Commercial Building Permit Costs in Wisconsin
Commercial building permit fees in Wisconsin range from $250 to $15,000 or more, typically calculated as a percentage of construction cost. DSPS plan review fees are additional.
A Commercial Building Permit in Wisconsin costs between $250 and $15,000, with a state average of $1,200. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Total project valuation or construction cost
- Building type and occupancy classification
- DSPS plan review fees (separate from municipal fees)
- Square footage of the building or tenant space
- Number of plan review disciplines (structural, fire, MEP)
Cost by Municipality
Commercial Building Permit fees across Wisconsin municipalities. Fees are based on official fee schedules and may vary by project scope.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | Based on construction value; typical range $1,500–$15,000+. Separate DSPS commercial plan review fees starting at $0.12/sq ft. Tenant improvements $300–$5,000. | +25% above avg |
| City of Madison | Tiered schedule based on project value; $500–$12,000 for most commercial projects. Additional DSPS plan review fees for projects reviewed by the state. | -58% below avg |
| City of Green Bay | Based on construction value; typical range $500–$8,000. Green Bay has its own certified commercial inspectors for many project types. | -58% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | Commercial permit fees $400–$6,000 based on project value. Tenant improvements start at $300. | -67% below avg |
| City of Racine | Commercial permits calculated at $8–$10 per $1,000 of construction value; minimum $250. | -99% below avg |
| City of Appleton | Commercial permit fees based on project value; typical range $400–$7,000. Expedited review available for additional fee. | -67% below avg |
Fee data is sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified quarterly. Fees shown may represent base rates — actual costs depend on project valuation and scope. Use the Fee Calculator for project-specific estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who reviews commercial building plans in Wisconsin?
Commercial building plans in Wisconsin are reviewed by either DSPS (Department of Safety and Professional Services) or a certified municipal commercial building inspector. Larger cities like Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay have their own certified commercial inspectors. Smaller municipalities route commercial plans through DSPS, which charges separate plan review fees based on building area.
What are DSPS commercial plan review fees?
DSPS charges commercial plan review fees starting at approximately $0.12 per square foot of building area, with a minimum fee of around $300. Fees are higher for more complex occupancy types. These fees are in addition to municipal permit fees. DSPS plan review typically takes 4 to 8 weeks for standard projects.
Need permit costs for every project?
Access real-time fee data across all Wisconsin municipalities. Know the exact cost before you bid, and get notified when fee schedules change.