Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Madison, WI (2026)
3 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Madison, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
Madison does not enforce a blanket sit-lie ban, but MGO Sec. 10.056 prohibits obstructing sidewalks and public rights-of-way. Officers issue warnings before citations, consistent with Common Council direction to limit criminalization of homelessness.
Sit-Lie and Public Right-of-Way Use
Some RestrictionsEncampment Sanitation
Madison administers sanctioned and unsanctioned encampments through joint city-county outreach. Public Health Madison and Dane County, plus Streets Division, provide trash, sharps disposal, and hand-washing while Porchlight conducts case management.
Encampment Sanitation and Outreach Protocols
Some RestrictionsBridge Housing Siting
Madison funds bridge housing through Dairy Drive tiny homes, scattered-site rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing partnerships. The Dane County Continuum of Care, led by the Homeless Services Consortium, allocates HUD funding under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Bridge and Permanent Supportive Housing
Few RestrictionsLooking for Dane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Dane County →