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).

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 Grading/Excavation Permit Required?

  • Land grading or filling that changes drainage patterns
  • Excavation for foundations, basements, or utilities
  • Land clearing and topsoil removal
  • Projects disturbing more than 400 sq ft in some municipalities

When Is a Grading/Excavation Permit NOT Required?

  • Routine gardening and landscaping
  • Small-scale hand digging for planting

Related Permits You May Also Need

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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Erosion Control Permit
Required for construction activities that disturb soil and could cause erosion or sediment runoff in Wisconsin. Municipalities enforce erosion control under their local ordinances, which must meet or exceed the state standards in NR 216. Erosion control measures (silt fencing, sediment basins, stabilized construction entrances) must be in place before land disturbance begins.
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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.
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Grading/Excavation Permit Fees by Municipality

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

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$1502-4 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$1252-4 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 — Grading/Excavation Permit

Do I need a grading permit to level my yard in Wisconsin?

If the grading changes drainage patterns or involves a significant amount of earth moving, yes — most Wisconsin municipalities require a grading permit. The threshold varies: some cities require permits for any grading that moves more than 50 cubic yards of material, while others set the threshold at 400+ sq ft of disturbance.

What triggers a DNR stormwater permit in Wisconsin?

Any construction activity that disturbs one acre or more of land requires a Wisconsin DNR construction site stormwater permit (WPDES). This is separate from the municipal grading permit and requires an erosion control plan and stormwater management plan. Projects under one acre may also be required if they discharge to sensitive water bodies.

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