Deck Permit — Wisconsin Requirements & Fees | Permit Guide

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

Jurisdiction	Fee	Processing Time	Status
City of Milwaukee	$75	1-2 weeks	Current
City of Madison	$65	1-2 weeks	Current
City of Green Bay	$55	5-10 days	Current
City of Kenosha	$60	5-10 days	Current
City of Racine	$50	5-10 days	Current
City of Appleton	$50	5-10 days	Current
City of Waukesha	$65	5-10 days	Current
City of Oshkosh	$45	5-10 days	Current
City of Eau Claire	$45	5-10 days	Current
City of Janesville	$40	5-10 days	Current
City of West Allis	$53	5-10 days	Current
City of La Crosse	$43	5-10 days	Current
City of Sheboygan	$40	5-10 days	Current
City of Wauwatosa	$55	1-2 weeks	Current
City of Fond du Lac	$39	5-10 days	Current
City of Brookfield	$60	1-2 weeks	Current
City of New Berlin	$55	5-10 days	Current
City of Beloit	$35	5-10 days	Current
City of Greenfield	$53	5-10 days	Current
City of Franklin	$54	5-10 days	Current
City of Oak Creek	$53	5-10 days	Current
City of Manitowoc	$36	5-10 days	Current
City of West Bend	$43	5-10 days	Current
City of Sun Prairie	$48	5-10 days	Current
City of Fitchburg	$48	5-10 days	Current
City of Stevens Point	$36	5-10 days	Current
City of Neenah	$40	5-10 days	Current
City of Muskego	$53	5-10 days	Current
Village of Menomonee Falls	$55	5-10 days	Current
City of Mequon	$63	1-2 weeks	Current
Village of Pleasant Prairie	$50	5-10 days	Current
City of Marshfield	$35	5-10 days	Current
City of Wisconsin Rapids	$34	5-10 days	Current
City of Superior	$33	5-10 days	Current
City of De Pere	$43	5-10 days	Current
City of Menasha	$39	5-10 days	Current
City of Beaver Dam	$34	5-10 days	Current
City of Watertown	$36	5-10 days	Current
City of Two Rivers	$33	5-10 days	Current
Village of Grafton	$45	5-10 days	Current
City of Hartford	$38	5-10 days	Current
City of Baraboo	$33	5-10 days	Current
City of Platteville	$29	5-10 days	Current
City of River Falls	$36	5-10 days	Current

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 — Deck Permit

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Wisconsin?

Yes. Virtually all Wisconsin municipalities require a permit for new deck construction, especially if the deck is more than 30 inches above grade. You will need to submit a site plan showing setback distances and a construction plan showing footing sizes, framing details, and railing specifications.

How deep do deck footings need to be in Wisconsin?

Deck footings in Wisconsin must extend below the frost line, which is 48 inches in most of the state (42 inches in some southern counties). This prevents frost heave from shifting the deck structure. Pre-cast pier blocks on the surface are not compliant for attached or elevated decks.

What are the railing requirements for decks in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires guardrails on any deck surface more than 30 inches above grade. Railings must be at least 36 inches high for residential decks (42 inches for commercial). Balusters must be spaced so a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through.

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