Special Use Permit in City of Milwaukee

Complete requirements, fees, and application details for obtaining a special use permit in City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

CurrentLast verified 2026-02-15

A special use permit in City of Milwaukee costs $500. Processing takes 8-14 weeks. Applications can be submitted online.

This data was verified against official City of Milwaukee records as of 2026-02-15. Source: City of Milwaukee permit office (city.milwaukee.gov/DNS).

Fee
$500
Based on project scope
Processing Time
8-14 weeks
Typical approval timeline
Online Application
Yes
Apply online →
Last Verified
2026-02-15
From official sources

Requirements

Special Use Permit — City of MilwaukeeCurrent
Fee$500
Processing Time8-14 weeks
ApplicationApply online →
Inspections RequiredNo
Contact(414) 286-2268
Office HoursMon–Fri 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM
Last Verified2026-02-15

How to Apply for a Special Use Permit in City of Milwaukee

  1. Determine requirements. Confirm that your project requires a special use permit by contacting the City of Milwaukee permit office at (414) 286-2268.
  2. Prepare documents. Gather required plans, specifications, contractor credentials, and any supporting documentation for your application.
  3. Submit application. Apply online through the City of Milwaukee online portal, or submit in person at 841 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
  4. Pay fees. The fee for a special use permit in City of Milwaukee is $500. Fees are typically due at time of application.
  5. Await review. Processing typically takes 8-14 weeks. You will be notified when your permit is approved or if additional information is needed.

Note: Requires Common Council approval

Other Permits in City of Milwaukee

Residential Building Permit
$100 + $8 per $1,000 valuation · 2-4 weeks
→
Commercial Building Permit
$250 + $10 per $1,000 valuation · 4-8 weeks
→
Building Addition Permit
$100 + $8 per $1,000 valuation · 3-5 weeks
→
Remodeling Permit
$75 + $6 per $1,000 valuation · 2-3 weeks
→
Accessory Structure Permit
$85 · 2-3 weeks
→
Deck Permit
$75 · 1-2 weeks
→
Garage Permit
$100 · 2-3 weeks
→
Electrical Permit
$50 + $5 per circuit · 1-2 weeks
→
Low-Voltage Electrical Permit
$40 · 3-5 days
→
Plumbing Permit
$50 + $10 per fixture · 1-2 weeks
→
Water Heater Permit
$50 · 3-5 days
→
HVAC/Mechanical Permit
$60 + $5 per unit · 1-2 weeks
→

Special Use Permit in Other Jurisdictions

City of Madison
$500 · 8-14 weeks
→

Frequently Asked Questions — Special Use Permit in City of Milwaukee

How much does a special use permit cost in City of Milwaukee?

A special use permit in City of Milwaukee costs $500. Fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. Contact the City of Milwaukee permit office for an exact fee quote for your project.

How long does it take to get a special use permit in City of Milwaukee?

Processing time for a special use permit in City of Milwaukee is typically 8-14 weeks. Timelines depend on project complexity and current application volume. Plan submissions during off-peak periods may be processed faster.

Can I apply for a special use permit online in City of Milwaukee?

Yes. City of Milwaukee accepts online permit applications. You can submit your special use permit application, upload required documents, and pay fees through the online portal.

What happens if I start work without a special use permit in City of Milwaukee?

Working without a required special use permit in City of Milwaukee can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of unpermitted work, and complications when selling the property. Always obtain the required permit before beginning work.

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