Madison Water Utility and the Sustainability office offer rebates and technical assistance for replacing irrigated turf with native plantings, rain gardens, and low-water landscapes to protect Lake Mendota and Lake Monona water quality.
The city partners with Dane County, the Madison Water Utility, and Clean Lakes Alliance on programs that pay residents per square foot to convert irrigated lawn to native or pollinator landscaping. Eligible projects must follow Madison Tree Code Ch. 27 setbacks, weed-ordinance grass-height exceptions for native plantings, and stormwater-credit guidelines. Rain gardens connecting to downspouts can earn stormwater-utility credits in addition to the rebate. The program supports the Climate Action Plan by reducing irrigation demand and runoff into the isthmus lakes. Application is online; inspections confirm plantings before the rebate issues.
There are no fines for declining to participate; rebate funds may be clawed back if installations are removed within a defined retention period or if invasive species replace approved native plantings.
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 turf replacement rebates rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.