ADU rules in De Pere, WI — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
De Pere regulates accessory dwellings under Chapter 14 (Zoning Ordinance) of the Municipal Code, which was comprehensively rewritten in 2022 and became effective January 1, 2023. Under the rewritten ordinance, backyard cottages and secondary suites are permitted uses in residential districts. Detached accessory buildings generally must be located in the rear yard, conform to prescribed zoning setbacks, sit at least 5 feet from any other building, occupy no more than 50% of the required rear yard, and not exceed 850 square feet total. The Planning & Zoning Division administers Chapter 14 under the city zoning authority of Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23.
Chapter 14 of the City of De Pere Municipal Code is the Zoning Ordinance, codified as Appendix A to the Code of Ordinances and adopted under Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23 (city zoning authority). The City of De Pere approved a comprehensive rewrite of Chapter 14 in 2022; the new ordinance became effective January 1, 2023. Articles II and III were modernized to update land use controls for residential lots, principal building siting, accessory building siting, and maximum building height. The rewrite generally reduced lot sizes, reduced setbacks, increased accessory building sizes, and increased building heights compared to the prior code. Per the city's Housing Affordability Report Updates and zoning summaries, backyard cottages and secondary suites are permitted uses in residential districts. Definitions for accessory and dwelling-related terms are set out in Sec. 14-03 (Definitions). For detached accessory buildings, the standards summarized by the city's Accessory Buildings information indicate the building must be located in the rear yard, must comply with prescribed zoning district setbacks from property lines, must be at least 5 feet from any other building or structure, may not occupy more than 50 percent of the required rear yard, and may not exceed 850 square feet in total area. Building permits are administered by the De Pere Building Inspection Department, and Planning & Zoning (920-339-4043) administers zoning approvals. Specific dimensional rules for backyard cottages and secondary suites (size, setbacks, owner-occupancy or deed restrictions, parking) are set in the current Chapter 14 articles for residential districts, which property owners should consult before applying.
Constructing or occupying an accessory dwelling unit, backyard cottage, or secondary suite without zoning approval and a building permit is a violation of Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code. Enforcement under city ordinance and Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23 may include stop-work orders, citations, daily forfeitures, and orders to remove or modify non-conforming structures. Exceeding the 850 sq ft cap, the 50% rear-yard coverage limit, or required setbacks can independently trigger enforcement.
De Pere, WI
De Pere regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
De Pere, WI
De Pere considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
De Pere, WI
De Pere enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. The Fox River downtown area has entertainment venues that follow sound level limits. St. Norbert College cam...
De Pere, WI
De Pere enforces street parking restrictions locally. Winter alternate-side parking critical. No statewide consecutive parking limit. WI Stat. §346.503 applies.
De Pere, WI
De Pere restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
De Pere, WI
De Pere requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
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