Deck Permit Costs in Wisconsin
Deck building permits in Wisconsin range from $35 to $400. Most municipalities charge $75–$200 for a standard residential deck permit, with fees varying by deck size and complexity.
A Deck Permit in Wisconsin costs between $35 and $400, with a state average of $100. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Deck square footage
- Whether the deck is attached or freestanding
- Height above grade (elevated decks may cost more)
- Municipal fee schedule
- Plan review complexity (multi-level decks, screened porches)
Cost by Municipality
Deck 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 | Deck permit $150–$350 depending on size and complexity. Requires site plan and construction drawings. Online application available. | +50% above avg |
| City of Madison | Deck permit $100–$300. Standard decks on the lower end; multi-level or screened porches on the higher end. Plan review 1–3 weeks. | At average |
| City of Green Bay | Deck permit $75–$200. Straightforward single-level decks processed in 1–2 weeks. | -25% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | Deck permit $75–$175. Application requires footing details, ledger board attachment method, and railing specifications. | -25% below avg |
| City of Racine | Deck permit $65–$175. Footing inspection required before pouring concrete. | -35% below avg |
| City of Appleton | Deck permit $60–$150. Among the more affordable deck permit fees in the Fox Valley area. | -40% below avg |
| City of Waukesha | Deck permit $85–$250. Higher fees for elevated decks and multi-level designs. | -15% below avg |
| City of Oshkosh | Deck permit $50–$150. Quick processing for standard residential decks. | -50% 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 much does a deck permit cost in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee deck permits typically cost $150 to $350, depending on the deck's size and complexity. You need to submit a site plan showing the deck location relative to property lines and a construction drawing showing footing sizes, post-to-beam connections, joist sizing, ledger attachment, and railing details. The permit fee includes plan review and inspections.
Do ground-level decks need a permit in Wisconsin?
Requirements vary by municipality. Ground-level decks (less than 30 inches above grade) are exempt from the UDC statewide requirement, but many cities — including Milwaukee and Madison — require permits for all attached decks regardless of height. Ground-level patios made from pavers or poured concrete at grade are generally exempt. Always check your local code.
What inspections are included in a deck permit?
A standard deck permit in Wisconsin includes a footing inspection (before pouring concrete), a framing/structural inspection (after the frame is up but before decking is installed), and a final inspection (after all work is complete including railings and stairs). Some municipalities combine the framing and final inspections for simple decks.
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.