Do I Need a Permit to Install a Wood Stove in Wisconsin?

Wood stove and wood-burning fireplace insert installations require a building permit in Wisconsin. The permit covers the stove placement, chimney or flue installation, hearth protection, and required clearances to combustible materials. This is one of the more inspection-intensive residential permits because improper wood stove installation is a leading cause of house fires. The Uniform Dwelling Code (SPS 322) and manufacturer installation instructions govern wood stove installations. Key requirements include minimum clearances from combustible walls and ceilings (36 inches for unlisted stoves, reduced with approved heat shields), a non-combustible hearth pad extending at least 18 inches in front and 8 inches on each side of the stove, and a chimney that extends at least 3 feet above the roof penetration and 2 feet above any structure within 10 feet. The chimney must be a listed, factory-built chimney or a code-compliant masonry chimney. Single-wall stovepipe can only be used inside the room where the stove is located — once it passes through a wall or ceiling, it must transition to an insulated chimney system. The inspection process typically includes a rough inspection (before closing up any wall or ceiling penetrations) and a final inspection with the stove in place and connected. The inspector checks clearances, hearth pad dimensions and materials, chimney height and termination, firestop spacers at all penetrations, and proper draft. Using a wood stove without a permit can void your homeowners insurance — many insurers specifically ask about wood-burning appliances, and an unpermitted installation gives them grounds to deny a fire claim. Permit fees for wood stove installations range from $50 to $200 in most Wisconsin municipalities. If you are installing a new masonry chimney, the building permit fee will be higher ($200 to $500) due to the additional structural review required.

Check Your Municipality

Permit requirements, fees, and exemptions vary by municipality. Verify the specifics for your location.