PRIVATE GARAGES.
Madison General Ordinances § 29.28
in effect29.28 - PRIVATE GARAGES.
(1) Classification - Detached Garages. A detached private garage shall mean a private garage entirely separated from the principal building.
(2) Footings and Foundations. Footings and foundations shall be provided for all private garages, except that private garages of frame or noncombustible frame construction may be provided with foundation walls of concrete or masonry not less than three (3) feet six (6) inches below the adjoining grade, including overhead door openings, or with an approved continuous floating foundation slab of concrete not less than four (4) inches in thickness for detached garages. Such walls and exterior wall curbs shall be not less than eight (8) inches above the adjoining grade and eight (8) inches in thickness.
(3) Floor Surface. The floor in all private garages shall be of approved noncombustible material. No openings or pits in the floor shall be permitted.
(4) Construction. Private garages shall be constructed as follows:
(a) Load bearing foundation walls, masonry walls, and partitions shall be constructed as regulated herein except as stated above.
(b) Detached private garages of wood frame construction shall be constructed as regulated in this chapter, with the following exceptions:
1. Studs may have a maximum spacing of twenty-four (24) inches on centers. Doubling of studs shall not be required at jambs of openings less than forty (40) inches.
2. Diagonal corner bracing may be applied on the inside surface of studs.
3. Corner posts may consist of two (2) two by four (2 × 4) studs or a single four by four (4 × 4) stud.
4. Top plates may be single, provided the rafters are placed over the studs and plates are lapped to provide ties.
5. Horizontal bracing and collar beams may be two by fours (2 × 4's) with a maximum spacing of six (6) feet on centers.
6. All framing walls shall be securely anchored to the foundation with one-half by six (½ × 6) inch bolts placed four (4) feet on center.
(5) Roof Construction. All roof framing shall comply with the span tables as set forth by the American Wood Council or be approved manufactured trusses.
(Rpld. and Recreated by ORD-21-00024, 3-26-21)
Source: City of Madison, Wisconsin, Madison General Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wi/madison/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORMAWIVOIICH20--31_CH29BUCO_OMIDW_29.28PRGAFetched: 11/1/2026