Milwaukee County places no restriction on residential rainwater harvesting, and Wisconsin does not require a permit to collect rooftop rainwater for outdoor use. Rain barrels are encouraged regionally for stormwater control. Any indoor or plumbed system follows the Wisconsin plumbing code.
No Milwaukee County ordinance restricts residential rainwater harvesting, and Wisconsin does not require a water right or permit to capture rooftop rainwater for garden and lawn use. Rain barrels and cisterns for outdoor irrigation are legal statewide, and regional programs, including the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District's green-infrastructure efforts, actively encourage rain barrels and rain gardens to cut stormwater runoff into the combined sewer system. Rules that do apply come from the Wisconsin plumbing code (Wis. Admin. Code SPS 381-387), which governs any system connecting to indoor plumbing or reusing water inside a building, and your municipality, which may set design guidance for larger cisterns. A standard backyard rain barrel needs no county or state permit.
Outdoor residential rain barrels are not a violation and carry no county penalty. A rainwater system plumbed into a building without meeting the Wisconsin plumbing code (SPS 381-387) can fail inspection. A neglected barrel breeding mosquitoes could draw a complaint.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
West Allis, WI
Animal noise in West Allis falls under the general noise ordinance §7.035 and the city's animal ordinances. Persistent barking disturbing neighbors is subjec...
West Allis, WI
West Allis regulates noise and vibration under Municipal Code §7.035. The West Allis Health Department is the primary enforcement agency; Police Department m...
West Allis, WI
West Allis regulates amplified music under the noise ordinance. Wisconsin State Fair Park events operate under separate state permits. Residential areas near...
West Allis, WI
RV and recreational vehicle parking in West Allis residential areas is governed by city zoning code. Generally one RV per lot is permitted with setback requi...
West Allis, WI
Large commercial vehicles are restricted in West Allis residential zones under city zoning code. Contact West Allis Code Enforcement for specific requirements.
West Allis, WI
West Allis requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
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