Vacant lot owners in Dane County must control noxious weeds under Wis. Stat. §66.0407 and keep grass under 8 inches per Madison Gen. Ord. §27.05(2)(j); failure to comply triggers municipal abatement with costs billed to the owner as a special charge.
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.
Notice with 5-10 day cure period under MGO §27.05. Abatement mowing billed at $200-$600+ per occurrence plus administrative fee. Unpaid charges placed on tax roll (Wis. Stat. §66.0627). Noxious weed fines up to $200 under §66.0407; illegal dumping up to $500 under §287.81.
Middleton, WI
Middleton regulates amplified music under its general noise ordinance. The Good Neighbor Festival and Hubbard Avenue Diner summer events have special noise p...
Middleton, WI
Middleton considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Middleton, WI
Middleton enforces quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Noise disturbances enforceable under WI Stat. §947.01 (Disorderly Conduct).
Middleton, WI
Middleton enforces alternate-side parking November 15 through March 15 and 48-hour maximum street parking year-round. Snow emergencies trigger full parking b...
Middleton, WI
Middleton restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Middleton, WI
Middleton requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how Middleton's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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