Construction hours in Madison, WI — sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances — set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Construction noise in Madison is generally restricted to 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with tighter limits on Sundays and holidays under MGO Chapter 24. Public works and emergency repairs are exempt.
Madison General Ordinances Chapter 24 limits construction activity that generates noise audible beyond the property line to daytime hours. Standard permitted hours are 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday and legal holiday construction is generally prohibited in residential zones without a special permit. City-authorized public works projects (street reconstruction, utility repair) and emergency work are exempted. Noise from heavy equipment, pile driving, jackhammering, and concrete cutting must occur within permitted hours. Downtown high-rise construction and UW-Madison campus projects sometimes receive extended-hour waivers. Violations generate municipal citations. Contractors with repeat violations may face permit review by Building Inspection.
Citations typically start around 187 dollars and escalate for repeat offenders. Stop-work orders possible for persistent violations.
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See how Madison's construction hours rules stack up against other locations.
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