Permit Fee Calculator
Calculate total permit fees by municipality, permit type, and project valuation. Includes base fees, plan review, state surcharges, and inspection costs.
What you'll need
- Your project municipality (city or village in Wisconsin)
- Permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
- Estimated project valuation (total construction cost)
Fee schedule effective January 2026 · Based on official City of Madison fee ordinance
| Fee Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Building Permit — Base Fee | $350.00 |
| Plan Review (65% of base) | $227.50 |
| State Surcharge (1%) | $1,500.00 |
| Technology Fee | $15.00 |
| Erosion Control Review | $75.00 |
| Total Estimated Fees | $2,167.50 |
Note: Fees are based on the City of Madison fee schedule effective January 2026. Actual fees may vary based on specific project details, additional permits required, and any applicable waivers. Always confirm fees directly with the issuing authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Wisconsin permit fees calculated?
Wisconsin permit fees vary by municipality. Most jurisdictions use a formula based on project valuation, with additional surcharges for plan review, state fees, and technology fees. The Fee Calculator applies the correct formula for each municipality based on official fee schedules.
Is there a free permit fee calculator for Wisconsin?
Yes. The Permit Fee Calculator lets you enter your municipality, permit type, and project valuation to get an itemized fee breakdown. No account or payment is required. Fee data is sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified quarterly.
Do permit fees include inspection costs?
It depends on the municipality. Some Wisconsin municipalities include inspection fees in the base permit cost, while others charge separately. The Fee Calculator shows the complete breakdown for each jurisdiction, including any separate inspection surcharges.
Get notified when permit fees change in your jurisdictions
Fee schedules change every year. Stop checking manually. Get alerts when any municipality you work in updates their fee schedule, surcharges, or calculation method.