Madison Housing Proposals Seek to Expand Choice

AARP surveys show that an overwhelming majority of Americans age 50-plus want to stay in their current communities as long as possible. However, nearly half of the older adults worry their neighborhoods won’t meet their needs as they age.

To address this, AARP advocates for reforms that ensure people of all ages and abilities can find safe, affordable, and accessible homes in their community that support their evolving needs.

Recent zoning proposals introduced by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway align with these goals, aiming to expand housing options and improve affordability in Madison, Wisconsin.

One proposal would allow duplexes by right, amending zoning codes that currently restrict these two-unit buildings in residential areas.

This change would eliminate the need for conditional use permits, making it easier to build Missing Middle Housing that bridges the gap between single-family homes and apartment complexes.

Another proposal would make it easier for homeowners to divide deep residential lots into two, creating what are known as “flag lots”. These new lots could accommodate additional homes, provided they meet space and street access requirements.

Both duplexes and flag lots offer different housing options at various price points while preserving the character of existing communities. They can help meet the needs of a growing and aging population for those who want to stay in place, downsize, or simply provide a place for loved ones to stay without requiring large-scale redevelopment.

While the proposal package includes other reforms, we believe these two policies especially represent meaningful steps toward unlocking new housing solutions for people of all ages. They help ensure residents have options to live comfortably and independently in the communities they call home.