Madison's missing link - at least for guys with toys (Sun Prairie: for sale, rent)

[TVJon]

I'm moving to Madison soon and noticed something strange about the homes for sale in the city. Very, very few of them - even new construction - have three-stall garages - unless you're talking huge, expensive homes. Check the MLS listings and you'll find tons of homes in Sun Prairie and other outlying areas in the 250,000+ range, but you'll find almost none in Madison. How odd, I thought.

Then someone told me the city has zoning rules limiting the size and location of garages compared to the rest of the house. Combine that with the "new urban" theory of putting garages in backyards on tiny lots and I'm thinking I might have to live in the country to get the space I need. If Madison has that rule - do towns like Verona, Finchberg and Middleton as well? Can anyone shed more light on this?

Thanks.

[JoshB]

I think Sun Prairie and Madison do. I used to work on a lot of homes in Cross Plains and Waunakee that always had 3 car garages or more. Now that I think of it, Middleton allows 3 car garages as well. It may depend on the development as well. There are usually covenants that allow for certain sizes etc.

[noniwilli]

That is funny you think that...I have just completed my search for a home West of Madison, and was impressed as to how many homes have the 3rd stall...coming from Massachusetts, where everything is old, you are lucky to get a single car garage! If you have a double, you are doing really good! The Mcmansions have 3 car garages. I guess it is all what you are used to! I know that in Waunakee, every house in the new subdivisions have 3 car, and Middleton is the same, if space allows for it.

Good luck finding your home!

[radraja]

The only houses that tend to have 3 car garages are the McMansions...which are unfortunately being built.

People in WI typically park their cars out on the street anyway...at least around where I've lived.

If you really need the extra space, store stuff in the basement.

[TVJon]

Radraja, getting a boat or other kind of trailer in the basement would be tough. ;-) I actually live in a neighborhood now where the covenant prohibits storing stuff like that in the open.

Noniwilli, which neighborhood/development did you choose?

[radraja]

Ohhh...I was under the impression that you meant like tools and exercise equipment.

If all else fails, there are public storage units and boat slips for rent.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by radraja

The only houses that tend to have 3 car garages are the McMansions...which are unfortunately being built.

People in WI typically park their cars out on the street anyway...at least around where I've lived.

If you really need the extra space, store stuff in the basement.

Good luck putting a car or a boat or an ATV & snowmobile in the basement.

People in WI are no more inclined to put their cars on the street than anyone else unless they have nowhere better to put it.

[Lookout Kid]

Three car garages are tacky. Everyone in Wisconsin knows you should put your car where it really belongs... on the front lawn!