Ordinances You Need to Know in Madison, WI
Local rules that could affect everyday life, property use or a decision to move to Madison, WI.
Local jurisdiction: City of Madison, Wisconsin.
Home Occupation Normally Stays in the Dwelling
Madison generally requires a home occupation to be conducted within the dwelling. Use of an accessory building for the business requires the applicable conditional-use approval.
Source: City of Madison Code of Ordinances
Code section: Madison General Ordinances §28.151
Official code status: Current local code
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Workers Generally Must Live at the Residence
Madison limits home-occupation employment at the premises to household residents unless the applicable conditional-use approval authorizes otherwise.
Source: City of Madison Code of Ordinances
Code section: Madison General Ordinances §28.151
Official code status: Current local code
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
25 Percent of One Story Maximum
Madison limits a standard home occupation to no more than 25 percent of the floor area of one story of the dwelling.
Source: City of Madison Code of Ordinances
Code section: Madison General Ordinances §28.151
Official code status: Current local code
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Home Auto Service and Repair Is Prohibited
Madison prohibits limousine, towing, cartage, and home-based automobile service or repair activity under the standard home-occupation provisions, except work on a vehicle owned by a resident as allowed by law.
Source: City of Madison Code of Ordinances
Code section: Madison General Ordinances §28.151
Official code status: Current local code
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Disclaimer & Due Diligence
NarrowTheList includes only location-specific rules we could tie to the local jurisdiction and source shown with each item. State rules are not included on this page.
Ordinances can be amended, repealed, renumbered or interpreted differently depending on the property, zoning district, permit status or activity involved. These summaries are provided as a starting point for relocation research and may not reflect every exception, permit requirement or later amendment.
Before relying on an ordinance for a home purchase, rental, home business, vehicle, pet, property improvement or other important decision, review the linked source and do your own due diligence. Contact the applicable city clerk, municipal office, town or village hall, county office or other local government department to verify the current ordinance and how it applies to the specific property or activity you are considering.