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
In Madison's DC Downtown Core district, minor building facade changes are reviewed and approved by the Secretary of the Urban Design Commission, a staff member of the Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development. The Secretary applies the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines established by Resolution #12-00949, as set by Madison General Ordinances § 33.24(4)(g)3.
Madison Downtown Urban Design Guidelines: Minor Facade Review
Significant RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances § 33.24(4)(g)3
(g) Duties of the Secretary of the Urban Design Commission . The Secretary of the Commission shall be a staff member of the Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development. 1. Administrative Approval within Urban Design Districts . The Secretary may administratively approve certain proposed building additions, minor façade alterations, or minor construction within Urban Design Dis...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
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