Vacant lots in Madison must be maintained free of weeds over 8 inches, trash, debris, and nuisances under MGO Chapter 27. Owners are responsible for boulevard and sidewalk maintenance abutting the lot.
Madison requires vacant lot owners to maintain their property to the same standards as occupied lots. Under MGO Chapter 27 and the weed control provisions, grass and weeds may not exceed 8 inches in height. Trash, tires, construction debris, and discarded materials are prohibited. Owners must control invasive species and maintain boulevard trees and vegetation abutting the public right-of-way. Sidewalks adjacent to vacant lots must be kept clear of snow and ice within 24 hours (MGO 10.28). Vacant buildings have additional registration requirements under MGO 27.09 Vacant Building Ordinance, including annual registration, inspection, securing of openings, and utility maintenance to prevent deterioration. Wisconsin Statute 66.0407 empowers municipalities to declare overgrown vegetation a public nuisance and abate with costs assessed to the property.
Unmaintained vacant lots receive citations and City abatement with costs charged to the property as a special assessment on the tax roll.
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 vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.