Remodeling Permit

Required for interior structural alterations, major renovations, and remodeling projects in existing buildings. Covers changes to load-bearing walls, basement finishing with egress, bathroom additions, and any work that alters the building's structural integrity under Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$150–$2,500
flat
Typical Timeline
1–4 weeks for plan review
From application to approval
Inspection Required
Yes
One or more inspections required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Remodeling Permit Required?

  • Removing or modifying load-bearing walls
  • Finishing a basement with habitable space or egress windows
  • Converting a garage to living space
  • Adding a bathroom to an existing structure

When Is a Remodeling Permit NOT Required?

  • Cosmetic updates: painting, flooring, countertops
  • Replacing cabinets or fixtures without moving plumbing

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.
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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.
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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.
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Building Addition Permit
Required for any construction that expands the footprint or volume of an existing residential or commercial building in Wisconsin. Additions must comply with the UDC for residential structures or SPS 361–366 for commercial buildings, including setback requirements, structural tie-ins, and energy code compliance for the new section.
→

Required Licenses

The following professional licenses may be required to obtain or work under this permit type in Wisconsin.

Remodeling Permit Fees by Municipality

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

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$75 + $6 per $1,000 valuation2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$65 + $7 per $1,000 valuation2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Green Bay$60 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Kenosha$65 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Racine$55 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Appleton$55 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Waukesha$70 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Oshkosh$50 + $4.50 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Eau Claire$50 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Janesville$45 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of West Allis$58 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of La Crosse$47 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Sheboygan$44 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Wauwatosa$61 + $6 per $1,000 valuation2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Fond du Lac$43 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Brookfield$66 + $6 per $1,000 valuation2-3 weeksCurrent
City of New Berlin$61 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Beloit$39 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Greenfield$58 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Franklin$59 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Oak Creek$58 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Manitowoc$40 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of West Bend$47 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Sun Prairie$52 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Fitchburg$52 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Stevens Point$40 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Neenah$44 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Muskego$58 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
Village of Menomonee Falls$61 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Mequon$69 + $6 per $1,000 valuation2-3 weeksCurrent
Village of Pleasant Prairie$55 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Marshfield$39 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Wisconsin Rapids$37 + $3 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Superior$36 + $3 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of De Pere$47 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Menasha$43 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Beaver Dam$37 + $3 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Watertown$40 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Two Rivers$36 + $3 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
Village of Grafton$50 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Hartford$41 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Baraboo$36 + $3 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of Platteville$32 + $3 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of River Falls$40 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-2 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 — Remodeling Permit

Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Wisconsin?

Yes. Finishing a basement in Wisconsin requires a building permit in virtually every municipality. Work involving framing, electrical, plumbing, or egress windows must be inspected under the Uniform Dwelling Code. Permits typically cost $150–$600 depending on scope and city.

Can I remodel my own home without a contractor in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin homeowners can pull permits and perform work on their own owner-occupied single-family home without a DCQ license. However, electrical and plumbing work still requires licensed professionals unless the homeowner obtains the appropriate permits and passes inspection.

Is a permit needed to remove a wall in my house?

If the wall is load-bearing, yes — a building permit is required. Even for non-load-bearing walls, some municipalities require a permit if the work involves changes to electrical, plumbing, or HVAC. Always confirm with your local building inspection department before starting demolition.

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