Conditional Use Permit

Authorizes a land use that is allowed in a zoning district only with conditions set by the Plan Commission or Zoning Board. In Wisconsin, conditional uses are listed in the zoning ordinance and require a public hearing per §62.23(7)(de). Common conditional uses include churches, daycares, multi-family housing, and commercial uses in mixed zones. Conditions may address hours, parking, screening, and intensity.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$200–$2,000
flat
Typical Timeline
4–12 weeks (includes public hearing)
From application to approval
Inspection Required
No
No inspection typically required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Conditional Use Permit Required?

  • Uses listed as conditional in your zoning district
  • Daycare facilities in residential zones
  • Churches and places of worship in residential zones
  • Multi-family housing in certain zoning districts

When Is a Conditional Use Permit NOT Required?

  • Uses listed as permitted (by right) in your zoning district
  • Uses already covered by an existing conditional use permit

Related Permits You May Also Need

Zoning Variance
A formal request to deviate from specific zoning requirements such as setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, or parking requirements in Wisconsin. Variances are granted by the local Board of Appeals (or Board of Zoning Appeals) and require the applicant to demonstrate an unnecessary hardship under Wisconsin Statutes §62.23(7)(e)(7). Area variances (dimensional) are more commonly granted than use variances.
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Special Use Permit
Similar to a conditional use permit, a special use permit authorizes a land use that requires additional review beyond standard permitted uses. Some Wisconsin municipalities use 'special use permit' and 'conditional use permit' interchangeably, while others distinguish between them based on the level of review required. The process typically involves a public hearing before the Plan Commission or Board of Appeals.
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Occupancy Permit
Required before occupying a newly constructed or substantially renovated building in Wisconsin. Also known as a Certificate of Occupancy (CO), this permit confirms that the building has passed all required inspections and complies with the applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and fire safety requirements. A temporary occupancy permit may be issued while minor punch-list items are completed.
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Conditional Use Permit Fees by Municipality

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

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$4508-12 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$6008-12 weeksCurrent
City of Green Bay$3506-10 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 — Conditional Use Permit

What is a conditional use permit in Wisconsin?

A conditional use permit (CUP) allows a specific land use that is not permitted by right but is allowed under certain conditions in your zoning district. The local Plan Commission or Zoning Board holds a public hearing and sets conditions the use must follow — such as operating hours, parking, noise limits, or screening requirements.

Can a conditional use permit be revoked in Wisconsin?

Yes. If the conditions attached to the CUP are violated, the municipality can initiate revocation proceedings. Under Wisconsin's 2017 conditional use reforms (Wis. Stat. §62.23(7)(de)), municipalities must also apply specific standards when issuing CUPs, including that conditions must be related to the purpose of the zoning ordinance.

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