ADU Rules: Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa
How do adu rules rules compare between Milwaukee, WI and Wauwatosa, WI?
Milwaukee and Wauwatosa have similar restriction levels.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee allows 1 ADU per lot with a single- or two-family home under MCO Chapter 295. Owner-occupancy required for the principal unit. Detached ADU: min 1.5 ft side, 4 ft rear setbacks.
View full Milwaukee rules →Wauwatosa, WI
Milwaukee County
Wauwatosa allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under Title 24 (Zoning Code) of the Wauwatosa Municipal Code. The original ADU ordinance was adopted by the Common Council in 2019. ADUs may be detached structures, additions to a home or garage, or conversions of an existing portion of a home or garage. Properties must be in eligible residential zoning districts. Beginning in 2025, the City offers a limited number of $25,000 forgivable loans to qualifying homeowners building ADUs. Zoning approval and a building permit are required, administered by the Planning Division and the Building Safety Department.
View full Wauwatosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Milwaukee | Wauwatosa |
|---|---|---|
| ADUs Allowed | 1 per lot (single/two-family homes) | - |
| Owner Occupancy | Required for principal dwelling | - |
| Side Setback | 1.5 feet minimum | - |
| Rear Setback | 4 feet minimum | - |
| Code | MCO Chapter 295 / Chapter 240 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Milwaukee FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my property in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee allows 1 ADU per lot with a single- or two-family home under MCO Chapter 295. Owner-occupancy required for the principal unit. Detached ADU: min 1.5 ft side, 4 ft rear setbacks.
What are the size limits for an accessory dwelling unit in Milwaukee?
ADUs Allowed: 1 per lot (single/two-family homes). Owner Occupancy: Required for principal dwelling. Side Setback: 1.5 feet minimum. Rear Setback: 4 feet minimum.
Wauwatosa FAQ
Compare other topics
See how Milwaukee and Wauwatosa compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool