Do I Need a Permit to Paint My House in Wisconsin?
Exterior painting does not require a building permit, but contractors working on pre-1978 homes must be RRP certified for lead safety.
Yes, you typically need a permit. Requirements vary by municipality. Check with your local building department for specifics.
Where to Apply
Permit requirements, fees, and processing times vary by municipality. Check the specific requirements for your location:
Browse all jurisdictions →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to paint my house?
No. Exterior painting does not require a building permit in Wisconsin. However, HOA rules may restrict colors.
Do I need RRP certification to paint a pre-1978 house?
If you are a paid contractor disturbing more than 20 sq ft of paint on the exterior, yes. Homeowners doing their own work are exempt but should follow lead-safe practices.
Are there color restrictions?
No statewide restrictions, but historic districts may regulate exterior colors, and HOAs can restrict paint choices.
Building in multiple cities?
See permit requirements for any Wisconsin municipality instantly. Compare fees, timelines, and processes side by side across your active jurisdictions.