Understanding Madison’s Zoning: What Property Owners and Investors Should Know

Zoning determines what can be built — and where — throughout Madison, Wisconsin. From the mix of restaurants and shops along Williamson Street to the industrial corridors near the Beltline, zoning laws influence how neighborhoods grow, how property values change, and how investors plan their next move.

At CMI Brokers, our team helps clients navigate Madison’s zoning code every day. Whether you’re evaluating a redevelopment opportunity, purchasing land, or leasing commercial property, understanding how Madison zoning regulations work is essential to making sound investment decisions.

Madison’s Zoning Framework

Madison’s zoning regulations are governed by Chapter 28 of the Madison General Ordinances, a comprehensive code updated in 2013 to support smart growth, walkable neighborhoods, and sustainable urban development.

The city’s zoning system divides all land into districts that regulate use, density, building design, and parking. These districts ensure that growth is compatible with existing neighborhoods and citywide goals.

Residential Zoning Districts

Madison offers a range of residential zoning districts, reflecting its diverse housing stock and community design:

• SR (Suburban Residential) – Primarily single-family homes on larger lots, found in neighborhoods like Meadowood or Glacier Ridge.

• TR (Traditional Residential) – Walkable areas with duplexes and small apartment buildings, such as Vilas, Marquette, and Tenney-Lapham.

• MR (Mixed Residential) – Allows a variety of housing types and limited retail, often serving as a transition between residential and commercial zones.

These categories ensure Madison’s neighborhoods maintain their character while offering housing options for all residents.

Mixed-Use and Commercial Districts

Madison encourages mixed-use development to support vibrant, pedestrian-oriented corridors. These include:

• NMX (Neighborhood Mixed-Use) – Smaller-scale businesses integrated into residential areas, like Monroe Street or Atwood Avenue.

• LMX (Limited Mixed-Use) – Designed for low-intensity retail or office uses adjacent to residential zones.

• MXC (Mixed-Use Center) – Larger retail and office developments such as Hilldale Shopping Center.

• CC-T (Commercial Corridor–Transitional) – Supports redevelopment along major roads like East Washington Avenue and University Avenue.

These districts are central to Madison’s commercial real estate market, helping create active, multi-use spaces that attract both tenants and customers.

Downtown and Employment Zones

Madison’s Downtown Core (DC) and Downtown Residential (DR1/DR2) districts regulate height, design, and building form in the heart of the city, ensuring compatibility with historic and civic landmarks around the Capitol Square.

Employment and light industrial uses are concentrated in:

• SE (Suburban Employment) – For offices, tech, and research-based uses.

• IL (Industrial-Limited) – For warehouse, distribution, or light manufacturing.

• IG (Industrial-General) – For more intensive industrial operations, typically located in designated areas away from residential neighborhoods.

• 
  

Special Purpose Districts

A few additional zoning designations address unique community needs:

• CI (Campus Institutional) – Covers UW–Madison, Edgewood College, hospitals, and other large campuses.

• PR (Parks & Recreation) and CN (Conservancy) – Preserve parks, trails, and natural resources.

• PD (Planned Development) – A flexible district used for large-scale or mixed-use projects that require custom zoning.

Navigating the Zoning Process in Madison

Rezoning requests, conditional uses, and new development proposals typically go through the City of Madison Plan Commission and, in some cases, the Urban Design Commission (UDC) for design review.

Before submitting an application, property owners should consult the Planning Division for a pre-application meeting — a critical step to identify zoning requirements, timelines, and community input expectations.

You can view your property’s zoning district on the city’s interactive zoning map at cityofmadison.com/zoning.

Madison’s Evolving Zoning Code

Madison is currently reviewing its Zoning Code Modernization Project, an initiative to simplify regulations and support more diverse housing types. These updates aim to make redevelopment easier, encourage infill development, and promote sustainability — all key goals for one of the fastest-growing cities in Wisconsin.

As these changes take shape, understanding zoning and how it affects commercial property development in Madison will be more important than ever.

Partner with CMI Brokers

At CMI Brokers, we specialize in helping property owners, investors, and tenants understand how Madison’s zoning regulations impact value, usability, and redevelopment potential. Our local expertise helps clients identify opportunities that align with both city code and market demand.

📞 Contact CMI Brokers today to discuss your next project or explore available commercial listings in Madison, WI.

Local insight. Proven expertise. Your Madison commercial real estate partner.