What Permits Do You Need to Build a House in Wisconsin?
Complete guide to every permit required for new home construction in Wisconsin, including building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and grading permits with costs and timelines.
Yes, you typically need a permit. To build a house in most Wisconsin municipalities, you need Residential Building Permit, Electrical Permit, Plumbing Permit, HVAC/Mechanical Permit, and Grading/Excavation Permit. Here's exactly what's required.
Permits Required
The following permits are typically required to build a house in Wisconsin. Actual requirements vary by municipality.
Residential Building Permit
Required for new single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family dwellings in Wisconsin. The state enforces the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) statewide through DSPS, but municipalities issue permits and conduct inspections locally. Plans must comply with SPS 320–325 for structural, energy, and safety requirements.
Inspection required after work is completed.
Electrical Permit
Required for all electrical installations, alterations, and repairs in Wisconsin. The state adopts the National Electrical Code (NEC) with Wisconsin-specific amendments under SPS 316. All electrical work on residential dwellings must be performed by a licensed master or journeyman electrician, or by a homeowner on their own single-family residence.
Inspection required after work is completed.
Plumbing Permit
Required for all plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Wisconsin. The state's plumbing code (SPS 381–387) is among the most detailed in the nation. All plumbing work must be performed by a Wisconsin licensed master or journeyman plumber, with very limited homeowner exemptions.
Inspection required after work is completed.
HVAC/Mechanical Permit
Required for installing, replacing, or significantly modifying heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in Wisconsin. Covers furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductwork, and ventilation systems. Residential HVAC falls under the UDC; commercial systems under SPS 363–364. Wisconsin requires HVAC credentials through DSPS for most installations.
Inspection required after work is completed.
Grading/Excavation Permit
Required for earth-moving activities including grading, filling, excavation, and land clearing in Wisconsin. Municipalities regulate grading to manage stormwater runoff, prevent erosion, protect neighboring properties, and ensure proper drainage. Projects disturbing more than one acre also require a Wisconsin DNR stormwater permit (WPDES).
Inspection required after work is completed.
Where to Apply
Permit requirements, fees, and processing times vary by municipality. Check the specific requirements for your location:
Browse all jurisdictions →Exemptions & Special Cases
In some circumstances, a permit may not be required. Common exemptions include:
- Residential Building Permit: Accessory structures under 200 sq ft (varies by municipality)
- Residential Building Permit: Interior cosmetic work with no structural changes
- Electrical Permit: Replacing a light switch, outlet, or light fixture in kind
- Electrical Permit: Replacing a plug-in appliance
- Plumbing Permit: Replacing a faucet or showerhead
- Plumbing Permit: Clearing a drain clog
- HVAC/Mechanical Permit: Replacing filters, thermostats, or humidifiers
- HVAC/Mechanical Permit: Portable space heaters and window AC units
- Grading/Excavation Permit: Routine gardening and landscaping
- Grading/Excavation Permit: Small-scale hand digging for planting
Exemptions vary by municipality. Always confirm with your local building department before starting work without a permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do all the permits cost to build a house in Wisconsin?
Total permit costs for new home construction in Wisconsin typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 combined, depending on the municipality and project value. This includes the building permit ($800–$5,500), electrical permit ($100–$500), plumbing permit ($75–$400), HVAC permit ($75–$300), and grading/excavation permit ($100–$500). Milwaukee and Madison are on the higher end; smaller municipalities tend to charge less.
How long does it take to get all permits approved for a new house?
Plan review for a new home in Wisconsin typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, though large or complex projects may take longer. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are often approved within a few days once the building permit is issued. Factor in at least 4–8 weeks from initial application to having all permits in hand during busy construction season.
Can I act as my own general contractor for a new home in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin homeowners can act as their own general contractor for an owner-occupied single-family home. You can pull the building permit yourself without a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) license. However, electrical and plumbing sub-work must still be performed by licensed tradespeople unless you obtain the appropriate homeowner permits and pass all inspections.
Building in multiple cities?
See permit requirements for any Wisconsin municipality instantly. Compare fees, timelines, and processes side by side across your active jurisdictions.