Madison enforces MGO 27.05 against noxious weeds and rank vegetation exceeding 8 inches. The City Weed Commissioner inspects complaints and can order abatement with costs billed to the property tax roll.
Per WI Stat 66.0407 and MGO 27.05, the Madison Weed Commissioner (housed in Building Inspection) investigates noxious weed complaints including Canada thistle, leafy spurge, wild parsnip, common ragweed, and state-listed invasives under NR 40. Owners receive a correction order with 5 to 10 days to remedy. Unresolved nuisances are abated by city contractors with charges near 250 dollars minimum plus an 85 dollar administrative fee assessed to the next property tax bill. Natural landscape exemptions under MGO 28.142 protect intentionally planted native gardens and prairies provided the owner files a management plan. Invasive species like wild parsnip and giant hogweed receive priority enforcement due to public health risk from phototoxic sap. The Dane County UW-Extension office offers free identification and management guidance.
Abatement costs range from 250 to 800 dollars plus admin fees added to taxes. Repeat offenders face escalating penalties.
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...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how other cities in Dane County handle weed ordinances.
See how Madison's weed ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.