Building Permit Costs in Wisconsin
Residential building permit fees in Wisconsin range from $75 to $5,500 depending on project valuation and municipality. Most cities calculate fees based on construction cost using a per-thousand formula.
A Residential Building Permit in Wisconsin costs between $75 and $5,500, with a state average of $450. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Project valuation or estimated construction cost
- Municipal fee schedule (per-thousand formula varies by city)
- Type of construction (new build vs. remodel vs. addition)
- Plan review complexity and number of review cycles
- Whether expedited review is requested
Cost by Municipality
Residential 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 | $8 per $1,000 of construction value; minimum $100. Plan review included. New home construction typically $1,500–$4,500. | -98% below avg |
| City of Madison | Tiered schedule starting at ~$1,200 for new homes under $200K value. $150–$600 for remodels. Separate plan review fee of $75–$300. | +167% above avg |
| City of Green Bay | $6 per $1,000 of construction value; minimum $75. New home construction typically $900–$3,000. Plan review included in fee. | -99% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | $7 per $1,000 of construction value; minimum $85. Residential remodels start at $150. Plan review fee of $50–$200 additional. | -98% below avg |
| City of Racine | $6.50 per $1,000 of construction value; minimum $75. New construction typically $800–$2,800. | -99% below avg |
| City of Appleton | $5.50 per $1,000 of construction value; minimum $75. Plan review included. New homes typically $800–$2,500. | -99% below avg |
| City of Waukesha | $7 per $1,000 of construction value; minimum $100. Higher-value homes in the $400K+ range can exceed $3,000 in permit fees. | -98% below avg |
| City of Oshkosh | $5 per $1,000 of construction value; minimum $75. Among the more affordable permit schedules in mid-size Wisconsin cities. | -99% 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
How are building permit fees calculated in Wisconsin?
Most Wisconsin municipalities calculate building permit fees based on the estimated construction cost or project valuation. The typical formula is $5 to $12 per $1,000 of construction value, with minimum fees of $75 to $150. Some cities use tiered schedules where the per-thousand rate decreases as project value increases. Plan review fees may be included or charged separately.
Are building permit fees refundable in Wisconsin?
Most Wisconsin municipalities do not refund building permit fees once the application has been reviewed. Some cities offer partial refunds if the permit is cancelled before plan review begins. If a permit expires before work is completed (typically 12–18 months), you will usually need to pay a renewal fee, which is often 50% of the original permit fee.
Do I pay separate fees for plan review?
It depends on the municipality. Some Wisconsin cities include plan review in the permit fee, while others charge it separately. When charged separately, plan review fees are typically 50–65% of the permit fee or a flat fee ranging from $50 to $500 depending on project complexity. Always ask about the total cost including plan review when budgeting.
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.