Building Setbacks & Zoning in Madison, WI (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Madison, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
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.
Building Setbacks: Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
Madison height limits vary by district: 35 ft in most residential (TR-C), up to 12 stories in DC (Downtown Core) with view-corridor protections for the Wisconsin State Capitol under WI Stat 13.48(2).
Building Setbacks: Structure Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
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.
Building Setbacks: Lot Coverage
Some RestrictionsLooking for Dane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Dane County →