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.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$800–$5,500
flat
Typical Timeline
2–6 weeks for plan review; 6–12 months total build
From application to approval
Inspection Required
Yes
One or more inspections required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Residential Building Permit Required?

  • New single-family home construction
  • New duplex or two-family dwelling
  • New multi-family residential building
  • Manufactured home on a permanent foundation

When Is a Residential Building Permit NOT Required?

  • Accessory structures under 200 sq ft (varies by municipality)
  • Interior cosmetic work with no structural changes

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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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).
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Stormwater Management Permit
Required for development projects that create or increase impervious surfaces or alter stormwater drainage patterns in Wisconsin. Municipalities enforce stormwater management requirements under NR 151 and NR 216 (administered by Wisconsin DNR). Projects disturbing one or more acres also need a separate state WPDES construction stormwater permit from the DNR.
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Required Licenses

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

Residential Building Permit Fees by Municipality

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

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$100 + $8 per $1,000 valuation2-4 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$85 + $9 per $1,000 valuation2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Green Bay$75 + $7 per $1,000 valuation2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Kenosha$80 + $7.50 per $1,000 valuation2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Racine$70 + $6.50 per $1,000 valuation2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Appleton$70 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Waukesha$90 + $8 per $1,000 valuation2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Oshkosh$65 + $5.50 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Eau Claire$60 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Janesville$55 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-2 weeksCurrent
City of West Allis$79 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of La Crosse$64 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Sheboygan$60 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Wauwatosa$83 + $7 per $1,000 valuation2-4 weeksCurrent
City of Fond du Lac$59 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Brookfield$90 + $7 per $1,000 valuation2-4 weeksCurrent
City of New Berlin$83 + $7 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Beloit$53 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Greenfield$79 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Franklin$81 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Oak Creek$79 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Manitowoc$54 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of West Bend$64 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Sun Prairie$71 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Fitchburg$71 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Stevens Point$54 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Neenah$60 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Muskego$79 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
Village of Menomonee Falls$83 + $7 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Mequon$94 + $8 per $1,000 valuation2-4 weeksCurrent
Village of Pleasant Prairie$75 + $6 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Marshfield$53 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Wisconsin Rapids$51 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Superior$49 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of De Pere$64 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Menasha$59 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Beaver Dam$51 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Watertown$54 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Two Rivers$49 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
Village of Grafton$68 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Hartford$56 + $5 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Baraboo$49 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Platteville$44 + $3 per $1,000 valuation1-3 weeksCurrent
City of River Falls$54 + $4 per $1,000 valuation1-3 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 — Residential Building Permit

How much does a residential building permit cost in Wisconsin?

Permit fees for new residential construction in Wisconsin typically range from $800 to $5,500, depending on the municipality and project valuation. Most cities calculate fees based on construction cost — often $5–$12 per $1,000 of project value. Milwaukee charges roughly $8 per $1,000; Madison uses a tiered schedule starting around $1,200 for modest homes.

Do I need a licensed contractor to pull a building permit in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, anyone performing work regulated under the Uniform Dwelling Code must have a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) certification from DSPS. Homeowners can pull their own permits for owner-occupied single-family homes, but they must still meet all code requirements and pass inspections.

What inspections are required for new home construction in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's UDC requires multiple inspections: footing/foundation, framing (rough-in), insulation, plumbing rough-in, electrical rough-in, HVAC rough-in, and a final inspection before occupancy. Some municipalities add additional inspections for erosion control or stormwater management.

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