Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Madison, WI (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Madison, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
In Urban Design District 8 along East Washington Avenue, Madison lets buildings rise two to four stories above the base zoning height if the developer delivers a public benefit the Urban Design Commission accepts. MGO § 33.24(15)(e)12 ties every extra story to a specific, block-mapped menu of affordable-housing, sustainability or open-space commitments.
Madison UDD 8 Bonus Stories Density Bonus
Some RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances § 33.24(15)(e)12
b.Bonus stories may be allowed as follows:i.Two (2) bonus stories on Blocks 2c, 3b, 4b, 12b, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15, 16, 17c, and 18c. ... ii.Three (3) bonus stories on Blocks 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, and 13a, and a third bonus story on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of Block 4b. ... c.Bonus stories may be granted if it is determined that the provision of at least one (1) element from i. or a c...
Downtown Design Guide
Minor building facade changes in Madison's Downtown Core (DC) zoning district are reviewed against the city's "Downtown Urban Design Guidelines," established by Common Council Resolution #12-00949 and administered by the Secretary of the Urban Design Commission under MGO § 33.24(4)(g)3, rather than requiring a full Urban Design Commission hearing.
Madison Downtown Urban Design Guidelines
Significant RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances § 33.24(4)(g)3
3.Minor Facade Alterations in DC Downtown Core District. The Secretary shall perform the duties for review and approval of applications for minor building facade changes in the DC district found in the "Downtown Urban Design Guidelines" established by Resolution #12-00949.
Looking for Dane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Dane County →