One meeting down, one to go: La Crosse gathers opinions on backyard houses, second meeting set for Thursday night

The idea of allowing small backyard houses in La Crosse could force some homeowners to make tough choices.

City leaders are considering a new ordinance on what’s called accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

An online public meeting about the plan was held Wednesday with a second hearing set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Nature Place in Myrick Park.

La Crosse environmental planner Lewis Kuhlman said families would be limited to 1,000 square feet of space for any structures in a backyard.

“It wouldn’t be expanded to allow ADUs,” Kuhlman said. “You’d have to make a choice, do you want a garage or an ADU?”

Kuhlman added that if you want both, you might need a multi-level building.

Council member Jennifer Trost said the small houses could be useful, because the average household size in La Crosse is shrinking.

“This is another way to be adapting to the future that we know is coming,” Trost said. “In La Crosse right now, about 70 percent of households are made up on either one or two people.”

City planner Tim Acklin said applications for backyard homes would have to go through a review process, even though they would be on private property.