Madison zoning code MGO 28 sets setbacks by district. Typical single-family (TR-C) requires 20 ft front, 6 ft side, 20 ft rear. Urban districts (DC, UMX) have reduced or zero setbacks with build-to lines.
Madison General Ordinances Chapter 28 (Zoning Code) establishes setback (yard) requirements by district. Common residential districts: TR-C1/TR-C2 (traditional residential consistent) require 20-foot front, 6-foot side (combined 15 ft), 20-foot rear. SR-C (suburban residential consistent) requires 25-foot front, 7-foot side, 25-foot rear. TR-V (traditional residential varied) allows 15-foot front. Urban Mixed-Use (UMX) and Downtown Core (DC) districts use build-to lines (zero front setback, building must occupy 75%+ of frontage) and no side setbacks when abutting similar zones. Corner lots have reduced secondary-street setbacks. Accessory structures have separate, usually smaller setbacks (3 feet side/rear). Eaves, chimneys, bay windows, and porches may encroach into setbacks per MGO 28.135. Variances require Zoning Board of Appeals approval with hardship showing. The new Tenant Notification Ordinance affects demolitions near setback lines.
Structure in setback: stop-work, remove or obtain variance, $100-$1,000 daily. Encroachment recorded: affects title.
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. MGO Chapter 27 (Property Maintenance) requires general yard upkeep but does...
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) sets residential noise standards that could theoreti...
Madison, WI
Madison has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants under Wis...
Madison, WI
Madison requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through Madison Buildi...
Madison, WI
Madison has no specific smoker ordinance. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) and Chapter 7 (Public Health) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wisconsin DNR ...
Madison, WI
Madison Fire Code under MGO Chapter 34 adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 314 (Fire Prevention...
See how Madison's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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