Before You Build in Madison, WI: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Madison requires residential pools deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a 48-inch or taller barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates, per MGO building code and WI Stat 145.17.

Madison fence heights are set by MGO Chapter 28 (zoning). Typical limits: 4 feet in front yards, 6 feet in side and rear yards. Taller fences require a conditional use permit.

Madison requires a zoning permit for most new fences to verify height, setbacks, and location. Permits are issued by the Zoning Administrator under MGO Chapter 28. Fees are modest and turnaround is typically quick.

Wisconsin's partition fence statute (WI Stat 90.03) requires adjoining rural/agricultural landowners to share cost of boundary fences. In urban Madison, the line fence statute rarely applies; disputes are civil matters.

Madison allows residential hot tubs and spas without a fence if they have an ASTM F1346 locking safety cover. Electrical permits are required for 240V installations. Setback rules follow accessory structure standards.

Madison requires a minimum 48-inch barrier around all residential pools over 24 inches deep, with self-closing self-latching gates, per WI UDC and MGO Chapter 29. Barriers must be in place before the pool is filled.

Madison requires a building permit for any residential pool deeper than 24 inches under MGO Chapter 29 and the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. Electrical and plumbing permits are separate. Apply through the Madison Building Inspection Division.

Madison residential pools must comply with anti-entrapment drain covers (federal VGB Act), GFCI-protected circuits, proper bonding, and barrier requirements. Public and semi-public pools follow WI DHS Chapter 172 standards.

Madison treats above-ground pools over 24 inches deep the same as in-ground pools for permitting and barrier requirements under MGO Chapter 29 and WI UDC. A removable/lockable ladder with a 48-inch pool wall can serve as the barrier.

Madison legalized accessory dwelling units citywide in 2013 under MGO 28.151. ADUs are allowed in all residential districts subject to size, owner-occupancy, and parking standards. One of the first Midwestern cities to embrace ADUs.

Garage conversions to habitable space require a building permit in Madison and must meet WI Uniform Dwelling Code for egress, insulation, and ventilation. Converting to an ADU follows MGO 28.151 with parking replacement if required.

Tiny homes on foundations are allowed in Madison if they meet WI Uniform Dwelling Code and zoning minimum dwelling size. Tiny houses on wheels are treated as RVs and not allowed for permanent residence outside RV parks.

Madison treats carports as accessory structures under MGO 28 zoning. Permits are required and setbacks and coverage limits match detached garage rules. Cloth or canopy carports are generally prohibited as permanent structures.

Madison requires a zoning permit for sheds over 150 square feet and a building permit for structures over 200 square feet. Setbacks are typically 3 feet from side and rear lot lines per MGO 28.

Madison prohibits general open burning under MGO Chapter 10. Only small recreational fires and approved cooking fires are allowed. WI DNR open burning permits do not apply inside city limits because Madison sets its own stricter rules.

Madison allows recreational fire pits under MGO Chapter 10, limited to clean seasoned firewood in approved containers no larger than 3 feet in diameter. Fires must be attended, at least 25 feet from structures, and extinguished at night.

Removal of any public or terrace tree in Madison requires a permit from the City Forester under MGO 10.10. Private tree removal generally does not require a permit but is regulated in landmark tree and shoreland zones.

Madison Urban Forestry Division regulates all work on public trees under MGO 10.10. No trimming or removal of terrace or park trees is allowed without a permit. Private trees overhanging public ways must be clear to 8 feet sidewalk and 14 feet street.

Madison Water Utility enforces year-round odd-even sprinkling rules under MGO 13.18. Watering is prohibited between noon and 6 PM. Drought advisories can trigger stricter limits or bans.