Committee approves residential‑trampoline rules that set setbacks, nets and quiet hours

The Public Safety and Health Committee on June 12 adopted a substitute ordinance (file 250195) regulating residential trampolines in Milwaukee, setting placement, maintenance and time‑of‑use rules and authorizing Department of Neighborhood Services enforcement for violations or chronic nuisances.

Sponsor Alderman Russell Bergelis said the measure addresses recurring neighbor complaints about trampolines located close to property lines and structures. The substitute language clarifies technical elements such as clearance for netted and non‑netted trampolines and references the city noise code for nuisance enforcement.

Key provisions The ordinance requires that netted trampolines be placed at least 5 feet from permanent structures and that non‑netted models be at least 15 feet away; overhead clearance rules are included (20 feet from overhead obstructions). Owners must maintain trampolines to manufacturer specifications. The text references the city’s nuisance and noise code (Section 80‑63) and sets hours of permissible use (no trampoline use between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.). Enforcement includes civil citations and potential nuisance abatement when maintenance standards are not met.

Department and committee action Deputy Commissioner Mike Basmian said DNS had no objection to the proposed substitute and that the Legislative Reference Bureau and city attorney had vetted technical language about net dimensions and standards. The committee adopted the substitute without objection; the chair abstained from the final tally.

Ending note Sponsors said the goal is neighborly compliance and safer placement rather than banning trampolines. The department will implement enforcement under existing nuisance and code enforcement processes.