Demolition Permit

Required before demolishing any building or structure in Wisconsin. Municipalities require demolition permits to manage asbestos abatement, utility disconnection, stormwater runoff, and debris disposal. Structures in historic districts may require additional review under local preservation ordinances or the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$100–$1,500
flat
Typical Timeline
1–4 weeks
From application to approval
Inspection Required
Yes
One or more inspections required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Demolition Permit Required?

  • Complete demolition of any building or structure
  • Partial demolition affecting structural elements
  • Removal of in-ground swimming pools
  • Removal of underground fuel storage tanks

When Is a Demolition Permit NOT Required?

  • Removal of non-structural interior elements (drywall, cabinets)
  • Demolition of accessory structures under 120 sq ft in some municipalities

Related Permits You May Also Need

Razing Permit
A specialized permit used in some Wisconsin municipalities (notably Milwaukee) as the formal authorization for complete building removal. The razing permit process may include additional requirements beyond a standard demolition permit, such as a site restoration plan, escrow deposit, and a timeline for completion. In Wisconsin, 'razing' specifically refers to the complete removal of a building down to the foundation.
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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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Demolition Permit Fees by Municipality

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

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$150 + $0.05/sq ft2-4 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$125 + $0.04/sq ft2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Green Bay$100 + $0.03/sq ft2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Kenosha$100 + $0.04/sq ft2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Racine$100 + $0.03/sq ft2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Appleton$85 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Waukesha$110 + $0.04/sq ft2-3 weeksCurrent
City of Oshkosh$75 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Eau Claire$75 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Janesville$65 + $0.02/sq ft1-2 weeksCurrent
City of West Allis$89 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of La Crosse$72 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Sheboygan$68 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Wauwatosa$94 + $0.03/sq ft2-4 weeksCurrent
City of Fond du Lac$66 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Brookfield$102 + $0.04/sq ft2-4 weeksCurrent
City of New Berlin$94 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Beloit$59 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Greenfield$89 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Franklin$92 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Oak Creek$89 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Manitowoc$61 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of West Bend$72 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Sun Prairie$81 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Fitchburg$81 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Stevens Point$61 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Neenah$68 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Muskego$89 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
Village of Menomonee Falls$94 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Mequon$106 + $0.04/sq ft2-4 weeksCurrent
Village of Pleasant Prairie$85 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Marshfield$59 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Wisconsin Rapids$58 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Superior$55 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of De Pere$72 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Menasha$66 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Beaver Dam$58 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Watertown$61 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Two Rivers$55 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
Village of Grafton$77 + $0.03/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Hartford$64 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Baraboo$55 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of Platteville$49 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 weeksCurrent
City of River Falls$61 + $0.02/sq ft1-3 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 — Demolition Permit

Do I need a permit to demolish a shed or garage in Wisconsin?

Most Wisconsin municipalities require a demolition permit for any structure, including detached garages. Some exempt very small accessory structures (under 120 sq ft), but this varies by city. Always check with your local building department before beginning any demolition.

Is asbestos testing required before demolition in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin requires a certified asbestos inspection before demolishing or renovating any commercial building or residential building with more than four dwelling units. Single-family homes are exempt from the state requirement, but many municipalities require testing regardless.

How long does it take to get a demolition permit?

Demolition permits are typically issued within 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the municipality and whether the structure is in a historic district. Utility disconnection verification and asbestos clearance must be completed before the permit is issued.

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