Tiny home rules in Middleton, WI — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Foundation-built tiny homes in Dane County are treated as standard dwellings under Wis. Admin. Code SPS 320-325 (UDC). Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs/mobile homes under Wis. Stat. §101.91. 2017 Wisconsin Act 67 and Act 317 expanded ADU flexibility. Minimum habitable size is generally 150 sq ft under IRC Appendix Q.
Wisconsin treats tiny houses in two tracks. Foundation-built tiny homes under 400 square feet are governed by the Uniform Dwelling Code (Wis. Admin. Code SPS 320-325), which as of the 2020 UDC update adopts IRC Appendix Q for houses 400 sf or less: minimum ceiling height 6 ft 8 in (6 ft 4 in in lofts), minimum room size 70 sf (excluding kitchens), and habitable lofts with alternating tread stairs allowed. Madison (MGO §28.151) permits ADUs on most single-family lots following 2017 Wisconsin Act 67 and Act 317 which preempt local bans on accessory dwelling units; minimum ADU size is typically 300 sq ft. Fitchburg adopted an ADU ordinance in 2022, and Dane County Ch. 10 allows ADUs in agricultural residential districts. Tiny houses on wheels (THOW) are classified as recreational vehicles under Wis. Stat. §340.01(48r) and cannot be used as a permanent dwelling outside a licensed mobile home park or campground. Some Dane County townships (e.g., Springdale, Vermont) have experimented with THOW overlay districts. Utility hookups must meet SPS 382 plumbing and SPS 316 electrical. Septic systems require a Wisconsin Plumbing Permit under SPS 383 if outside a sanitary district.
Unpermitted tiny dwellings: Madison stop-work, occupancy prohibited, forfeitures $500 to $5,000. THOW used as primary residence on residential lot: Dane County Ch. 10 Zoning citation, removal required. Septic violations SPS 383: DNR enforcement up to $5,000 per day.
Middleton, WI
Middleton regulates amplified music under its general noise ordinance. The Good Neighbor Festival and Hubbard Avenue Diner summer events have special noise p...
Middleton, WI
Middleton considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Middleton, WI
Middleton enforces quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Noise disturbances enforceable under WI Stat. §947.01 (Disorderly Conduct).
Middleton, WI
Middleton enforces alternate-side parking November 15 through March 15 and 48-hour maximum street parking year-round. Snow emergencies trigger full parking b...
Middleton, WI
Middleton restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Middleton, WI
Middleton requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how Middleton's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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