Home Business in Madison, WI (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Madison, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Madison permits home occupations in all residential districts under MGO 28.151 with limits on employees, customer traffic, and space used. No more than 25 percent of the dwelling floor area may be devoted to the business.
Home Business: Zoning
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Madison prohibits exterior signage for home occupations in residential zones under MGO 31 and 28.151. One small nameplate is generally allowed. Illuminated or commercial-style signs are not permitted.
Home Business: Signage
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Madison home occupations are limited to low customer visit volumes. MGO 28.151 generally restricts client visits to no more than one at a time by appointment only, with no retail walk-in activity.
Home Business: Customer Traffic
Heavy RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Wisconsin Act 62 (2017) and WI Stat 97.29 allow home-based sale of non-hazardous baked goods and canned high-acid foods without DATCP licensing up to annual gross sales thresholds. Madison follows state law.
Home Business: Cottage Food
Few RestrictionsHome Daycare
Madison family daycare homes (up to 8 children) are allowed as a home occupation in residential zones with state licensing through WI DCF. Group daycare homes (9-12 children) require conditional use approval under MGO Chapter 28.
Home Business: Daycare Home
Some RestrictionsWis. Admin. Code DCF ch. 251 (licensing rules for group child care centers)
DCF 251.01 Authority and purpose. DCF 251.02 Applicability. DCF 251.03 Definitions. DCF 251.04 Operational requirements. DCF 251.05 Staff. DCF 251.055 Supervision and grouping of children. DCF 251.06 Physical plant and equipment. DCF 251.07 Program. DCF 251.08 Transportation. DCF 251.09 Additional requirements for infant and toddler care. DCF 251.094 Staff in school-age programs. DCF 251.095 Ad...
Home Occupation Permits
Madison regulates home occupations under MGO Chapter 28. Most home businesses are allowed by right with no external evidence of the business, no non-resident employees, and limited customer visits. No separate home occupation permit is required for compliant operations.
Home Business: Home Occupation Permits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Dane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Home Business in Dane County →