Wisconsin Act 317 (2017) preempts Madison's earlier ban on source-of-income housing discrimination, except that landlords may still not refuse Section 8 vouchers when public-housing authorities require nondiscrimination. Madison enforces the remaining protections through Equal Opportunities Ord. Ch. 39.
Madison Equal Opportunities Ordinance Ch. 39 originally treated lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers and SSI, as a protected class. Wisconsin Act 317 (2017) narrowed the rule statewide, allowing landlords to refuse housing choice vouchers as a category. Madison still bars refusing income from Social Security, child support, alimony, veterans benefits, and similar legally derived sources. The Department of Civil Rights investigates complaints and may issue conciliation orders, fines, and orders to rent. Madison Tenant Resource Center counsels tenants navigating screening that ignores legitimate income.
Substantiated discrimination claims permit damages, civil penalties, and rental orders under Madison Ord. Sec. 39.03; willful violations may bring forfeitures of up to $1,000 per occurrence.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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 source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.