Dane County, WI Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Wis. Stat. §66.0407 designates Canada thistle, leafy spurge, field bindweed, and similar species as noxious weeds that every landowner (including vacant lot owners) must destroy. Each municipality appoints a weed commissioner under §66.0517 who may enter property and cut noxious weeds at the owner's expense. In the City of Madison, MGO §27.05(2)(j) and §10.03 prohibit grass, weeds, or other rank vegetation exceeding 8 inches and require removal of accumulated rubbish from any lot. Unincorporated Dane County towns adopt similar grass-height standards (commonly 8-12 inches) via town ordinances authorized under Wis. Stat. §60.23. Madison's Streets Division mows non-compliant lots and bills the owner at full cost plus a 15% administrative fee; unpaid charges are placed on the tax roll under §66.0627. Illegal dumping on vacant lots violates Wis. Stat. §287.81 (littering highways/property) with forfeitures to $500 for first offenses. Shoreland vacant lots within 1,000 ft of a Yahara lake must also comply with Dane County Shoreland Zoning Ch. 11 erosion control requirements.