Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and several alders announced new housing proposals to encourage residential development at a press conference Tuesday.
The latest proposals would soften zoning requirements and permit new forms of housing if referred to a vote at the Sept. 16 common council meeting, aiming to increase density and help affordability in Madison.
Rhodes-Conway said the latest round of proposals focused on removing barriers to development of new housing by “untangling regulations and making our rules more straightforward and easier to follow,” during the press conference.
The first proposal would increase the maximum height allowed for multi-family homes in some residential zones. This would lead to additional space in new buildings depending on the current height requirements of neighboring districts.
“This will allow for more homes to be built without compromising the height limits in any given neighborhood,” Rhodes-Conway said.
The second proposal would allow for two Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — also referred to as a “backyard cottage”— to be detached from a given building. Rhodes-Conway said these units may be a cheaper option for homeowners.
“These structures provide opportunities for residents to age in the neighborhoods they love, gives more people the option to supplement their income with rental properties and opens up new opportunities for young people trying to own their first home,” Rhodes-Conway said.
The third proposal would reduce lot sizes for residential homes with the goal of encouraging new developments in open areas.
Three more proposals endorsed by Rhodes Conway and several alders that would affect zoning regulations and new housing developments are to be introduced at the October Common Council meeting.
District 8 Ald. and Common Council Vice President MGR Govindarajan spoke in favor of the new proposals at Tuesday’s press conference, saying these changes “can mean the difference between a project being feasible, affordable and built, or not happening at all.”
“Whether you’re a student renting your first apartment, a young family hoping to buy your first home, or someone looking to downsize later in life, Madison should have opportunities available for you,” Govindarajan said.
The Madison Common Council meets Sept. 16 to introduce these housing proposals along with a public hearing on the 2026 Executive Capital Budget.
Vanessa Gavilan is the city news editor for The Daily Cardinal. She has reported on Madison's school district, the Common Council, city elections and referendums. She also has written in-depth on housing affordability.
