August 2026 | Advocacy News

Deconstructing Madison’s Demolition Ordinance:

Implications for Historic Preservation

By John Rolling

Madison's 2025 demolition ordinance revision streamlined permit approvals, but tilted policy away from preservation. Since April 2025, the Landmarks Commission has found 85% of the 61 reviewed demolitions to have no historic value, and the Plan Commission has denied zero permits. The article proposes four fixes: longer delay periods for historic properties (90+ days), objective condition reports from City building inspectors rather than applicant-hired contractors, a clear economic feasibility standard (repair costs exceeding 50% of equalized value), and mandatory professional documentation before demolition of any building found to have historic value. The article includes information on how to sign up for demolition notices and submit comments to the Landmarks and Plan Commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a Madison Landmark or a property designated under the National or State Register of Historic Places be demolished?

Properties which have National or State Register of Historic Places designation (or are within a NR or SR historic district) but not City landmark status have no special demolition protection.

A Madison landmark cannot be demolished. However, landmark designation can be rescinded by the Common Council upon appeal of the property owner. If rescinded, the property is then eligible for demolition under the process discussed earlier.

2. Can a landmarks nomination stop a demolition?

It depends on the timing. While an existing landmark cannot be demolished (subject to FAQ answer above), current City of Madison policy states that when a demolition permit application is submitted prior to landmarking, the demolition permit application is to be judged absent such designation. Questions might be asked, however, about “which application came first?”   This might be a legal question to be answered by the courts.

3. How can I sign up for notification of proposed demolitions in Madison?

Anyone can sign up to be notified of the pre-applications for demolition permits. Here is the link to sign up.

https://cityofmadison.com/contact/email-lists

Then scroll down to Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development (DCPED) to the checkbox for Demolition Application Notices.

4. How can I express my opinion on a demolition permit application to the Landmarks and/or Plan Commission?

Landmarks and Plan Commission meetings, most of which are by Zoom, include time for public comment. You can register to attend a meeting to speak or simply to state your support or opposition. Speeches are limited (strictly!) to three minutes, so plan accordingly.

Meeting dates, times and agendas are posted at madison.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Here is the link for registering to attend a meeting: cityofmadison.com/MeetingRegistration

If unable to attend a meeting, you can send email written comments to:

landmarkscommission@cityofmadison.com and/or plancommission@cityofmadison.com