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.
When Is a Occupancy Permit Required?
- Occupying a newly constructed building
- Occupying a substantially renovated space
- Change of use or occupancy classification
- New business opening in an existing commercial space
When Is a Occupancy Permit NOT Required?
- Continuing occupancy of an existing use with no changes
- Minor repairs that don't affect occupancy classification
Related Permits You May Also Need
Occupancy Permit Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for occupancy permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | $85 | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Madison | $75 | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Green Bay | $60 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Kenosha | $65 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Racine | $55 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Appleton | $55 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Waukesha | $70 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oshkosh | $50 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Eau Claire | $50 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Janesville | $45 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Allis | $53 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of La Crosse | $43 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sheboygan | $40 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wauwatosa | $55 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fond du Lac | $39 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Brookfield | $60 | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of New Berlin | $55 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beloit | $35 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Greenfield | $53 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Franklin | $54 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oak Creek | $53 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Manitowoc | $36 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Bend | $43 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sun Prairie | $48 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fitchburg | $48 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Stevens Point | $36 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Neenah | $40 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Muskego | $53 | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Menomonee Falls | $55 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Mequon | $63 | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Pleasant Prairie | $50 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Marshfield | $35 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wisconsin Rapids | $34 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Superior | $33 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of De Pere | $43 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Menasha | $39 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beaver Dam | $34 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Watertown | $36 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Two Rivers | $33 | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Grafton | $45 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Hartford | $38 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Baraboo | $33 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Platteville | $29 | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of River Falls | $36 | 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 — Occupancy Permit
Do I need an occupancy permit to open a business in Wisconsin?
Yes. Most Wisconsin municipalities require a Certificate of Occupancy or occupancy permit before a new business can open, even in an existing commercial space. The permit verifies that the space meets building code, fire code, and zoning requirements for the intended use.
How long does it take to get an occupancy permit in Wisconsin?
Once all final inspections are passed, an occupancy permit is typically issued within 1–2 weeks. Delays usually result from failed inspections, missing documentation, or outstanding code violations that must be corrected first.
What is a temporary occupancy permit?
A temporary occupancy permit allows limited use of a building while minor items (punch-list) are still being completed. It is issued at the municipality's discretion and typically has an expiration date by which all remaining work must be completed and a final CO issued.
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.