Burlington may allow residential beekeeping with hive limits and setbacks. Registration with WI DATCP required. WI Stat. §94.76.
Wisconsin does not preempt local breed-specific legislation. Some WI cities have breed bans. WI Stat. §174.042 covers dangerous dogs based on behavior.
Burlington requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Dog licensing required statewide under WI Stat. §174.
Wisconsin state room tax is 5% (WI Stat. §77.98). Burlington levies additional local room tax. Platforms auto-collect in many jurisdictions. Total 10 to 14% typical.
The City of Burlington has not adopted parking rules unique to short-term rentals. STR guests must follow the City's general parking ordinance in Chapter 293 (Vehicles and Traffic), including alternate-side parking, the 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Central Business District ban, and the snow-emergency 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. restriction. Wis. Stat. §66.1014(2)(d) preserves the City's authority to apply these neutral rules to STRs.
The City of Burlington has not adopted a short-term-rental-specific noise ordinance. STR guests and operators are bound by the City's general noise ordinance (Chapter 219 of the City Code) and the disorderly-conduct provisions of Chapter 238 (Peace and Good Order). Under Wis. Stat. §66.1014, the City may apply these neutral noise ordinances to STRs.
Burlington regulates but cannot ban STRs under WI Act 59 (2017). DATCP tourist rooming house license may be required. WI Stat. §66.1014.
Racine County does not set a fixed county-wide occupancy cap for short-term rentals. Wisconsin's Tourist Rooming House rules under Wis. Admin. Code ch. ATCP 72 limit a TRH to four or fewer individually keyed sleeping units; larger properties must license as a hotel. The state Uniform Dwelling Code (SPS 321) and ch. ATCP 72 building-safety provisions effectively cap occupancy through bedroom size and egress requirements. Wis. Stat. §66.1014(2)(c) allows local governments to impose reasonable health-and-safety occupancy limits.
Burlington regulates accessory uses, buildings and dwellings through Chapter 315 (Zoning) of the City of Burlington Code, originally adopted by the Common Council on January 5, 1988. Detached accessory structures may not occupy more than 20% of the existing rear yard in residential districts (50% in B-1, B-2, B-2A, B-3, I-1, M-1 through M-4, nonresidential PUD, and Q-1), must be set back at least 3 feet from any lot line and 10 feet from any alley line, and may not exceed the height of the principal structure or 25 feet, whichever is less. Burlington derives its zoning authority from Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23. Building and zoning permits are issued by the City of Burlington Building & Zoning Department.
Burlington regulates sheds as accessory structures under Chapter 315 (Zoning) of the City Code. Sheds are permitted in residential districts in the rear yard only, must sit at least three feet from any lot line and ten feet from any alley line, and are sized according to lot area: 720 sf maximum on lots up to 10,000 sf, scaling up to 900 sf on lots of 40,000 sf or more. Combined accessory footprints may not cover more than 20% of the required rear yard.
Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code (Wis. Stat. ch. 101 and SPS 320-325) sets statewide construction standards for one- and two-family dwellings, including tiny homes built as permanent dwellings. Local governments cannot impose stricter building code standards than the UDC.
Burlington Code Chapter 315 (Zoning) caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards. Front (street) yard fences are limited to 4 feet if at least 80% open or 3 feet if less open. Decorative walls cannot exceed 12 feet and decorative fences cannot exceed 10 feet. A fence permit from the Building Inspector is required citywide.
WI Stat. §90.02 to 90.14 provides line fence cost-sharing for rural/agricultural land. Urban residential fences: each owner responsible for their own.
Wisconsin enforces uniform pool barrier requirements through the Department of Safety and Professional Services. SPS 390 governs public pools and the Uniform Dwelling Code addresses residential pool fencing, preempting inconsistent local building standards for one and two-family dwellings.
Burlington enforces quiet hours in this small city (pop. 11,000) known as Chocolate City USA. Annual ChocolateFest and other downtown events require noise management near residential areas.
Burlington considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Burlington regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Aircraft noise in Wisconsin is overwhelmingly governed by federal aviation law. The FAA preempts state and local noise regulation of aircraft in flight, while Wisconsin Statute Chapter 114 governs aeronautics and limits municipal authority over airspace and airport operations.
Burlington manages parking around the historic downtown and during festival events. ChocolateFest and holiday events create seasonal parking demand. Winter alternate-side parking rules apply.
Burlington requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Burlington restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Wisconsin law defines abandoned vehicles and authorizes removal after 48 hours on highways or public property. State statute provides uniform procedures for impoundment, notice to owners, and disposal applicable in every municipality.
Burlington allows home occupations as accessory use in residential zones. Home occupation permit required. WI cottage food law applies for home bakers.
Wisconsin allows home producers to sell certain non-hazardous foods directly to consumers without a license under the Pickle Bill and baked-goods rulings. State law sets uniform sales caps, labeling, and product limits.
Wisconsin requires state licensing or certification for any home caring for four or more unrelated children. The Department of Children and Families administers uniform standards that preempt conflicting local rules.
Burlington requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. WI Uniform Dwelling Code governs. Inspections required.
Burlington requires pool barriers to prevent unsupervised child access. Minimum 48-inch height. Self-closing, self-latching gates. WI Stat. §145.17.
Burlington enforces pool safety requirements including anti-entrapment drain covers (VGB Act), barriers, and depth markers. WI Stat. §145.17 governs.
Burlington regulates outdoor burning within city limits. Open burning prohibited except in approved fire pits. DNR notification required for larger burns outside city limits.
Wisconsin bans all aerial and explosive consumer fireworks. Only non-explosive types legal (sparklers, snakes, smoke devices). WI Stat. §167.10.
Wisconsin uniformly regulates propane storage, installation, and handling under Wis. Admin. Code SPS 340, adopting NFPA 58 statewide and preempting inconsistent local rules through state building and fuel gas codes.
Wisconsin DNR designates statewide Fire Protection Areas under Wis. Stat. § 26.11 where the agency holds primary wildfire suppression authority and enforces stricter ignition rules during elevated fire danger.
Burlington enforces weed abatement under WI Stat. §66.0407. WI DNR NR 40 governs invasive species. County enforcement also applies.
Burlington enforces maximum grass and weed height, typically 8 to 12 inches. Overgrown properties subject to code compliance action and city abatement.
Burlington regulates floodplain development through Chapter 119 (Floodplains) of the City Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 1942(19) on March 6, 2012. Chapter 119 establishes three districts: the FW Floodway District, the FFO Floodfringe Overlay District, and the GFP General Floodplain District. Boundaries are based on the Supplementary Floodland Zoning Map dated April 7, 1982 (and amendments) and FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the City of Burlington (Racine and Walworth Counties). The chapter is adopted under Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 and Wis. Admin. Code Ch. NR 116, and Burlington participates in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.
Wisconsin's NR 115 sets minimum shoreland zoning standards along navigable waters, and the Public Trust Doctrine protects Great Lakes shores. Counties must adopt rules at least as strict as NR 115 statewide.
Wisconsin requires erosion control practices on construction sites under NR 151 and SPS 321. State standards apply uniformly, and one- and two-family dwelling sites follow Department of Safety and Professional Services rules.
Wisconsin's NR 151 sets statewide performance standards for construction site and post-construction stormwater runoff. DNR administers WPDES permits, and local programs must meet or exceed state minimums.
Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 115 sets uniform impervious surface coverage limits for shoreland properties statewide. Counties must adopt these standards, typically capping coverage at 15 percent, with mitigation allowing up to 30 percent in certain circumstances.
Wisconsin Statute § 59.692 and Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 115 establish uniform statewide shoreland zoning standards including setback requirements from navigable waters. Counties must adopt these minimum standards, and municipalities cannot impose more restrictive shoreland setbacks.
Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) under Wis. Stat. § 101.65 sets statewide construction standards for one and two-family dwellings. While zoning height limits remain local, structural standards including height-related requirements are uniform and preempt conflicting municipal building codes.
Wisconsin has no legal recreational or medical marijuana dispensary program. State law prohibits cannabis sales, so no municipality can authorize dispensary operations through zoning ordinances.
Wisconsin prohibits all marijuana cultivation, including for personal use. Growing any cannabis plant is a felony under state controlled substances law. No municipality may authorize home cultivation.
Wisconsin commercial drone operators follow FAA Part 107 and state preemption under Wis. Stat. 114.045. Local governments cannot impose competing flight rules, though state privacy and surveillance statutes apply.
Wisconsin Statute 114.045 preempts most local drone regulation, reserving authority to the state and FAA. Recreational pilots must follow federal Part 107 hobbyist rules and Wisconsin's drone-privacy criminal statute.
Wisconsin Statute 104.001 expressly preempts cities, villages, towns, and counties from establishing a minimum wage higher than the state minimum, ensuring uniform wage rules across Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Statute 103.10 and 104.001 preempt local paid sick leave ordinances, blocking cities and counties from requiring private employers to provide paid time off beyond state and federal mandates.
Wisconsin preempts local predictive scheduling and fair workweek ordinances under Wis. Stat. 103.007, ensuring statewide uniformity for employer scheduling practices and forbidding municipal advance-notice mandates.
Wisconsin issues shall-issue concealed weapon licenses to qualified residents age 21+ who complete training, pass a background check, and pay required fees, with statewide preemption preventing local rules.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0409 broadly preempts local firearm regulation, barring cities, villages, towns, and counties from enacting ordinances stricter than state law on possession, transportation, sale, or registration of firearms and ammunition.
Wisconsin permits adults at least 18 who are not prohibited persons to openly carry firearms in public without a permit, with statewide preemption blocking local restrictions on lawful open carry.
Wisconsin Statute 941.23 makes carrying a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a CCW license a misdemeanor, while open carry and licensed concealed carry inside vehicles are lawful statewide subject to limited prohibited zones.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0104 and Act 317 prevent municipalities from limiting landlord-tenant relationships beyond state law, including any local just-cause eviction requirement. Eviction grounds and procedures are governed exclusively by Wis. Stat. ch. 704 and ATCP 134.
Wisconsin Statute 66.1015 expressly prohibits any city, village, town, or county from regulating the amount of rent or fees charged for residential rental units. The preemption is total, with narrow exceptions for government-owned housing and voluntary agreements.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0104 limits how cities can require rental property registration and inspection. Programs must target districts with documented blight or code issues, and inspection fees are capped between roughly $75 and $150 depending on inspection type.
Wisconsin's Working Lands Initiative under Statute 91 establishes farmland preservation zoning districts, certifies county and local plans, and offers income tax credits to farmers in certified agricultural enterprise areas.
Wisconsin Statute 823.08 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits by neighbors, requiring courts to dismiss claims unless the farm substantially threatens public health or safety.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0419, enacted by 2015 Act 17, preempts cities, villages, towns, and counties from regulating, banning, or imposing fees on auxiliary containers including plastic bags, cups, and bottles.
Wisconsin's auxiliary container preemption law in Statute 66.0419 prevents municipalities from banning or restricting expanded polystyrene foam takeout containers, leaving any restriction to state legislation.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0419 preempts cities and counties from regulating plastic straws, stirrers, and similar single-use items, and the state has not adopted a statewide straw-on-request rule.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0401 applies to homeowners associations and condo associations, preempting deed restrictions and covenants that prohibit or significantly impair solar energy systems on owner property.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0401 broadly preempts municipalities and counties from restricting solar and wind energy systems unless restrictions serve specific public health, safety, or aesthetic exceptions defined by state law.
Wisconsin Statute 134.66 prohibits selling, giving, or furnishing cigarettes, tobacco, or vapor products to any person under 21 years of age and requires retailers to verify age via valid ID before sale.
Wisconsin has not enacted a statewide ban on flavored tobacco or vapor products; sales of menthol cigarettes and flavored e-cigarettes remain lawful under Wis. Stat. 134.66 subject to age and licensing rules.
Wisconsin regulates electronic vaping devices under its tobacco statutes, requiring retailer licenses, age-verification, and excise taxes on vapor products, with state law preempting most local retail rules under 134.66.