Madison Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Madison, WI. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
269,840
Total Zone Types
32
Planning Department
City of Madison Department of Planning, Community & Economic Development (DPCED)
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Dane County
Metro Area
Madison-Janesville-Whitewater
Madison Zoning System
The Madison zoning system includes 32 total zone classifications: 9 residential zones (TR-C1, TR-C2, TR-C3, TR-C4, TR-V1, and others) and 5 commercial zones (NMX, TSS, CC, CS, and others), as well as 2 mixed-use zones (MXC, UMX) and 4 industrial zones (IL, IC, IH). Madison is Wisconsin's capital city and home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison (approximately 49,000 enrolled students), giving it the demographics and housing pressures of both a state capital and a major university town. Madison's zoning is governed by Chapter 28 of the Madison General Ordinances, a form-based transect code that replaced the traditional Euclidean zoning system in 2013. The new code uses 'Transect Residential' (TR) zones reflecting the urban-to-rural transect — from TR-C1 (countryside, lowest density) to TR-U2 (urban core, highest density). Madison's geography is defined by four lakes — Mendota, Monona, Wingra, and Waubesa — creating an isthmus on which the downtown and much of the older housing stock is located. Madison has been one of the most progressive Wisconsin cities on housing density, adopting ADU-friendly zoning changes ahead of statewide action. The university's student population creates intense rental housing demand in core neighborhoods like Near East Side, Schenk-Atwood, and Marquette. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Madison Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Madison Building Department (Madison Building Inspection Division) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (608) 266-4551 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the City of Madison Department of Planning, Community & Economic Development (DPCED) at (608) 266-4635. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Planning Department
City of Madison Department of Planning, Community & Economic Development (DPCED)
(608) 266-4635
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU near the UW-Madison campus?
Yes — and Madison makes it particularly easy in urban transect zones (TR-U1, TR-U2) near campus. In these zones, ADU approval is by-right (no discretionary review), no additional parking is required, and setbacks are minimal. Detached ADUs up to 1,000 sqft are permitted. Madison's ADU program is among the most progressive in the Midwest, designed in part to address the intense student rental housing demand around the University of Wisconsin campus.
What is Madison's transect zoning system?
Madison replaced traditional Euclidean zoning with a form-based transect code in 2013 under Chapter 28. The transect ranges from TR-C1 (countryside, lowest density) to TR-U2 (urban core, highest density). Each zone reflects an urban-to-rural intensity gradient — the higher the zone designation, the more urban the character and the more flexibility for mixed uses, reduced parking, and denser development. You can find your property's transect zone on the Madison zoning map at cityofmadison.com/dpced/planning/zoning.
Does Madison require parking for ADUs?
No — in Madison's urban transect zones (TR-U1 and TR-U2), no additional parking is required for an ADU. This is one of the most progressive ADU parking policies in the Midwest. In suburban transect zones (TR-C3, TR-C4), one parking space may be required. Madison has actively reduced parking requirements city-wide to encourage density and transit use.
What are the Dane County Farmers Market and cottage food rules in Madison?
The Dane County Farmers Market on Capitol Square is one of the nation's largest producers-only markets — vendors must grow or produce what they sell. Wisconsin Cottage Food Law (WI Stat. 97.29) allows home-based food production up to $20,000 annual revenue without a permit. In-person sales only — Wisconsin does not allow online cottage food sales. No state permit required. Madison does not add a local cottage food permit requirement. Permitted products include baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, and similar non-hazardous items.
My property is near Lake Mendota — are there extra restrictions?
Yes. Properties within 300 feet of Lake Mendota and other navigable waterways in Madison are subject to the Wisconsin DNR Shoreland Overlay regulations. These rules impose: minimum 75 ft shoreline setback for structures, impervious surface limits (typically 15-30% of the shoreland area), and vegetation preservation requirements within 35 ft of the ordinary high-water mark. These restrictions apply in addition to city zoning rules. Contact Madison Planning at (608) 266-4635 for a shoreland consultation before starting any project near the lakes.
Source: Madison General Ordinances Chapter 28 (Zoning Code); Madison Building Code. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source