Bill at the State Capitol Would Amend Another Bill Allowing ADU's to be Built Statewide

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 -- 9:00 AM

(Wisconsin Radio Network) At the Capitol, a bill to allow accessory dwelling units or ADUs to be built statewide may be amended.

According to the Wisconsin Radio Network, the measure would prohibit the units from being used as short-term rentals. During a public hearing, Representative Dave Armstrong said many communities lack the means to enforce that, and the bill specifies no penalties for violating the prohibition.

The Rice Lake Republican told the bill’s author, Representative Joy Goeben, that adding a penalty would allow municipalities to generate revenue to cover enforcement costs.

Goeben, a Hobart Republican, noted  community in her district has seen a lot of growth in short term rentals, and said she’d be willing to work with Armstrong on an amendment.

An ADU is a secondary housing unit, like a basement apartment or detached backyard cottage, that includes a kitchen and bathroom facilities, offering homeowners rental income or space for family.

Goeben’s bill is part of a larger package from Assembly Republicans with a goal of alleviating Wisconsin’s dire shortage of affordable housing.

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