Milwaukee, WI Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Front-yard parking
- Prohibited
- Allowed locations
- Rear yard, side yard beyond setback
- Required surface
- Concrete, asphalt, or permeable paving
- Min. new driveway width
- 8 feet
- Governing code
- Ch. 295 (zoning) & § 252-74
Summary
Milwaukee's zoning code keeps parking spaces out of the front yard and street-side setbacks, confining off-street parking to the rear yard or the unrestricted portion of a side yard.
Parking spaces may be located in a rear yard or the portion of a side
yard that is beyond the required setback. Parking spaces shall not be located within the front yard or in the
side setback, rear street setback or side street setback of the principal building.
b-4. Maximum Number of Vehicles. Not more than 4 motor vehicles may be parked outdoors on a lot
containing a single-family, 2-family dwelling or community living arrangement with 8 or fewer clients.
b-5. Commercial Vehicles. Not more than one commercial vehicle may be parked on a lot in a single-
family, 2-family or multi-family zoning district.
b-6. Recreational Vehicles. Not more than one recreational vehicle, other than a motorcycle or
snowmobile, may be parked on a lot in a single-family, 2-family or multi-family district.
b-7. Maximum Vehicle Length, Vehicle Height and Number of Wheels. No vehicle in excess of 22 feet
in length, or in excess of 10 feet in height or with more than 6 wheels may be parked on a lot in a single-family,
2-family or multi-family district.
b-8. Tow Trucks. No tow truck may be parked on a lot in a single-family, 2-family or multi-family zoning
district unless the tow truck is parked inside a building.
b-9. Unregistered Vehicles. No motor vehicle lacking valid license plates shall be parked for a period
exceeding 30 days outside any structure or lot used in whole or in part for residential purposes.
Full Breakdown
Under the city's zoning code, off-street parking spaces on residential lots may sit only in the rear yard or the part of a side yard beyond the required setback, the front yard, side setback, rear street setback and side street setback are all off-limits for parked vehicles. Access drives to that parking may cross a required setback and can run directly along an interior side line, but width is capped (generally 18 feet at the right-of-way) and, per Milwaukee Code § 252-74, driveways and parking spaces serving one- and two-family homes built after July 17, 1973 must be paved with concrete, asphalt, permeable paving or paving blocks, gravel and crushed stone don't qualify.
Violations & Fines
The Department of Neighborhood Services can order a driveway or parking pad relocated or repaved for violating the front-yard, setback or surfacing standards, and building/paving permits will be withheld until plans comply with ch. 295 and § 252-74.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my car on the front lawn in Milwaukee?
Does Milwaukee require driveways to be paved?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
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Driveway Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle driveway rules.