Native plantings are encouraged across Dane County. Madison (MGO §23.29) explicitly permits natural lawns with registered plans. Dane County Land and Water Resources offers cost-share for native buffers. Wis. Stat. §66.0407 restricts local weed ordinances targeting intentional native plantings.
Madison General Ordinance §23.29 (Natural Lawn) lets homeowners maintain a registered natural or native lawn that is exempt from the standard 8-inch grass-height limit in MGO §23.29(1). Property owners file a simple registration with Building Inspection describing the planted area; the rule expressly protects prairie plantings, rain gardens, and pollinator habitat. Fitchburg (§26-1) and Middleton allow similar managed natural areas. Wisconsin Stat. §66.0407 empowers municipalities to regulate noxious weeds on the state list (Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 161) but cannot be applied to bar intentionally cultivated native species. Dane County Land and Water Resources Department administers cost-share and tech assistance under Dane County Code Ch. 14 for native buffer strips, particularly within the Yahara watershed for phosphorus reduction. HOAs may still enforce covenants, but Wis. Stat. §236.293 limits restrictions on solar-related and certain water-conservation landscaping. Invasive species on the Wis. Admin. Code NR 40 list (garlic mustard, buckthorn, Japanese knotweed) must be controlled regardless of whether the property is managed for natives.
Madison unregistered tall-grass natural lawns: MGO §23.29 forfeiture $114 to $292, plus city abatement costs. NR 40 invasive species: DNR enforcement up to $5,000 per violation. HOA fines contesting registered natural lawns are vulnerable under Wis. Stat. §66.0407 protections.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg enforces quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Noise disturbances enforceable under WI Stat. §947.01 (Disorderly Conduct).
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg enforces street parking restrictions locally. Winter alternate-side parking critical. No statewide consecutive parking limit. WI Stat. §346.503 app...
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how Fitchburg's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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