ADU Rules: Appleton vs Little Chute

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.

The Village of Little Chute regulates dwellings, accessory uses, and accessory structures through Chapter 44 (Zoning) of its Code of Ordinances, adopted under Wisconsin's village zoning authority in Wis. Stat. Sec. 61.35 (which incorporates the city zoning powers of Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23). The Village's residential districts, accessory use standards, lot coverage, height, and setback rules are administered by the Community Development Department / Planning and Zoning Division. There is no standalone statewide ADU ordinance in Wisconsin, so whether a separate accessory dwelling unit is permitted, and on what terms, is determined by Chapter 44's district regulations and the Plan Commission's review of conditional uses. Property owners must consult the current Chapter 44 text and the Community Development Director before constructing a second dwelling unit on a residential lot.