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BlogMadison WI Building Permit Guide
Madison WI Building Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
Jun 11, 2025
Permitting in Madison, Wisconsin isn’t always straightforward — especially for builders or contractors expanding into the area. With multiple departments involved and project-specific documentation required, it’s easy to hit bottlenecks without a clear understanding of the city’s process.
This guide walks you through Madison’s permitting requirements, application steps, and inspection protocols, so you can navigate the system more efficiently, avoid costly delays, and keep your projects moving.
Simplify permitting in Madison with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Madison WI?
Building permits in Madison are required for a wide range of construction activities to ensure projects comply with local codes and safety regulations. You’ll need a permit for any work that alters a structure, impacts building systems, or changes how a property is used.
Common examples include:
- Structural changes: Additions to one- and two-family homes, attic or basement conversions, new garages (attached or detached), and deck construction
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work: Installation or replacement of furnaces, central air conditioners, water heaters, water softeners, any electrical work, and plumbing installations involving more than 16 fixtures
- Interior renovations: Kitchen or bathroom alterations, door replacements, and changes to the number of dwelling units
- Site and land work: Driveway construction or replacement, excavation in the public right-of-way, and grading or land disturbance (requires an erosion control permit)
What doesn’t require a building permit in Madison?
Certain minor repairs and cosmetic changes don't require a Madison WI building permit:
- Minor interior work: Installation or replacement of wall-mounted cabinets, drywall repairs or replacements, and insulation work
- Exterior work: Landscaping projects and fence installation or replacement (may require zoning approval)
- Other activities: General maintenance tasks that do not involve structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing changes
To get a full list of projects, refer to the Development Services Center’s Permits page.
What is the biggest shed you can build without a permit in Madison?
A Madison WI building permit is required for any shed or accessory building, regardless of its size. This includes sheds that are built elsewhere and moved to your yard, as well as prefab sheds.
- Permit requirement: All sheds, regardless of size, require a building permit
- Maximum height: 15 feet, measured from the ground to a point midway between the eave and the top of the roof
- Total accessory building footprint: The combined footprint of all accessory buildings (including sheds and detached garages) on a property may not exceed 1,000 square feet
- Setback requirements:
- From other structures: At least 3 feet away from your house and other structures
- From lot lines: At least 3 feet from the rear or side lot lines of your yard
- Fire separation: If the structure is closer than 10 feet from the house, fire separation is required
For more information, visit the city’s New Shed page — it has everything from zoning detection to how to apply for a permit.
Madison zoning information
Zoning fees in Madison apply to a range of land use applications, development proposals, and property modifications. Here's a breakdown of common fee types:
| Application type |
Fee |
|
Planned Development (PD) – General or Specific Implementation Plan
|
$1,500 plus $200 per acre over 1 acre (maximum of 20 acres or $5,300)
|
|
Other Zoning Map Amendments
|
$950 plus $100 per acre over 1 acre (maximum of 20 acres or $2,850)
|
|
Extension for Building Permit (PD, filed ≥30 days before 36-month expiration)
|
$500
|
|
Alteration to PD (GDP or SIP) reviewed by Plan Commission
|
$500
|
To get more information, refer to the Zoning Fees page.
Madison building permit fees
Permit fees in Madison vary based on the scope and type of the project. Some examples include.
Residential projects
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Plan Review |
$100 (new construction), $25 (alterations) |
| Accessory Structures |
$0.06 per sq. ft. (minimum $25) |
| Alterations & Repairs |
$11 per $1,000 of project value (minimum $25) |
| Plumbing Fixtures |
$8 each (minimum $25) |
| Electrical Openings |
$25 for first 10, then $1 each additional |
| Service Panel Replacement |
$50 |
| Private In-Ground Pools |
$25 |
Note: Residential projects belong to Group 1 in terms of inspection fees. Group 1 is all single or two-family residential projects.
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Minimum Fee |
$25.00 |
| Building |
$0.10/sq. ft. |
| Electrical |
$0.09/sq. ft. |
| Plumbing |
$0.09/sq. ft. |
| HVAC |
$0.09/sq. ft. |
Commercial projects
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New Construction |
$0.04/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| HVAC Systems |
$0.03/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| Alterations/Remodels |
$0.04/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| HVAC Alterations/Remodels |
$0.03/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| Structural Review |
$50 per building element |
| Miscellaneous Plan Types |
$100 |
| Early Start Permit |
$50 + $0.01/sq. ft. (includes zoning fee) |
Note: For commercial projects, you should check Group 2 and Group 3 to determine where your project belongs.
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New Construction |
$0.04/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| HVAC Systems |
$0.03/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| Alterations/Remodels |
$0.04/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| HVAC Alterations/Remodels |
$0.03/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| Structural Review |
$50 per building element |
| Miscellaneous Plan Types |
$100 |
| Early Start Permit |
$50 + $0.01/sq. ft. (includes zoning fee) |
| Permit type (Group 3) |
Fee |
| Minimum Fee |
$25.00 |
| Building |
$0.12/sq. ft. |
| Electrical |
$0.06/sq. ft. |
| Plumbing |
$0.06/sq. ft. |
| HVAC |
$0.06/sq. ft. |
To find more information on groups, project types, and fees, refer to the Building Inspection Fees page.
Sick of spending weeks pulling permits in Madison? PermitFlow can speed up the process. Learn more here.
How to get a building permit in Madison
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Before starting any work, confirm which permits your project needs. Depending on the scope, this may include building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or HVAC permits. For clarity, consult the Development Services Center or review the City of Madison’s Permits page for detailed guidance.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation
Different projects need different documents, but the general list includes:
- Zoning plans
- Fire protection system plans
- Plumbing Plans (if over 16 fixtures)
Pro tip: Use the Building Plan Submission Checklist to see exactly what you need.
Step 3: Submit application
Submit your application and supporting documents through the Licenses & Permits Portal or in-person at the Development Services Center located at 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The center is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
The Development Services Center will review your application and plans to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. If revisions are needed, you'll be notified to make the necessary changes.
Step 5: Permit issuance
Once your application is approved, you'll receive your building permit. Ensure that the permit is posted at the construction site as required.
Step 6: Inspections
As construction progresses, you’ll need to schedule inspections at key milestones to ensure the work complies with approved plans and building codes. Inspections can be requested through the City of Madison’s Building Inspection page.
Madison permitting resources
To help you get everything done quicker, we have collected a list of resources that include pages, files, and locations that you will need while getting Madison construction permits.
- Useful pages:
- Applications:
- Fees:
- Location:
- Address: 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703
- Phone: (608) 266-4551
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Website: Development Services Center
Streamline Madison permitting with PermitFlow
Securing building permits in Madison can be time-consuming and overwhelming — especially for businesses entering the market for the first time. Rather than spending hours deciphering local codes, gathering paperwork, and chasing approvals, let PermitFlow handle the entire process for you.
Our permit management software simplifies every step of the process — from application prep to filing and real-time status tracking — across all jurisdictions you serve in Wisconsin and beyond.
Why choose PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: Our team understands Madison’s permitting landscape, helping you navigate requirements with accuracy and confidence.
- Centralized management: Track and manage all your permits — across multiple projects — from a single, streamlined platform.
- Faster approvals: We get it right the first time. Well-prepared applications mean fewer revisions, less back-and-forth, and quicker turnaround times.
Stop letting permit complications delay your projects. Get in touch to learn how PermitFlow streamlines permitting.
Permitting in Madison, Wisconsin isn’t always straightforward — especially for builders or contractors expanding into the area. With multiple departments involved and project-specific documentation required, it’s easy to hit bottlenecks without a clear understanding of the city’s process.
This guide walks you through Madison’s permitting requirements, application steps, and inspection protocols, so you can navigate the system more efficiently, avoid costly delays, and keep your projects moving.
Simplify permitting in Madison with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Madison WI?
Building permits in Madison are required for a wide range of construction activities to ensure projects comply with local codes and safety regulations. You’ll need a permit for any work that alters a structure, impacts building systems, or changes how a property is used.
Common examples include:
- Structural changes: Additions to one- and two-family homes, attic or basement conversions, new garages (attached or detached), and deck construction
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work: Installation or replacement of furnaces, central air conditioners, water heaters, water softeners, any electrical work, and plumbing installations involving more than 16 fixtures
- Interior renovations: Kitchen or bathroom alterations, door replacements, and changes to the number of dwelling units
- Site and land work: Driveway construction or replacement, excavation in the public right-of-way, and grading or land disturbance (requires an erosion control permit)
What doesn’t require a building permit in Madison?
Certain minor repairs and cosmetic changes don't require a Madison WI building permit:
- Minor interior work: Installation or replacement of wall-mounted cabinets, drywall repairs or replacements, and insulation work
- Exterior work: Landscaping projects and fence installation or replacement (may require zoning approval)
- Other activities: General maintenance tasks that do not involve structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing changes
To get a full list of projects, refer to the Development Services Center’s Permits page.
What is the biggest shed you can build without a permit in Madison?
A Madison WI building permit is required for any shed or accessory building, regardless of its size. This includes sheds that are built elsewhere and moved to your yard, as well as prefab sheds.
- Permit requirement: All sheds, regardless of size, require a building permit
- Maximum height: 15 feet, measured from the ground to a point midway between the eave and the top of the roof
- Total accessory building footprint: The combined footprint of all accessory buildings (including sheds and detached garages) on a property may not exceed 1,000 square feet
- Setback requirements:
- From other structures: At least 3 feet away from your house and other structures
- From lot lines: At least 3 feet from the rear or side lot lines of your yard
- Fire separation: If the structure is closer than 10 feet from the house, fire separation is required
For more information, visit the city’s New Shed page — it has everything from zoning detection to how to apply for a permit.
Madison zoning information
Zoning fees in Madison apply to a range of land use applications, development proposals, and property modifications. Here's a breakdown of common fee types:
| Application type |
Fee |
|
Planned Development (PD) – General or Specific Implementation Plan
|
$1,500 plus $200 per acre over 1 acre (maximum of 20 acres or $5,300)
|
|
Other Zoning Map Amendments
|
$950 plus $100 per acre over 1 acre (maximum of 20 acres or $2,850)
|
|
Extension for Building Permit (PD, filed ≥30 days before 36-month expiration)
|
$500
|
|
Alteration to PD (GDP or SIP) reviewed by Plan Commission
|
$500
|
To get more information, refer to the Zoning Fees page.
Madison building permit fees
Permit fees in Madison vary based on the scope and type of the project. Some examples include.
Residential projects
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Plan Review |
$100 (new construction), $25 (alterations) |
| Accessory Structures |
$0.06 per sq. ft. (minimum $25) |
| Alterations & Repairs |
$11 per $1,000 of project value (minimum $25) |
| Plumbing Fixtures |
$8 each (minimum $25) |
| Electrical Openings |
$25 for first 10, then $1 each additional |
| Service Panel Replacement |
$50 |
| Private In-Ground Pools |
$25 |
Note: Residential projects belong to Group 1 in terms of inspection fees. Group 1 is all single or two-family residential projects.
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Minimum Fee |
$25.00 |
| Building |
$0.10/sq. ft. |
| Electrical |
$0.09/sq. ft. |
| Plumbing |
$0.09/sq. ft. |
| HVAC |
$0.09/sq. ft. |
Commercial projects
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New Construction |
$0.04/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| HVAC Systems |
$0.03/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| Alterations/Remodels |
$0.04/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| HVAC Alterations/Remodels |
$0.03/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| Structural Review |
$50 per building element |
| Miscellaneous Plan Types |
$100 |
| Early Start Permit |
$50 + $0.01/sq. ft. (includes zoning fee) |
Note: For commercial projects, you should check Group 2 and Group 3 to determine where your project belongs.
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New Construction |
$0.04/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| HVAC Systems |
$0.03/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| Alterations/Remodels |
$0.04/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| HVAC Alterations/Remodels |
$0.03/sq. ft. (minimum $100) |
| Structural Review |
$50 per building element |
| Miscellaneous Plan Types |
$100 |
| Early Start Permit |
$50 + $0.01/sq. ft. (includes zoning fee) |
| Permit type (Group 3) |
Fee |
| Minimum Fee |
$25.00 |
| Building |
$0.12/sq. ft. |
| Electrical |
$0.06/sq. ft. |
| Plumbing |
$0.06/sq. ft. |
| HVAC |
$0.06/sq. ft. |
To find more information on groups, project types, and fees, refer to the Building Inspection Fees page.
Sick of spending weeks pulling permits in Madison? PermitFlow can speed up the process. Learn more here.
How to get a building permit in Madison
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Before starting any work, confirm which permits your project needs. Depending on the scope, this may include building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or HVAC permits. For clarity, consult the Development Services Center or review the City of Madison’s Permits page for detailed guidance.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation
Different projects need different documents, but the general list includes:
- Zoning plans
- Fire protection system plans
- Plumbing Plans (if over 16 fixtures)
Pro tip: Use the Building Plan Submission Checklist to see exactly what you need.
Step 3: Submit application
Submit your application and supporting documents through the Licenses & Permits Portal or in-person at the Development Services Center located at 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The center is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
The Development Services Center will review your application and plans to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. If revisions are needed, you'll be notified to make the necessary changes.
Step 5: Permit issuance
Once your application is approved, you'll receive your building permit. Ensure that the permit is posted at the construction site as required.
Step 6: Inspections
As construction progresses, you’ll need to schedule inspections at key milestones to ensure the work complies with approved plans and building codes. Inspections can be requested through the City of Madison’s Building Inspection page.
Madison permitting resources
To help you get everything done quicker, we have collected a list of resources that include pages, files, and locations that you will need while getting Madison construction permits.
- Useful pages:
- Applications:
- Fees:
- Location:
- Address: 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703
- Phone: (608) 266-4551
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Website: Development Services Center
Streamline Madison permitting with PermitFlow
Securing building permits in Madison can be time-consuming and overwhelming — especially for businesses entering the market for the first time. Rather than spending hours deciphering local codes, gathering paperwork, and chasing approvals, let PermitFlow handle the entire process for you.
Our permit management software simplifies every step of the process — from application prep to filing and real-time status tracking — across all jurisdictions you serve in Wisconsin and beyond.
Why choose PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: Our team understands Madison’s permitting landscape, helping you navigate requirements with accuracy and confidence.
- Centralized management: Track and manage all your permits — across multiple projects — from a single, streamlined platform.
- Faster approvals: We get it right the first time. Well-prepared applications mean fewer revisions, less back-and-forth, and quicker turnaround times.
Stop letting permit complications delay your projects. Get in touch to learn how PermitFlow streamlines permitting.
