Meetings over backyard house proposal hosted by La Crosse this week

A plan to regulate small backyard houses, called Accessory Dwelling Units, in La Crosse, is coming up for discussion again, after the city council voted in December to delay action on the concept.

Two meetings are planned this week to gather public opinions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The first will be at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday virtually.

A virtual meeting is set for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m..

The second is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Nature Place, located in Myrick Park.

City committees have been divided on the idea of allowing homeowners to turn unattached buildings or garages into living units.

The city plan commission voted against the ADU proposal in December, while the city council postponed action for 60 days, heading into its February meetings.

City officials have argued that it would be challenging to remodel a structure considered a carriage house into a dwelling that might not be used all year.

Supporters look at the ADU plan as a way to offer more housing in the community.