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.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$100–$2,000
flat
Typical Timeline
2–6 weeks for plan review
From application to approval
Inspection Required
Yes
One or more inspections required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Stormwater Management Permit Required?

  • New development creating impervious surface over municipal thresholds
  • Projects disturbing 1+ acres of land (also requires state WPDES permit)
  • Redevelopment projects that increase impervious surface
  • Commercial and residential developments with parking areas

When Is a Stormwater Management Permit NOT Required?

  • Projects under the municipality's impervious surface threshold
  • Agricultural activities exempted under NR 151

Related Permits You May Also Need

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).
→
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.
→
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.
→
Commercial Building Permit
Required for new commercial, industrial, and institutional building construction in Wisconsin. Commercial buildings are regulated under the Commercial Building Code (SPS 361–366), with plan review conducted by DSPS or certified municipal inspectors. Projects must also comply with local zoning, fire codes, and ADA accessibility standards.
→

Stormwater Management Permit Fees by Municipality

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

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$2003-6 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$2504-8 weeksCurrent
City of Green Bay$1502-4 weeksCurrent
City of Kenosha$1752-4 weeksCurrent
City of Racine$1252-3 weeksCurrent
City of Appleton$1252-3 weeksCurrent
City of Waukesha$2003-5 weeksCurrent
City of Oshkosh$1002-3 weeksCurrent
City of Eau Claire$1002-3 weeksCurrent
City of Janesville$751-3 weeksCurrent
City of West Allis$1312-3 weeksCurrent
City of La Crosse$1062-3 weeksCurrent
City of Sheboygan$1002-3 weeksCurrent
City of Wauwatosa$1383-5 weeksCurrent
City of Fond du Lac$982-3 weeksCurrent
City of Brookfield$1503-5 weeksCurrent
City of New Berlin$1382-3 weeksCurrent
City of Beloit$882-3 weeksCurrent
City of Greenfield$1312-3 weeksCurrent
City of Franklin$1352-3 weeksCurrent
City of Oak Creek$1312-3 weeksCurrent
City of Manitowoc$902-3 weeksCurrent
City of West Bend$1062-3 weeksCurrent
City of Sun Prairie$1192-3 weeksCurrent
City of Fitchburg$1192-3 weeksCurrent
City of Stevens Point$902-3 weeksCurrent
City of Neenah$1002-3 weeksCurrent
City of Muskego$1312-3 weeksCurrent
Village of Menomonee Falls$1382-3 weeksCurrent
City of Mequon$1563-5 weeksCurrent
Village of Pleasant Prairie$1252-3 weeksCurrent
City of Marshfield$882-3 weeksCurrent
City of Wisconsin Rapids$852-3 weeksCurrent
City of Superior$812-3 weeksCurrent
City of De Pere$1062-3 weeksCurrent
City of Menasha$982-3 weeksCurrent
City of Beaver Dam$852-3 weeksCurrent
City of Watertown$902-3 weeksCurrent
City of Two Rivers$812-3 weeksCurrent
Village of Grafton$1132-3 weeksCurrent
City of Hartford$942-3 weeksCurrent
City of Baraboo$812-3 weeksCurrent
City of Platteville$732-3 weeksCurrent
City of River Falls$902-3 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 — Stormwater Management Permit

When is a stormwater management permit required in Wisconsin?

Most Wisconsin municipalities require a stormwater management permit for projects that create new impervious surfaces (roofs, driveways, parking lots) above a certain threshold — often 400 sq ft for residential or any new commercial development. Projects disturbing one acre or more also need a state DNR WPDES construction stormwater permit.

What is a WPDES stormwater permit in Wisconsin?

A WPDES (Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) construction stormwater permit is required by the DNR for any construction activity disturbing one or more acres. The permit requires an erosion control plan and a stormwater management plan. It is separate from municipal stormwater permits and must be obtained before construction begins.

For Professionals

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.

No credit card required. Free for up to 3 locations.