Madison regulates home occupations under MGO Chapter 28. Most home businesses are allowed by right with no external evidence of the business, no non-resident employees, and limited customer visits. No separate home occupation permit is required for compliant operations.
Madison General Ordinances Chapter 28 (Zoning Code) defines home occupations as accessory uses conducted entirely within a dwelling by residents of the home. Standards typically include: no more than one non-resident employee, no exterior storage or display, no signage beyond what is allowed in residential zones, and the business must be clearly incidental to the residential use. Home occupations that generate significant customer traffic, deliveries, noise, or parking demand may require a conditional use permit from the Plan Commission. State and federal business registrations (Wisconsin DOR seller's permit, federal EIN) apply separately. Cottage food operations under WI Stat. 97.29 allow limited home food sales without a license.
Zoning violations typically trigger a warning and compliance deadline. Continued noncompliance can result in MGO forfeitures starting at 100-200 dollars per day.
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See how Madison's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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