Environmental Rules in Madison, WI (2026)
6 verified environmental rules for Madison, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Once a project trips the permit thresholds in Chapter 37, Madison requires an engineer-sealed stormwater management plan under MGO § 37.09 that documents runoff-control measures, pre- and post-construction peak flow calculations, and a named party responsible for long-term maintenance.
Madison Stormwater Management Plan Rules
Significant RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances § 37.09(1)
37.09 - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN REQUIREMENTS.(1)Stormwater Management Plan Required.(a)Every applicant for a stormwater management permit shall submit a plan documenting the system(s) and measures proposed to control stormwater runoff from the site. Included in this stormwater management plan shall be a completed standard stormwater management summary template. ... The stormwater management ...
Erosion Control
Madison requires an erosion control permit before most land-disturbing activity of 4,000 square feet or more, or that moves over 400 cubic yards of material. The Administrative Authority issues permits under Chapter 37, and tracking dirt onto streets or letting sediment reach waterways is a separate violation carrying its own fine.
Madison Erosion Control Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances §§ 37.06(2), 37.07
Unless expressly exempted by Sec. 37.06(4), an erosion control permit under Sec. 37.11 shall be required and the erosion control provisions of Sec. 37.08 shall apply to any of the following activities in the City: (a) Land-disturbing activity in excess of four thousand (4,000) square feet resulting in the loss or removal of protective ground cover or vegetation... No person shall cause or permi...
Flood Zones
Any structure, fill, or land-use change within Madison's mapped floodplain needs a zoning certificate from the Zoning Administrator before work starts, per Madison General Ordinances § 21.23(2). Chapter 21 divides the flood hazard area into Floodway, Floodfringe, General Floodplain, and Flood Storage Districts, each carrying its own permitted-use list and construction standards.
Madison Floodplain Development Permit
Significant RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances § 21.05(6)(a)-(b), § 21.23(2)
(a)No structure or use within areas regulated by this ordinance shall hereafter be located, erected, constructed, reconstructed, repaired, extended, converted, enlarged, or altered without full compliance with the terms of these regulations and all other applicable regulations that apply to uses within the jurisdiction of these regulations.(b)Failure to obtain a floodplain development zoning ce...
Boat Dock Permits
Madison requires Park Commission authorization before anyone builds or maintains a pier, boat hoist, or boat storage facility extending from City park or other publicly owned shoreline on Lakes Mendota, Monona, or Wingra. Unauthorized structures can be ordered removed on 10 days' notice, with fines up to $100 per day for noncompliance.
Madison Pier & Boat Dock Permits
Significant RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances § 14.05
No person shall construct, build, erect or maintain any pier, boat hoist or boat storage facility into the waters of Lakes Mendota, Monona or Wingra extending from the shoreline of any park or other public area owned or controlled by the City of Madison ... unless specific authority for the construction of such pier has first been granted by the Park Commission of the City of Madison. Any such ...
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Madison caps engine idling at five consecutive minutes while a vehicle is stopped, standing, or parked on any street. MGO § 12.1291 makes the registered owner solely liable regardless of who was driving, carves out exceptions for extreme temperatures, defrosting, safety emergencies, and repairs, and lets any police or parking enforcement officer issue citations.
5-Minute Vehicle Idling Limit in Madison
Some RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances § 12.1291
(1)Violation. No person shall cause or permit the engine of any motor vehicle to operate in idle for longer than five (5) consecutive minutes while stopping, standing, or parking on any highway.(2)Liability.(a)The owner of any motor vehicle involved in a violation of Subsection (1) of this Section shall be solely liable for the violation, except as provided in Subdivision (2)(c) of this Section...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New construction in Madison's AO floodplain zone must elevate its lowest floor at least two feet of freeboard above the flood depth shown on the FIRM, per Madison General Ordinances § 21.18(4)(a). In the Floodfringe District, § 21.17(1)(a) requires the lowest floor built on fill at least one foot above the regional flood elevation, extending 15 feet from the structure.
Madison Floodplain Freeboard Elevation Rule
Some RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances § 21.18(4)(a), § 21.17(1)(a)
(a)New construction and substantial improvement of structures in zone AO shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated:1.To or above the depth, in feet, as shown on the FIRM above the highest adjacent natural grade plus two (2) additional feet of freeboard; or2.If the depth is not specified on the FIRM, five (5) feet above the highest adjacent natural grade or higher. ... (a)All new...
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