MADISON, Wis. — Madison’s Common Council passed several proposals Tuesday night.

They approved the hire of Madison Police Chief John Patterson, with his swearing-in ceremony set for Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m. at the Black Business Hub.

The council also passed multiple housing initiatives. One proposal clarifies height transition requirements to allow more houses to be built, focusing on rear or side yard height transitions for buildings in employment, mixed-use, and commercial districts next to residential areas.

Another approved proposal aims to create more opportunities for backyard lots, allowing the division of oversized lots or the consolidation of multiple lots. The minimum distance a structure must be from the back of a property line will be reduced for alley-accessed lots and

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