Madison Zoning Overview

Madison is a city in Wisconsin with approximately 269,840 residents, located in Dane County. The city manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.

Wisconsin has a statewide building code framework. Residential construction is governed by the Uniform Dwelling Code (SPS 320-325), and commercial construction follows the Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366). Local jurisdictions enforce these codes and may adopt additional requirements.

Primary Zoning Districts

Madison's zoning code includes several district classifications (SR-C1, SR-C2, SR-V1, SR-V2, TR-C1, TR-C2, TR-U1, TR-U2, NMX, TSS, CC, IG). The SR-C1 (Suburban Residential - Consistent 1) district requires a minimum lot size of 6,000 sq ft with setbacks of 25 ft (front), 6 ft (side), and 20 ft (rear). Maximum height is 35 ft. The SR-C2 (Suburban Residential - Consistent 2) district requires a minimum lot size of 8,000 sq ft with setbacks of 30 ft (front), 8 ft (side), and 25 ft (rear). Maximum height is 35 ft. The SR-V1 (Suburban Residential - Varied 1) district requires a minimum lot size of 4,000 sq ft with setbacks of 20 ft (front), 5 ft (side), and 20 ft (rear). Maximum height is 35 ft. The SR-V2 (Suburban Residential - Varied 2) district requires a minimum lot size of 6,000 sq ft with setbacks of 25 ft (front), 6 ft (side), and 20 ft (rear). Maximum height is 35 ft. The TR-C1 (Traditional Residential - Consistent 1) district requires a minimum lot size of 4,000 sq ft with setbacks of 15 ft (front), 5 ft (side), and 15 ft (rear). Maximum height is 35 ft. The TR-C2 (Traditional Residential - Consistent 2) district requires a minimum lot size of 6,000 sq ft with setbacks of 20 ft (front), 6 ft (side), and 20 ft (rear). Maximum height is 35 ft. The TR-U1 (Traditional Residential - Urban 1) district has varying lot size requirements with setbacks of 15 ft (front), 5 ft (side), and 15 ft (rear). Maximum height is 40 ft. The TR-U2 (Traditional Residential - Urban 2) district has varying lot size requirements with setbacks of 10 ft (front), 5 ft (side), and 10 ft (rear). Maximum height is 50 ft. The NMX (Neighborhood Mixed-Use) district has varying lot size requirements with setbacks of 0 ft (front), 0 ft (side), and 10 ft (rear). Maximum height is 45 ft. The TSS (Traditional Shopping Street) district has varying lot size requirements with setbacks of 0 ft (front), 0 ft (side), and 10 ft (rear). Maximum height is 50 ft. The CC (Capitol Center) district has varying lot size requirements with setbacks of 0 ft (front), 0 ft (side), and 0 ft (rear). Maximum height is Varies. The IG (Industrial - General) district has varying lot size requirements with setbacks of 15 ft (front), 10 ft (side), and 15 ft (rear). Maximum height is 50 ft.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Madison allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) by city ordinance. Key provisions include:

• Maximum size: 900 sq ft floor area
• Detached ADU: Maximum footprint of 1,000 sq ft, maximum height of 25 ft
• Where allowed: Permitted on lots with buildings containing up to 8 dwelling units
• Owner occupancy: Either the ADU or the main house must be owner-occupied
• Parking: One additional off-street parking space is required

Contact Zoning staff at (608) 266-4551 or [email protected] for current requirements. Wisconsin does not have a statewide ADU mandate.

Development Process

Development in Madison generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
2. Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Madison, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
• Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
• Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
• Contact the Planning Department at (608) 266-4635 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Madison and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Madison or the municipal code before making development decisions.