MONROE — Stemming from interest from the Housing Action Forum in December, Green County residents were able to learn about Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, on Jan. 25 at the Justice Center in Monroe. This topic followed the cooperative housing models session in mid-January. Both topics were presented as alternative considerations for addressing the limited housing and rental opportunities in Green County.

The program was offered in partnership with Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), UW Extension Green County, and the Green County Health Community Coalition.  

ADUs have been around for centuries, though often known as a coach or carriage house, a garage apartment, a guest cottage, or in-law suite, to name a few. An ADU is self-contained, having its own bathroom, kitchen and sleeping areas. It is typically a small residence that shares a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling. They can be located within, attached to, or detached from the main residence on the property.

ADUs offer a way to create affordable housing options and add homes to a community, a much-needed amenity for workforce recruitment, and increasing taxable income in the community. While ADUs can be a revenue generating source, they are often created for family members or friends and can be a viable alternative to a costly assisted-living facility. Concerns about destructive tenants are minimized with the owners of the primary residence living on-site.

Rebecca Roberts, UW-Stevens Point Center for Land Use Education, presented the benefits and considerations for having ADUs in a community and provided examples and insights to understand and shift zoning restrictions to accommodate these dwellings. 

The conversation will turn back to housing cooperative models and what that could look like in Green County at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 at the Justice Center. 

Incorporating clean energy practices into housing development will be discussed from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Feb. 22. This meeting will take place via Zoom. Contact GCDC to register for the webinar.

Each of the programs are offered in partnership with GCDC, UW Extension Green County, and the Green County Health Community Coalition. For more information, contact GCDC by emailing gcdc@

greencountydevelopment.com or calling 608-328-9452.