Number
250195
Version
SUBSTITUTE 4
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BURGELIS
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to residential trampolines.
Sections
105-23 cr
Analysis
Currently, there are no provisions within the code specifically addressing residential trampolines. This ordinance defines a trampoline as any recreational jumping apparatus in excess of 20 square feet, with a flexible surface supported by springs or cords, whether above or below ground, intended for outdoor residential use by individuals for bouncing or jumping. This ordinance creates general placement requirements for all trampolines, requiring a minimum 20-foot overhead clearance and requiring that trampolines be placed on or in the ground in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Trampolines designed with safety enclosure nets are required to maintain a 5-foot distance from any permanent structures or objects, or the minimum distance specified by the manufacturer, while trampolines designed without safety enclosure nets must maintain a 15-foot clearance.
The ordinance further requires that a trampoline comply with the safety, installation and maintenance specifications of the manufacturer, and specifies that any trampoline must be free of any visible tears or broken or disconnected springs and has legs that do not show any signs of bending or breaking. Damaged equipment must be repaired or removed within 14 days of notification by the city. The ordinance also requires that use of a trampoline complies with noise control ordinances. In addition, the ordinance establishes that its provisions shall be enforced by the department of neighborhood services and subject to a warning letter for a first offense and a penalty of not more than $50 for each subsequent violation. Finally, the ordinance specifies that use of a trampoline on a premises found to be in violation of this section or city’s noise control ordinances shall be grounds for declaring the premises a chronic nuisance premises subject to the provisions of the city’s nuisance ordinance.
Body
Whereas, Residential trampolines are a source of neighborhood disputes and safety concerns, especially in high-density urban areas; and
Whereas, Injuries, property damage, and encroachments onto adjacent lots are frequent complaints; and
Whereas, While Milwaukee residents are entitled to enjoy the use of residential trampolines, their placement and condition should nevertheless be regulated like other accessory uses; now, therefore
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 105-23 of the code is created to read:
105-23 Residential Trampolines. 1. DEFINITION. “Trampoline” shall mean any recreational, residential jumping apparatus in excess of 20 square feet, with a flexible surface supported by springs or cords, whether above or below ground, intended for outdoor use by individuals for bouncing or jumping.
2. PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS; GENERAL. A trampoline shall:
a. Have a minimum 20-foot clearance from overhead obstructions and adjacent hazards, including, but not limited to, power lines, tree limbs, and buildings.
b. Be placed on or in the ground in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
3. PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS; SAFETY ENCLOSURE NET. A trampoline designed with a safety enclosure net shall be placed a minimum of 5 feet, or in compliance with the placement specifications of the manufacturer, from any permanent structures or objects, including garages, sheds, fences and trees.
4. PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS; NO SAFETY ENCLOSURE NET. A trampoline designed without a safety enclosure net shall be placed a minimum of 15 feet from any permanent structures or objects, including garages, sheds, fences and trees.
5. SAFETY. Every trampoline shall comply with the safety, installation and maintenance specifications of the manufacturer.
6. MAINTENANCE. Every trampoline shall be free of any visible tears or broken or disconnected springs, and shall have legs that do not show any signs of bending or breaking. A damaged trampoline shall be repaired in compliance with the specifications of the manufacturer or removed within 14 days of notification by the department of neighborhood services.
7. NOISE CONTROL. Use of any trampoline shall comply with the provisions of s. 80-63.
8. ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTY. a. The provisions of this section shall be enforced by the by the commissioner of neighborhood services.
b. The first violation of this section shall result in a warning letter from the department of neighborhood services explaining the violation and the consequences of continued non-compliance.
c. Any subsequent violation of this section shall result in a citation of not more than $50 per offense.
d. Use of a trampoline on a premises found to be in violation of this section or s. 80-63 shall be grounds for declaring the subject premises a chronic nuisance premises subject to the provisions of s. 80-10.
LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
K. Broadnax
_________________________
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date: July 14, 2025
_____________________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Date:____________________
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 180737-4
Christopher Hillard
7/14/2025