Electrical Permit Costs in Wisconsin
Electrical permit fees in Wisconsin range from $50 to $1,500, depending on the scope of work. Simple jobs like a few new circuits cost $50–$200; service upgrades and whole-house rewiring cost more.
A Electrical Permit in Wisconsin costs between $50 and $1,500, with a state average of $175. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Number of new circuits or outlets being added
- Service panel amperage (upgrade vs. existing)
- Type of work (residential vs. commercial)
- Whether a service upgrade or new service is involved
- Solar panel or EV charger installation scope
Cost by Municipality
Electrical 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 | Residential: $75–$500 depending on scope. New circuits $75–$150. Panel upgrade $150–$350. Whole-house rewire $300–$500. Commercial electrical higher. | -57% below avg |
| City of Madison | Residential: $60–$400. Basic electrical work (new circuits, outlets) $60–$150. Service upgrade $150–$300. Solar installations $100–$250. | -66% below avg |
| City of Green Bay | Residential: $50–$350. Simple circuit additions $50–$100. Panel upgrade $100–$250. Full rewire $200–$350. | -71% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | Residential: $60–$300. New circuits $60–$120. Service upgrade $120–$250. Commercial rates calculated separately. | -66% below avg |
| City of Racine | Residential: $50–$300. Basic electrical work $50–$100. Panel upgrade $100–$225. Includes one inspection. | -71% below avg |
| City of Appleton | Residential: $50–$250. Simple jobs (circuits, outlets) $50–$100. Service upgrade $100–$200. Re-inspection fee $50. | -71% below avg |
| City of Waukesha | Residential: $60–$350. Per-circuit fees apply in some cases. Panel upgrade $125–$275. Solar panel electrical $100–$200. | -66% below avg |
| City of Oshkosh | Residential: $50–$250. Among the more affordable electrical permit schedules. Basic work $50–$100. Service upgrade $100–$200. | -71% 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 an electrical permit cost for a panel upgrade?
Electrical panel upgrade permits in Wisconsin typically cost $100 to $350, depending on the municipality. This covers upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service or replacing an outdated panel. The permit fee covers the plan review and initial inspection. Re-inspections, if needed, may cost an additional $50 to $75.
Do I need a separate electrical permit for solar panels?
Yes. Solar panel installations require their own electrical permit, which covers the PV array wiring, inverter installation, and connection to the home's electrical panel. Some municipalities have a combined solar permit that covers both the electrical and structural (roof mounting) work. Fees for solar electrical permits typically range from $100 to $250.
Is there a per-circuit fee for electrical permits in Wisconsin?
Some Wisconsin municipalities charge per-circuit or per-fixture fees, while others use a flat fee schedule. Milwaukee uses a tiered flat fee. Some smaller cities charge $5–$15 per circuit or outlet. When getting a quote from your electrician, ask them to include the permit cost so there are no surprises.
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.