Wisconsin allows residential rainwater harvesting without state restriction. Madison, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Middleton, and other Dane County cities actively encourage rain barrels through rebate programs. MMSD (Madison Metro Sewer) offers subsidies. Large cisterns may need SPS 382 plumbing review.
Wisconsin has no statewide restriction on residential rainwater collection; DSPS supports harvesting under Wis. Admin. Code SPS 382 (plumbing). Madison's Engineering Division and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources actively promote rain gardens and rain barrels to reduce runoff into the Yahara lakes (Lake Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa). The Madison Water Utility and nonprofit Clean Lakes Alliance have offered rebates historically. Rain barrels under 100 gallons require no permit in most jurisdictions. Cisterns over 600 gallons or those connected to indoor plumbing require review under SPS 382, and potable-use systems must include backflow prevention, filtration, and disinfection. Homeowner associations cannot prohibit rain barrels under Wis. Stat. §236.293 (HOA limitation for drought-tolerant landscaping), though they may impose reasonable aesthetic screening. Dane County stormwater ordinance Ch. 14 credits rain harvesting toward post-construction stormwater requirements.
Unpermitted large cistern connection to plumbing: UDC violation $100 to $1,000. Potable use without treatment: health code violation. Improper mosquito screening: public nuisance $50 to $200.
Middleton, WI
Middleton regulates amplified music under its general noise ordinance. The Good Neighbor Festival and Hubbard Avenue Diner summer events have special noise p...
Middleton, WI
Middleton considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Middleton, WI
Middleton enforces quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Noise disturbances enforceable under WI Stat. §947.01 (Disorderly Conduct).
Middleton, WI
Middleton enforces alternate-side parking November 15 through March 15 and 48-hour maximum street parking year-round. Snow emergencies trigger full parking b...
Middleton, WI
Middleton restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Middleton, WI
Middleton 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 Middleton's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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