Demolition Permit Costs in Wisconsin
Demolition permit fees in Wisconsin range from $50 to $2,000, depending on the structure size and municipality. Asbestos testing and utility disconnection costs are additional.
A Demolition Permit in Wisconsin costs between $50 and $2,000, with a state average of $250. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Size and type of structure being demolished
- Whether the structure is in a historic district
- Asbestos testing and abatement requirements
- Utility disconnection and verification fees
- Site restoration bond or deposit requirements
Cost by Municipality
Demolition 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 | Demolition permit $200–$1,500 depending on structure size. Razing permit for complete building removal $300–$2,000. Additional DNS fees may apply for historic district properties. | -20% below avg |
| City of Madison | Demolition permit $150–$1,000. Historic properties require Landmarks Commission review (additional $100–$300 application fee). Site restoration deposit may be required. | -40% below avg |
| City of Green Bay | Demolition permit $100–$750. Residential garage/shed demolition typically $100–$200. Full building demolition $300–$750. | -60% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | Demolition permit $100–$600. Requires utility disconnection verification before issuance. | -60% below avg |
| City of Racine | Demolition permit $75–$500. Garage and small structure demolition on the lower end. | -70% below avg |
| City of Appleton | Demolition permit $75–$500. Straightforward residential demolitions processed in 1–2 weeks. | -70% 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 asbestos testing cost in addition to the demolition permit?
Asbestos testing costs $200 to $800 for a typical building inspection, paid to a certified asbestos inspector — this is separate from the demolition permit fee. If asbestos is found, abatement costs can range from $1,500 to $30,000+ depending on the amount and type of material. Single-family homes are exempt from the state asbestos requirement, but many municipalities require testing regardless.
Do I need a deposit for a demolition permit in Wisconsin?
Some Wisconsin municipalities require a site restoration deposit or bond when issuing a demolition permit. This ensures the site is properly graded, seeded, and stabilized after demolition. Deposits typically range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the site size and are refunded after the city confirms the site has been restored to the required standard.
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.