Zoning Variance

A formal request to deviate from specific zoning requirements such as setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, or parking requirements in Wisconsin. Variances are granted by the local Board of Appeals (or Board of Zoning Appeals) and require the applicant to demonstrate an unnecessary hardship under Wisconsin Statutes §62.23(7)(e)(7). Area variances (dimensional) are more commonly granted than use variances.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$200–$1,500
flat
Typical Timeline
4–12 weeks (includes public hearing)
From application to approval
Inspection Required
No
No inspection typically required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Zoning Variance Required?

  • Building closer to the property line than zoning allows
  • Exceeding maximum building height for the zoning district
  • Exceeding maximum lot coverage percentage
  • Requesting fewer parking spaces than the zoning code requires

When Is a Zoning Variance NOT Required?

  • Projects that comply with all zoning dimensional requirements
  • Projects in zoning districts that already allow the proposed use

Related Permits You May Also Need

Conditional Use Permit
Authorizes a land use that is allowed in a zoning district only with conditions set by the Plan Commission or Zoning Board. In Wisconsin, conditional uses are listed in the zoning ordinance and require a public hearing per §62.23(7)(de). Common conditional uses include churches, daycares, multi-family housing, and commercial uses in mixed zones. Conditions may address hours, parking, screening, and intensity.
→
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.
→

Zoning Variance Fees by Municipality

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

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$3506-10 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$3006-8 weeksCurrent
City of Green Bay$2754-8 weeksCurrent
City of Kenosha$3004-8 weeksCurrent
City of Racine$2504-6 weeksCurrent
City of Appleton$2504-6 weeksCurrent
City of Waukesha$3254-8 weeksCurrent
City of Oshkosh$2254-6 weeksCurrent
City of Eau Claire$2004-6 weeksCurrent
City of Janesville$2004-6 weeksCurrent
City of West Allis$2634-6 weeksCurrent
City of La Crosse$2134-6 weeksCurrent
City of Sheboygan$2004-6 weeksCurrent
City of Wauwatosa$2756-8 weeksCurrent
City of Fond du Lac$1954-6 weeksCurrent
City of Brookfield$3006-8 weeksCurrent
City of New Berlin$2754-6 weeksCurrent
City of Beloit$1754-6 weeksCurrent
City of Greenfield$2634-6 weeksCurrent
City of Franklin$2704-6 weeksCurrent
City of Oak Creek$2634-6 weeksCurrent
City of Manitowoc$1804-6 weeksCurrent
City of West Bend$2134-6 weeksCurrent
City of Sun Prairie$2384-6 weeksCurrent
City of Fitchburg$2384-6 weeksCurrent
City of Stevens Point$1804-6 weeksCurrent
City of Neenah$2004-6 weeksCurrent
City of Muskego$2634-6 weeksCurrent
Village of Menomonee Falls$2754-6 weeksCurrent
City of Mequon$3136-8 weeksCurrent
Village of Pleasant Prairie$2504-6 weeksCurrent
City of Marshfield$1754-6 weeksCurrent
City of Wisconsin Rapids$1704-6 weeksCurrent
City of Superior$1634-6 weeksCurrent
City of De Pere$2134-6 weeksCurrent
City of Menasha$1954-6 weeksCurrent
City of Beaver Dam$1704-6 weeksCurrent
City of Watertown$1804-6 weeksCurrent
City of Two Rivers$1634-6 weeksCurrent
Village of Grafton$2254-6 weeksCurrent
City of Hartford$1884-6 weeksCurrent
City of Baraboo$1634-6 weeksCurrent
City of Platteville$1454-6 weeksCurrent
City of River Falls$1804-6 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 — Zoning Variance

How do I get a zoning variance in Wisconsin?

Apply to your local Board of Appeals with your variance request, site plan, and justification. You must demonstrate that strict application of the zoning code would create an unnecessary hardship unique to your property — not just inconvenience or financial hardship. A public hearing is scheduled where neighbors can comment, and the Board votes to approve or deny.

How much does a zoning variance cost in Wisconsin?

Variance application fees in Wisconsin typically range from $200 to $1,500 depending on the municipality. Larger cities tend to charge more. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. You may also need to pay for a professional survey, site plan, or legal representation.

What is the 'unnecessary hardship' standard in Wisconsin?

Under Wisconsin law, you must show that the property cannot yield a reasonable return or be used for any permitted purpose without the variance, that the hardship is due to unique property conditions (not self-imposed), and that granting the variance won't harm the public interest or neighboring properties.

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.