Madison strongly promotes native plantings through the Natural Lawn program and MGO 28.142 natural landscape exemption. Owners who file a management plan are exempt from the 8 inch grass height rule.
Madison is a national leader in urban native plant policy. MGO 28.142 creates a Natural Lawn exemption from the 8 inch weed ordinance for properties that maintain documented native plantings, prairies, or managed meadows. Owners file a simple management plan with the Zoning Administrator describing the species, boundaries, and maintenance schedule. Required elements include a 3 foot mowed setback from sidewalks and neighbor property lines, signage identifying the area as a managed landscape, and prohibition of state-listed invasives. Madison Parks runs the Adopt-A-Park and native seed gathering programs. Wild Ones chapter, UW Arboretum, and Dane County Land Conservation offer education and seed sources. Engineering Stormwater Services supports native rain gardens in the terrace with an approved design, providing one of the most pollinator-friendly city frameworks in the Midwest.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. MGO Chapter 27 (Property Maintenance) requires general yard upkeep but does...
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) sets residential noise standards that could theoreti...
Madison, WI
Madison has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants under Wis...
Madison, WI
Madison requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through Madison Buildi...
Madison, WI
Madison has no specific smoker ordinance. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) and Chapter 7 (Public Health) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wisconsin DNR ...
Madison, WI
Madison Fire Code under MGO Chapter 34 adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 314 (Fire Prevention...
See how Madison's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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