LOT DIVISION, CREATION AND ACCESS.
Madison General Ordinances § 28.135
in effect28.135 - LOT DIVISION, CREATION AND ACCESS.
(1) Division of Improved Zoning Lots.
Lot division shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 16, MGO, and the following regulations:
(a) An improved zoning lot shall not be reduced in size or divided into two (2) or more separate lots unless each lot that results from such reduction or division meets all requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.
(b) Lot divisions shall comply with the minimum lot size requirements of each zoning district, except that non-buildable lots such as outlots are exempt from minimum lot requirements.
(2) Access to Public Street.
Every zoning lot shall front on an improved public street, with a minimum of thirty (30) feet of street frontage, with the following exceptions:
(a) Lots located in an approved planned multi-use site or planned development district, and deep residential lots pursuant to Section 28.135(3), MGO;
(b) Residential lots not fronting directly onto a public street may be permitted provided that the lots front onto a public or private park and are accessed from a dedicated public alley and meet the following conditions:
1. The lots and park are shown on an approved subdivision plat or Certified Survey Map;
2. The lots are addressed and have vehicular access from the public alley;
3. The residences constructed on the lots abutting the park should have entry doors facing the park; (Am. by ORD-25-00009, 3-8-25)
4. The park abutting the lots contains an improved walkway or path that provides pedestrian access for the public to the front of the residences abutting lots in the same fashion as a sidewalk adjacent to a street;
5. The residences provide the minimum required front yard of the zoning district as measured from the lot line formed by the park; and
6. The park abuts a public street.
(3) Development of Deep Residential Lots.
(a) Statement of Purpose. This subsection is established to allow more intensive development of certain deep residential lots which could not otherwise be fully developed under this or any other development control ordinance.
(b) General Regulations. The development of a deep residential zoning lot into not more than four (4) zoning lots shall be allowed provided that:
1. The front lot(s) shall have a width not less than that required in the district in which it is located.
2. The rear lot shall have frontage onto an improved public street for a width not less than ten (10) feet.
3. The strip of land of land between the improved public street and the remainder of the rear lot shall not contain any buildings or structures and said strip of land shall not be used to satisfy any area or yard requirement for the rear lot. The rear lot shall be connected to the public street by a strip of land no narrower than 10 (ten) feet.
4. All of the lots proposed shall comply with the minimum required lot area.
(c) A building permit for residential construction shall be issued for any zoning lot legally created, pursuant to this section, prior to the effective date of this ordinance.
(Am. by ORD-13-00176, 10-23-13) (Am. by ORD-25-00051, 7-25-25)
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_CH28ZOCOOR_SUBCHAPTER_28IGERE_28.135LODICRACFetched: 11/1/2026