Madison enforces a vision triangle at corner lots under MGO Chapter 28. Fences, walls, and landscaping in the triangle must be no taller than about 30 inches to preserve driver sight lines.
MGO Chapter 28 (Zoning) establishes a vision clearance (sight) triangle at corner lots and driveways to protect pedestrian and vehicle safety. Within the triangle, nothing may obstruct visibility between about 30 inches and 10 feet above the street grade. The triangle is typically measured 25 feet along each street right-of-way from the corner. Fences, retaining walls, hedges, shrubs, berms, parked vehicles, and large signs must not intrude on this sight line. Street trees with high canopies may be allowed if trimmed above the 10-foot plane. City Traffic Engineering enforces the rule and can issue abatement orders. Corner properties near UW-Madison, State Street, and busy collector streets are routinely inspected. Homeowners are responsible for trimming vegetation and relocating non-compliant fences.
Citations and abatement orders. Non-compliance can lead to city removal of vegetation at property owner cost.
See how Madison's fence requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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