Approval of rules for “granny flats” in La Crosse gets 60-day delay from city council

City leaders in La Crosse are not rushing to approve new rules for small houses known as accessory dwelling units, or ADUs — Also called backyard cottages or “granny flats.”

The city council Thursday voted 10-3 to delay action on an ADU ordinance until its February meetings, so the idea can be studied some more.

Council member Jennifer Trost said La Crosse needs more housing to help prevent the city population from shrinking.

“We can’t afford to lose any more population,” Trost told the council during its monthly meeting. “If we get down below 50,000 people, we’re gonna be losing some entitlement money, so we want the welcome mat out here.”

Council president Chris Kahlow supports the ADU proposal. She wants to give the public more time to learn about the concept.

“I think it’s a great piece of legislation,” Kahlow said, “but I want the public on board. And since we have no rush on this, I just think it’s doing our due diligence to make sure that we have the community engagement and input and communication.”

Last week, the Judiciary and Administration committee recommended the 60-day referral on the accessory dwelling plan. That came after the City Plan Commission voted down the proposal.

The council also voted on Thursday to approve rules regulating short-term rentals of homes in La Crosse. Some citizens have expressed concern that renters might be too noisy or cause a mess at those units.