Frequently Asked Questions

Some limited businesses may be operated out of a home. Contact Zoning at 608-266-4551 or zoning@cityofmadison.com to find out more.

There is no general City of Madison business license. However, there are businesses that require a license from the City. These include businesses that sell food, alcohol and secondhand merchandise.

Please check with the City of Madison Clerk's Office to see if your business will require a license from the City.

If your concern is about a landlord or housing safety issue in the City of Madison contact the City Building Inspection Department and "Report a Problem".

If your concern is about another type of business in Madison you can contact the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection.

You can also find information about Wisconsin businesses and file complaints with the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau.

Please visit the City's Business Funding page for information on City and partner financial programs for businesses.

You can search for a location using the sites below. 

Locate Wisconsin 

Property Drive 

If you are a small business owner, you can contact us below.

Tom Otto
608-243-0178
totto@cityofmadison.com

The Madison Community Development Authority occasionally has retail space available at the Village on Park

If you are looking for land to construct an office building, the City has land available for sale at the Southeast Madison Business Park and Center for Industry and Commerce.

Commercial brokers are often aware of new opportunities, and we therefore recommend that you also contact a commercial broker.