Madison enforces property blight standards under MGO Chapter 27. Prohibited conditions include accumulated junk, abandoned vehicles, broken windows, peeling paint, structural decay, and overgrown vegetation. Building Inspection issues correction orders with deadlines.
Madison General Ordinances Chapter 27 defines property maintenance standards covering exterior building condition, accessory structures, and yard conditions. Prohibited blight conditions include accumulation of junk, debris, appliances, or scrap; abandoned or inoperable vehicles on private property; broken or boarded windows; peeling paint exposing wood; holes in siding or roof; collapsing porches or fences; and vegetation overgrowth. Building Inspection investigates complaints and conducts systematic surveys. Correction orders specify violations, required repairs, and deadlines typically 14 to 30 days. Failure to comply leads to municipal citations, re-inspection fees, and in severe cases, City abatement with costs charged to the property as a special assessment. Historic preservation overlay districts add additional requirements for architectural materials.
Unresolved blight conditions result in escalating citations, abatement charges, and possible placarding if structural hazards exist.
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...
See how Madison's property blight rules stack up against other locations.
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