Madison, WI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max lawn/vegetation height
- 8 inches
- Governing section
- MGO § 27.05(2)(f)
- Terrace exemption
- Plantings under § 10.25
- Enforcement
- Building Inspection Division
- Abatement
- City mows and bills as tax charge
- Appeal
- Board under MGO § 29.21
Summary
Madison caps grass, lawn vegetation and terrace plantings at eight inches tall and requires every property to stay free of noxious weeds, under MGO § 27.05(2)(b), (f). On abandoned lots, the Building Inspection Division can mow the property itself and bill the owner.
Landscaping, plantings, soil and other decorative surface treatments, including intentionally planted native vegetation or non-native grasses, shall be installed if necessary and maintained to present a safe condition and well-maintained appearance in all court, yard, and terrace areas. Except for plantings in terraces as allowed by Sec. 10.25, and except for natural areas in City parks, all lawns, lawn areas, and terraces, including grasses and vegetation not intentionally planted in-whole or in-part, shall be maintained so as not to exceed eight (8) inches in height. All vegetation, soil, and surfaces shall be maintained so as not to present hazards to adjoining buildings or to persons or vehicles traveling on public ways.
Full Breakdown
Madison's Minimum Housing and Property Maintenance Code, Chapter 27, sets the citywide standard. 29(1), a separate, species-specific obligation that applies regardless of mowing height. 25 and for natural areas inside city parks. The same subsection requires all vegetation, soil and surfaces to be kept from presenting hazards to adjoining buildings, pedestrians or vehicles. 21 (Board of Building Code, Fire Code, Conveyance Code and Licensing Appeals). If the deadline passes uncorrected, the city issues at least one municipal ordinance citation and sets a new due date; if that also lapses, the Director may enter the property, cut or mow the lawn, and have the Finance Director add the cost to the property's tax roll as a special charge collected under Wis. 0627. This abatement track runs alongside, not instead of, ordinary prosecution for the underlying violation.
Violations & Fines
A property owner who misses the correction deadline in the certified-mail notice faces at least one municipal ordinance citation, and on abandoned property the Building Inspection Division may enter, mow the lawn itself, and add the cost to the tax roll as a special charge under Wis. Stat. § 66.0627, per MGO § 27.05(2)(f)1.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass be in Madison?
What if my yard also has weeds?
Will the City mow my lawn for me?
Can I appeal a lawn-height citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
How Madison compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Madison to another location·View the Wisconsin landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle weed ordinances.