Do I Need a Permit?

Complete guide to every permit required for new home construction in Wisconsin, including building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and grading permits with costs and timelines.

Everything you need to know about deck permits in Wisconsin, including when a permit is required, typical costs, footing depth requirements, and inspection steps.

Guide to garage construction permits in Wisconsin, covering detached and attached garages, electrical requirements, setback rules, and typical permit fees.

Complete permit guide for kitchen remodels in Wisconsin, including when building, electrical, and plumbing permits are required and when cosmetic updates are exempt.

Guide to bathroom remodel permits in Wisconsin, covering plumbing, electrical, and building permit requirements for everything from simple updates to full gut renovations.

Complete guide to basement finishing permits in Wisconsin, including building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC requirements, egress window rules, and inspection steps.

Guide to roofing permits in Wisconsin, covering when a permit is required, costs, the two-layer shingle rule, and what inspectors check during a roofing inspection.

Complete guide to fence permits in Wisconsin, including height limits, setback rules, material restrictions, and how requirements vary by municipality.

Guide to solar panel permits in Wisconsin, covering electrical and building permit requirements, interconnection agreements, and Focus on Energy incentives.

Complete permit guide for home additions in Wisconsin, covering building, electrical, plumbing, and zoning requirements for expanding your home's footprint.

Guide to swimming pool permits in Wisconsin, covering above-ground and in-ground pools, required barrier fencing, electrical requirements, and inspection procedures.

Guide to HVAC replacement permits in Wisconsin, covering furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork permits, inspection requirements, and energy efficiency standards.

Guide to water heater replacement permits in Wisconsin, covering plumbing permit requirements, inspection steps, and code requirements for gas and electric water heaters.

Complete guide to all permits and licenses required to open a restaurant in Wisconsin, including food dealer licenses, liquor licenses, business licenses, and sign permits.

Guide to food truck permits and licenses in Wisconsin, including mobile food vendor permits, business licenses, health department requirements, and city-specific rules.

Guide to retail store permits and licenses in Wisconsin, including business licenses, sign permits, occupancy permits, and zoning requirements for commercial spaces.

Guide to demolition permits in Wisconsin, covering asbestos requirements, utility disconnection, historic structure rules, and the razing permit process.

Guide to sign permits in Wisconsin, covering permanent and temporary signs, size limits, illumination rules, and the differences between wall signs, ground signs, and projecting signs.

Guide to home occupation permits in Wisconsin, covering zoning requirements, allowed business types, signage rules, parking requirements, and employee restrictions.

Guide to accessory structure permits in Wisconsin, covering sheds, barns, workshops, and other outbuildings, including size thresholds, setback rules, and when permits are required.

Guide to shed permit requirements in Wisconsin, including size thresholds, zoning setbacks, and when electrical permits are needed.

Retaining wall permit requirements depend on height and location. Most Wisconsin municipalities require permits for walls over 4 feet.

Window replacement permit requirements in Wisconsin depend on whether you are changing opening sizes or installing egress windows.

Siding replacement permit requirements vary by Wisconsin municipality. Most require permits when changing material type or modifying the weather barrier.

Electric water heater replacement typically requires a plumbing permit and may require an electrical permit in Wisconsin.

Central air conditioning installation requires an HVAC/mechanical permit in virtually every Wisconsin municipality.

Mini-split installations typically require both an HVAC/mechanical permit and an electrical permit in Wisconsin.

Furnace replacement requires an HVAC/mechanical permit in Wisconsin. Gas furnaces also require gas piping inspection.

Driveway installation typically requires a driveway/curb cut permit and may require a grading permit in Wisconsin municipalities.

Concrete slab and patio permit requirements depend on size, location, and whether the work is structural in Wisconsin.

Ground-level patios from pavers or concrete at grade are generally exempt from building permits but may need zoning review.

Opening a bar in Wisconsin requires a liquor license, business license, food service permits, and building permits for any build-out.

Opening a salon requires a DSPS cosmetology establishment license, municipal business license, and building permits for any renovation.

Tattoo shops need a DHS establishment license, individual artist licenses, municipal permits, and building permits for any build-out.

Daycare centers require DCF licensing, building permits, fire inspections, and municipal business licenses in Wisconsin.

Short-term rental regulations in Wisconsin vary by municipality. Most require registration, and some require DATCP tourist rooming house licenses.

Accessory dwelling units require building permits, zoning approval, and may require variances depending on your municipality's zoning code.

Garage conversions require building permits and must meet habitable space requirements under the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.

All water wells in Wisconsin must be constructed by a DNR-licensed well driller with proper permits.

Septic system (POWTS) installation requires a county sanitary permit, soil testing, and must be performed by a licensed installer.

Tree removal permit requirements depend on your municipality and whether the tree is in the public right-of-way or on private property.

In-ground and above-ground pools above certain sizes require building permits, fence/barrier requirements, and electrical permits in Wisconsin.

Hot tub installation typically requires an electrical permit and may require a building permit depending on the installation method.

Backyard chicken regulations vary widely by municipality in Wisconsin. Many cities allow hens but prohibit roosters.

Beekeeping in Wisconsin requires registration with DATCP and compliance with local ordinances that vary by municipality.

Public events may require temporary event permits, liquor licenses, food service permits, and assembly permits depending on size and activities.

Commercial signs typically require sign permits in Wisconsin municipalities. Requirements cover size, placement, illumination, and type.

Wisconsin requires a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier credential from DSPS for residential construction. Commercial work has separate requirements.

Adding insulation may or may not require a permit depending on the scope. Blown-in attic insulation is often exempt; wall modifications are not.

Electrical panel upgrades always require an electrical permit and licensed electrician in Wisconsin.

Level 2 (240V) EV charger installations require an electrical permit in Wisconsin. Level 1 (120V) plugs typically do not.

Pergola permit requirements depend on size, attachment to the house, and whether it has a solid roof in Wisconsin.

Permanent standby generators require electrical and possibly gas permits in Wisconsin. Portable generators do not need permits.

Wood stove and fireplace insert installations require a building/mechanical permit in Wisconsin for proper clearances and chimney/venting compliance.

Carports are considered structures and require building permits in most Wisconsin municipalities.

Commercial remodeling requires building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits. Plan review may be done by DSPS or the municipality.

Pond construction in Wisconsin may require DNR permits depending on size, location relative to waterways, and whether wetlands are involved.

Adding a bathroom requires building, plumbing, and electrical permits in Wisconsin. This is one of the most permit-intensive home improvements.

Running electrical to a detached garage or outbuilding always requires an electrical permit in Wisconsin.

Sewer line replacement requires a plumbing permit and may require a right-of-way permit if work extends to the public sewer main.

Breweries require federal TTB permits, state brewer's permits from DOR, municipal licenses, and building permits for any build-out.

Pool fences are required by Wisconsin code for all residential swimming pools and must meet specific height and gate requirements.

Converting between fuel types requires HVAC, gas piping, and possibly electrical permits in Wisconsin.

Tiny house regulations in Wisconsin depend on whether the structure is on a permanent foundation or on wheels, and local zoning codes.

Gyms require building permits for build-out, business licenses, and may trigger change-of-occupancy requirements.

Bakeries need a DATCP food dealer license, municipal permits, and building permits. Home bakeries may qualify under the Pickle Bill.

Dumpsters and roll-off containers placed on public right-of-way require a permit. Placement on private property may also need approval.

Fireplace installation requires a building permit for the chimney/venting and a gas permit if it is a gas fireplace.

Converting a room to a bedroom requires a building permit to ensure egress window requirements and other habitability standards are met.

Rebuilding or replacing a deck requires the same permits as new deck construction in Wisconsin.

Enclosing a porch with windows, screens, or walls requires a building permit and must meet UDC requirements.

Radon mitigation systems may require a building permit depending on the municipality. The installer should be certified by NRPP or NRSB.

Pole barns and post-frame buildings require building permits in most Wisconsin municipalities, with agricultural exemptions in some areas.

Irrigation system installations may require a plumbing permit for the backflow prevention device and connections to the water supply.

Removing load-bearing walls always requires a building permit. Non-load-bearing wall removal may also need a permit if it involves electrical or plumbing changes.

Small satellite dishes (under 1 meter) are generally exempt from permits under federal OTARD rules, but larger installations may need permits.

Commercial parking lot construction requires building permits, grading permits, stormwater management plans, and possibly environmental review.

Water softener installation may require a plumbing permit in some municipalities, especially if modifying the water supply piping.

Hemp-derived CBD retail requires a seller's permit and municipal business license. THC cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in Wisconsin as of 2026.

Treehouse regulations vary widely. Some municipalities treat them as accessory structures requiring permits; others have no specific regulations.

Sump pump installation requirements vary. Discharging to the sanitary sewer is prohibited; discharge must go to storm sewer or grade.

Like-for-like garage door replacement is usually exempt from permits. Changing the opening size or adding a new opening requires a building permit.

Laundromats require building permits for plumbing and electrical work, municipal business licenses, and utility hookup approvals.

Solar thermal (hot water) systems require plumbing and possibly building permits in Wisconsin.

Greenhouse permit requirements depend on size and whether the structure has utilities. Small hobby greenhouses may be exempt.

Home battery backup systems (like Tesla Powerwall) require electrical permits in Wisconsin.

Grading and fill operations typically require a grading/excavation permit and may need erosion control and stormwater management plans.

Catering businesses need a DATCP food license, a commercial kitchen, a seller's permit, and a certified food protection manager.

Exterior painting does not require a building permit, but contractors working on pre-1978 homes must be RRP certified for lead safety.

Privacy fence regulations vary by municipality. Height limits, material restrictions, and setback requirements apply.

Auto repair shops need municipal business licenses, DATCP motor vehicle dealer/repair registration, building permits, and environmental compliance.

Condo conversion requires creating a condominium declaration, municipal approval, building code compliance verification, and various legal filings.

Low-voltage landscape lighting usually does not require a permit. Line-voltage (120V) outdoor lighting installation requires an electrical permit.