Commercial Building Permit

Required for new commercial, industrial, and institutional building construction in Wisconsin. Commercial buildings are regulated under the Commercial Building Code (SPS 361–366), with plan review conducted by DSPS or certified municipal inspectors. Projects must also comply with local zoning, fire codes, and ADA accessibility standards.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$2,000–$25,000
flat
Typical Timeline
4–12 weeks for plan review; 8–24 months total build
From application to approval
Inspection Required
Yes
One or more inspections required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Commercial Building Permit Required?

  • New commercial retail or office buildings
  • New industrial or warehouse facilities
  • New restaurants, hotels, or hospitality venues
  • Mixed-use buildings with commercial space

When Is a Commercial Building Permit NOT Required?

  • Agricultural buildings under certain exemptions (see SPS 361)
  • Temporary structures for less than 180 days with separate temporary permit

Related Permits You May Also Need

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.
→
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.
→
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.
→
Fire Suppression System Permit
Required for installing specialized fire suppression systems beyond standard sprinklers in Wisconsin, including commercial kitchen hood suppression systems, clean agent systems, dry chemical systems, and foam systems. Commercial kitchens with grease-producing cooking equipment must have a UL 300-listed hood suppression system per NFPA 96 and the Wisconsin fire code.
→
Fire Alarm System Permit
Required for installing, modifying, or replacing fire alarm systems in commercial and multi-family residential buildings in Wisconsin. Fire alarm systems must comply with NFPA 72 and Wisconsin's fire prevention code. Systems must be designed by qualified professionals, installed by certified technicians, and inspected by the local fire department or state-certified inspector before activation.
→
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).
→

Commercial Building Permit Fees by Municipality

Fee and processing time data for commercial building permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$250 + $10 per $1,000 valuation4-8 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$200 + $11 per $1,000 valuation3-6 weeksCurrent
City of Green Bay$175 + $9 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Kenosha$200 + $9.50 per $1,000 valuation3-6 weeksCurrent
City of Racine$175 + $8.50 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Appleton$160 + $8 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Waukesha$225 + $10 per $1,000 valuation3-6 weeksCurrent
City of Oshkosh$150 + $7.50 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Eau Claire$150 + $7 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Janesville$140 + $7 per $1,000 valuation2-4 weeksCurrent
City of West Allis$184 + $8 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of La Crosse$149 + $7 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Sheboygan$140 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Wauwatosa$193 + $9 per $1,000 valuation4-6 weeksCurrent
City of Fond du Lac$137 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Brookfield$210 + $10 per $1,000 valuation4-6 weeksCurrent
City of New Berlin$193 + $9 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Beloit$122 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Greenfield$184 + $8 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Franklin$189 + $9 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Oak Creek$184 + $8 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Manitowoc$126 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of West Bend$149 + $7 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Sun Prairie$166 + $8 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Fitchburg$166 + $8 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Stevens Point$126 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Neenah$140 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Muskego$184 + $8 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
Village of Menomonee Falls$193 + $9 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Mequon$219 + $10 per $1,000 valuation4-6 weeksCurrent
Village of Pleasant Prairie$175 + $8 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Marshfield$122 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Wisconsin Rapids$119 + $5 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Superior$114 + $5 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of De Pere$149 + $7 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Menasha$137 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Beaver Dam$119 + $5 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Watertown$126 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Two Rivers$114 + $5 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
Village of Grafton$158 + $7 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Hartford$131 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Baraboo$114 + $5 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of Platteville$102 + $5 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent
City of River Falls$126 + $6 per $1,000 valuation3-5 weeksCurrent

Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.

Frequently Asked Questions — Commercial Building Permit

Who reviews commercial building plans in Wisconsin?

Commercial building plans in Wisconsin are reviewed either by DSPS (Department of Safety and Professional Services) or by a certified municipal building inspector, depending on the municipality. Larger cities like Milwaukee and Madison have their own commercial plan review staff; smaller jurisdictions typically route plans through DSPS.

How much does a commercial building permit cost in Wisconsin?

Commercial building permit fees vary widely based on project valuation and municipality. Fees typically range from $2,000 to $25,000, often calculated as a percentage of construction cost. DSPS also charges separate plan review fees starting at approximately $0.12 per square foot.

What is the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code?

Wisconsin's Commercial Building Code is codified in SPS 361–366 and adopts the International Building Code (IBC) with Wisconsin-specific amendments. It covers structural requirements, fire safety, accessibility (ADA), energy efficiency, and mechanical systems for all non-residential buildings.

For Professionals

Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?

Get fee changes, requirement updates, and deadline alerts for every municipality you work in. Built for contractors, expeditors, and compliance teams.

No credit card required. Free for up to 3 locations.