How Long Does It Take to Get a Building Permit in Wisconsin?

Permit processing times in Wisconsin vary by municipality, project type, and time of year. Simple permits like roofing, fencing, or water heater replacements are often issued within 1 to 5 business days — some municipalities offer same-day or next-day issuance for these. Deck and remodel permits typically take 1 to 3 weeks for plan review. New home construction permits require 2 to 6 weeks of plan review, and commercial projects can take 4 to 12 weeks. Milwaukee's Department of Neighborhood Services processes most residential permits within 2 to 4 weeks. Madison's Building Inspection Division typically reviews residential plans in 2 to 3 weeks for standard projects. Green Bay and smaller municipalities often have shorter turnaround times of 1 to 2 weeks. During peak construction season (April through August), processing times can increase by 1 to 2 weeks across the state. The most common cause of permit delays is incomplete applications. Before submitting, verify that you have all required documents: a complete application form, construction plans drawn to scale, a site plan showing property lines and setbacks, proof of contractor licensing (if applicable), and any required engineering calculations. Online application systems, available in many Wisconsin municipalities, can speed up the process by flagging missing documents at submission.

Check Your Municipality

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