Property Maintenance in Madison, WI (2026)
5 verified property maintenance rules for Madison, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Trash Bin Storage
Madison requires trash and recycling carts be stored out of public view between collection days, typically in a side yard, rear yard, garage, or enclosure. Carts may not be stored in front yards.
Property Maintenance: Trash Bins
Some RestrictionsProperty Blight
Madison enforces property blight standards under MGO Chapter 27. Prohibited conditions include accumulated junk, abandoned vehicles, broken windows, peeling paint, structural decay, and overgrown vegetation. Building Inspection issues correction orders with deadlines.
Property Maintenance: Property Blight
Heavy RestrictionsVacant Lot Maintenance
Vacant lots in Madison must be maintained free of weeds over 8 inches, trash, debris, and nuisances under MGO Chapter 27. Owners are responsible for boulevard and sidewalk maintenance abutting the lot.
Property Maintenance: Vacant Lots
Some RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk Clearing
Madison requires property owners to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall ends under MGO 10.28. Failure to clear results in City contractor abatement with charges billed to the property.
Property Maintenance: Snow Sidewalk Clearing
Heavy RestrictionsGarage Sale Rules
Madison permits residential garage and rummage sales without a permit. Sales are limited in frequency and duration. Signs must follow MGO Chapter 31 sign rules and be removed promptly after the sale ends.
Property Maintenance: Garage Sale Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Dane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Property Maintenance in Dane County →