We’re Championing ADUs in La Crosse

Action Alert: Can you take a moment to send an email to city leadership supporting Accessory Dwelling Units in La Crosse?

Now, more than ever, we need innovative housing solutions to meet the needs for today’s families – and tomorrow's.

The high cost and lack of available new living space presents today’s families with unique housing challenges. There’s a solution we’re all familiar with and homeowners have called them carriage houses or mother-in-law suites for decades. But, today they have a new name: Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs.

AARP Wisconsin is proud to have championed updating regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in La Crosse. The updates to amend Section 115-390(1) d.3 and create Section 115-405 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse are an important step to help families stay close.
 
ADUs provide a unique housing solution to today’s challenges. They can be utilized for caregiving services, keep multi-generational families together, or give homeowners the option to rent part of their property in order to afford their primary residence. And now, especially during the pandemic, ADUs represent an affordable housing option so people can live independently longer close to family and age in place.

Check out this video to learn all the ways AARP supports ADUs.

What are Accessory Dwelling Units?

An ADU is a fully self-contained home with its own kitchen, bathroom(s) and sleeping area on the same lot as the main house. They’re a smart match for smaller households and can be created through basement or garage conversions, additions, or new construction of back yard ‘tiny homes. Typically, most residential zones requires that they be discreetly located to fit in well with the surrounding neighborhood. 

Often times they’re invisible from the street. However, you should check local regulations to be sure your project is in compliance. Creative design of ADUs can take many different forms and styles, they can fit discreetly into all sorts of communities, including suburban subdivisions, row-house streets (either with or without back alleys), urban neighborhoods — and, of course, large lots in rural areas.


Some typical ADU styles found throughout the United States include:

DETACHED ADU is a stand-alone home on the same lot as a larger, primary dwelling. Examples include backyard bungalows and converted outbuildings. (Note: Currently, the only allowable ADU type in the proposed La Crosse ordinance.)

ATTACHED ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear. Such units can have a separate or shared entrance. (Note: not allowed in the currently proposed La Crosse ordinance change, but AARP Wisconsin strongly encourages considering this style in future code updates.)

GARAGE ADU makes use of an attached or detached garage by converting the space into a residence. Other options involve adding a second story ADU above or beside a garage or building a new structure for both people and cars.

INTERNAL ADU is created when a portion of an existing home is partitioned off and renovated to become a separate residence.  This can be a LOWER-LEVEL ADU created through the conversion of a home’s existing basement (provided that height and safety conditions can be met).

More About ADU Value
• According to a 2010 AARP Survey, 92% of seniors wish to stay in their communities. ADUs give them the flexibility to do so.
• ADUs may provide a lower-cost alternative to assisted living, which, according to research by Genworth, can cost seniors and their families over $3,500 per month.
• According to David Shove-Brown of the Architecture Firm //3877, ADUs may add value to residential property.
• Because of city ordinances and construction regulations, ADUs will blend into the neighborhood.

*This information is provided for educational purposes only. For more information, please contact AARP Wisconsin at wistate@aarp.org

The ABCs of ADUs: Free guide to how accessory dwelling units create more housing options for people of all ages.

Great Neighborhoods for All Ages
Need more local data about housing or transportation your community? Visit the Updated AARP Livability Index. The AARP Livability Index scores neighborhoods and communities across the U.S. for the services and amenities that impact you the most.