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Junk RemovalMadison, Wisconsin

Cleanouts in Madison's Historic Districts: What Needs Approval

Updated

Short answer

In Madison's five local historic districts, the Landmarks Commission must approve exterior alterations, new construction and demolitions, and you need a Certificate of Approval before the building permit. Clearing out a house's contents isn't on that list; tearing down a garage, shed or porch as part of a cleanout is.
Street of 19th-century brick and sandstone houses with a wrought iron fence
Illustrative photo.

The five local districts

The city also has 184 local landmarks. National Register districts are an honorary designation managed by the Wisconsin Historical Society and the National Park Service, not reviewed by the Landmarks Commission unless a property is also locally designated.

Applying

Applications need photos of existing conditions, a narrative scope, materials and, for larger projects, the Landmarks Commission form. In 2025 the city issued 238 Certificates of Approval and the commission did 60 demolition and historic value reviews. Questions go to landmarkscommission@cityofmadison.com.

Sources: City of Madison, Historic Preservation; City of Madison, Local Historic Districts; City of Madison, 2025 Historic Preservation annual report

Quick answers

Do I need approval to demolish a garage in a Madison historic district?

Yes. Demolitions in local historic districts need a Certificate of Approval from the Landmarks Commission, obtained before the building permit.

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