Madison, WI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Madison sets structure height by residential zoning district rather than one citywide figure. 035(2) lists "Maximum height" as "2 stories/35" feet for single-family detached, two-family (two-unit), and two-family twin dwellings, and 35 feet for nonresidential uses in the district. 036(2). Footnote (c) to the SR-C1 table provides the only way past that number: "Additional Height. Building heights exceeding the maximum may be allowed with conditional use approval, to a maximum of fifty (50) feet", meaning even a Plan Commission-approved conditional use cannot push a structure past 50 feet in this district.

053(4) allows 3 stories/35 feet for detached and two-family homes but 4 stories/52 feet for multi-family buildings, with conditional-use relief up to 50 feet for nonresidential structures. Because the cap depends entirely on the parcel's zoning designation, a homeowner or contractor should confirm the district before assuming the SR-C1 figures apply. The Zoning Administrator, within the Building Inspection Division, checks building permit plans against these tables before a permit issues, and conditional use applications for extra height are decided by the Plan Commission.