Political signs are permitted on private property in Madison under MGO Chapter 31. Signs may be displayed on residential property without a permit, subject to size limits and right-of-way restrictions. First Amendment protections apply.
Madison Chapter 31 regulates signs in a content-neutral framework consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert. Political signs, like other temporary noncommercial signs, may be displayed on private property without a permit. Residential zones typically allow temporary yard signs up to 6 square feet in face area. Signs must be placed on private property with the owner's permission and may not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, on street trees, or affixed to public signs or traffic control devices. Signs within the vision triangle at intersections are prohibited for safety. Wisconsin Statute 12.03 restricts electioneering within 100 feet of polling place entrances on election day. No time-limit restrictions specific to elections apply, though prolonged abandoned signs may be treated as litter.
Signs in the right-of-way are removed by City staff without notice. Repeated violations may result in citations under MGO Chapter 31.
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 political signs rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.