Madison limits lot coverage by zoning district. TR-C (single-family) typically allows 50% max building coverage plus 75% total impervious surface. Urban districts permit higher coverage with stormwater mitigation.
Madison General Ordinances 28 sets maximum lot coverage by district. TR-C (traditional residential consistent) limits principal and accessory building footprint to approximately 50% of lot area and total impervious surface (buildings + driveway + patios) to 75%. SR-V allows 40% building, 60% impervious. Mixed-use districts (NMX, TSS) permit 85-100% building coverage. Downtown Core (DC) has no maximum coverage but is limited by floor-area ratio and height. Impervious surface limits work with stormwater management requirements — lots exceeding 2,000 sq ft of new impervious area trigger MGO 37 stormwater review and may require infiltration/retention. Pervious pavers and green roofs receive partial impervious credit. Swimming pools count as impervious. Exceeding coverage requires a variance or zoning map amendment. The Madison Sustainability Plan encourages green infrastructure to offset impervious impacts.
Overcoverage: stop-work, demolish/reduce or obtain variance. $500-$5,000. Stormwater non-compliance: additional MGO 37 penalties.
Madison, WI
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Madison, WI
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