Madison requires permits for scaffolding over 14 feet or encroaching on public right-of-way. Sidewalk/street occupancy permits issued by Traffic Engineering. OSHA 1926 Subpart L governs worker safety on construction scaffolds.
Madison General Ordinances Chapter 10 and MGO 29.11 (Building Code, adopting WI SPS 361-366 commercial building code and UDC for residential) require scaffolding permits when structures exceed 14 feet in height or are erected in the public right-of-way (sidewalk, terrace, street). Right-of-way occupancy permits are issued through the City Engineering Division and Traffic Engineering, with fees based on duration and square footage occupied. Pedestrian protection (covered walkways, canopies) is required where scaffolds are erected over public sidewalks. Workers must be protected per OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L — guardrails above 10 feet, fall arrest systems, competent-person daily inspections. Scaffolds must carry 4x intended load, and suspended scaffolds 6x. Madison Fire Code requires clearances from overhead electrical lines (10 ft minimum under 50kV). Unpermitted scaffolding in right-of-way is subject to stop-work orders and daily forfeitures under MGO 29.33.
Working without required permit: stop-work order plus forfeiture $100-$500. Daily continuing violation penalties. Injury incidents trigger OSHA investigation.
See how Madison's scaffold & sidewalk shed rules stack up against other locations.
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