ADU rules in Appleton, WI — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Appleton allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) on residential-zoned properties under Title 23 (Zoning Ordinance) Sec. 23-55 and Sec. 23-56, adopted by the Common Council in July 2021. ADUs are permitted in conjunction with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling or two-family zero-lot-line dwelling in the R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2, and R-3 districts. JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft. A deed restriction is required so the ADU/JADU is sold together with the principal dwelling. Building permits are issued through the Community Development / Building Inspections Division.
Title 23 of the Appleton Municipal Code is the Zoning Ordinance, adopted under the city zoning authority granted by Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23. Sections 23-55 (Accessory dwelling units, attached and detached) and 23-56 (Junior accessory dwelling units) were created by ordinance approved by the City Plan Commission on June 9, 2021 and the Common Council in July 2021. The amendments also modified Sec. 23-43 (Accessory uses, buildings and structures), Sec. 23-92 (R-1A Single-Family), Sec. 23-93 (R-1B Single-Family), Sec. 23-94 (R-1C Central City Residential), Sec. 23-95 (R-2 Two-Family), and Sec. 23-96 (R-3 Multifamily). ADUs and JADUs are permitted accessory to an existing or proposed single-family dwelling or a two-family zero-lot-line dwelling. Combination limits apply: an attached ADU may be paired with a JADU, and a detached ADU may be paired with a JADU, but a property cannot have both an attached and a detached ADU. JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft. Required parking for the principal dwelling must be maintained. Site standards address building height, setbacks from property lines, lot coverage, unit size, and design and construction standards. A deed restriction is required so the ADU/JADU is sold together with the principal dwelling on the same lot. Building permits are administered by the Community Development Department, Building Inspections Division. For specific dimensional standards (height, setbacks, square footage caps for attached/detached ADUs) check Sec. 23-55 in the current Appleton Municipal Code.
Constructing or occupying an ADU or JADU without zoning approval and building permits is a violation of Title 23 of the Appleton Municipal Code. Enforcement may include stop-work orders, citations, and forfeitures under the city's general penalty provisions, plus removal or modification of non-conforming structures. Violating the deed restriction (selling the ADU separately from the principal dwelling) is independently enforceable.
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