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.
When Is a Electrical Permit Required?
- New electrical service installation or upgrade
- Adding circuits, outlets, or fixtures
- Electrical panel replacement or upgrade
- Wiring for remodels, additions, or new construction
When Is a Electrical Permit NOT Required?
- Replacing a light switch, outlet, or light fixture in kind
- Replacing a plug-in appliance
Related Permits You May Also Need
Required Licenses
The following professional licenses may be required to obtain or work under this permit type in Wisconsin.
Electrical Permit Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for electrical permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | $50 + $5 per circuit | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Madison | $45 + $4 per circuit | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Green Bay | $40 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Kenosha | $45 + $4.50 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Racine | $40 + $3.50 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Appleton | $35 + $3.50 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Waukesha | $45 + $4.50 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oshkosh | $30 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Eau Claire | $30 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Janesville | $25 + $2.50 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Allis | $37 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of La Crosse | $30 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sheboygan | $28 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wauwatosa | $39 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fond du Lac | $27 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Brookfield | $42 + $4 per circuit | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of New Berlin | $39 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beloit | $25 + $2 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Greenfield | $37 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Franklin | $38 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oak Creek | $37 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Manitowoc | $25 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Bend | $30 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sun Prairie | $33 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fitchburg | $33 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Stevens Point | $25 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Neenah | $28 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Muskego | $37 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Menomonee Falls | $39 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Mequon | $44 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Pleasant Prairie | $35 + $4 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Marshfield | $25 + $2 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wisconsin Rapids | $24 + $2 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Superior | $23 + $2 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of De Pere | $30 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Menasha | $27 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beaver Dam | $24 + $2 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Watertown | $25 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Two Rivers | $23 + $2 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Grafton | $32 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Hartford | $26 + $3 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Baraboo | $23 + $2 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Platteville | $20 + $2 per circuit | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of River Falls | $25 + $3 per circuit | 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 — Electrical Permit
Do I need an electrical permit to add an outlet in Wisconsin?
Yes. Adding a new outlet requires an electrical permit in Wisconsin. The work must be performed by a licensed electrician or by the homeowner on their own owner-occupied single-family residence. An inspection is required before the work is concealed by drywall or other finish materials.
Can a homeowner do their own electrical work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin allows homeowners to perform electrical work on their own owner-occupied single-family residence. You must pull the permit yourself and pass inspection. However, this exemption does not apply to duplexes, rental properties, or commercial buildings — those require a licensed electrician.
How much does an electrical permit cost in Wisconsin?
Electrical permit fees in Wisconsin typically range from $50 to $1,500 depending on the scope. Simple projects like adding a few circuits cost $50–$150. Full-house wiring for new construction or major remodels runs $500–$1,500. Most municipalities charge based on the number of circuits, fixtures, or overall project value.
Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?
Get fee changes, requirement updates, and deadline alerts for every municipality you work in. Built for contractors, expeditors, and compliance teams.