Occupancy limits
City ordinances and state codes outline occupancy standards. Occupancy is complex, and this page is only a guide.
Zoning Occupancy Limits
Zoning limits maximum occupancy of a dwelling unit to:
- An individual; or
- Two or more people related by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, or legal adoption, living together as a single household in a dwelling unit, including foster children; up to four roomers, and their dependents; or
- Up to five unrelated adults and the dependents of each, living together as a single household; or
- Up to six unrelated people who have disabilities under the Fair Housing Amendment Act (FHAA) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), who are living as a single household because of their disability and requiring assistance from a caregiver.
Contact Zoning at 608-266-4551 or zoning@cityofmadison.com if you have any questions.
Rental Occupancy Limits
| If the building has | units needs to provide |
|---|---|
| one or more units |
|
| three or more units |
AND
A 10 ft. by 10 ft. bedroom, with a standard eight-foot ceiling, lodges two (2) adults. The same sized room could lodge four (4) children. |
To find the livable area of a dwelling unit:
- Find the total square footage.
- Subtract the area of closets, hallways, bathrooms and utility rooms.
Bedrooms, dens, studies, dining rooms, and kitchens count towards the livable area.