Plumbing Permit
Required for all plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Wisconsin. The state's plumbing code (SPS 381–387) is among the most detailed in the nation. All plumbing work must be performed by a Wisconsin licensed master or journeyman plumber, with very limited homeowner exemptions.
When Is a Plumbing Permit Required?
- New plumbing installations (water supply and drain/waste/vent)
- Adding or relocating fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers)
- Water heater installation or replacement
- Sewer line repair or replacement
When Is a Plumbing Permit NOT Required?
- Replacing a faucet or showerhead
- Clearing a drain clog
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.
Plumbing Permit Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for plumbing 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 + $10 per fixture | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Madison | $45 + $8 per fixture | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Green Bay | $40 + $8 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Kenosha | $45 + $9 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Racine | $40 + $7 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Appleton | $35 + $7 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Waukesha | $45 + $8 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oshkosh | $30 + $6 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Eau Claire | $30 + $6 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Janesville | $25 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Allis | $37 + $7 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of La Crosse | $30 + $6 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sheboygan | $28 + $6 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wauwatosa | $39 + $8 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fond du Lac | $27 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Brookfield | $42 + $8 per fixture | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of New Berlin | $39 + $8 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beloit | $25 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Greenfield | $37 + $7 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Franklin | $38 + $8 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Oak Creek | $37 + $7 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Manitowoc | $25 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Bend | $30 + $6 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Sun Prairie | $33 + $7 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Fitchburg | $33 + $7 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Stevens Point | $25 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Neenah | $28 + $6 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Muskego | $37 + $7 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Menomonee Falls | $39 + $8 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Mequon | $44 + $9 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Pleasant Prairie | $35 + $7 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Marshfield | $25 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Wisconsin Rapids | $24 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Superior | $23 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of De Pere | $30 + $6 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Menasha | $27 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Beaver Dam | $24 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Watertown | $25 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Two Rivers | $23 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| Village of Grafton | $32 + $6 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Hartford | $26 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Baraboo | $23 + $5 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of Platteville | $20 + $4 per fixture | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of River Falls | $25 + $5 per fixture | 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 — Plumbing Permit
Can a homeowner do their own plumbing in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's plumbing code is very restrictive regarding homeowner work. Homeowners may perform minor repairs like replacing faucets and clearing drains, but most plumbing work — including installing new fixtures, water heaters, and drain lines — requires a licensed plumber. This is stricter than many other states.
How much does a plumbing permit cost in Wisconsin?
Plumbing permits in Wisconsin typically cost $50 to $1,200 depending on the scope. A single fixture addition runs $50–$150. Full-house plumbing for new construction costs $500–$1,200. Fees are usually based on the number of fixtures being installed or modified.
Is a permit needed to replace a toilet in Wisconsin?
Replacing a toilet in the same location (like-for-like) typically does not require a permit. However, relocating a toilet to a new position — which involves modifying drain and water supply lines — does require a plumbing permit and must be done by a licensed plumber.
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.