your neighbor’s property showed up on your app.

This legislation goes against the sort of transparency that our neighbors expect and that our charge as their elected representatives demands.

That is why I have proposed legislation — which squeaked through committee last month — that would establish a process to notify neighbors (together with their alderperson) and give both a chance to weigh in on the proposal before the Board of Zoning Appeals.

This sort of transparency and community involvement is exactly what good government requires and our constituents deserve.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.