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Milwaukee Building and Trade Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
Jun 23, 2025
Planning a construction or renovation project in Milwaukee, Wisconsin? This guide will help you understand the city's building and trade permit requirements and work with the application process with confidence.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Milwaukee's permitting process, such as application procedures, required documents, fees, inspection schedules, and approval timelines.
Simplify permitting in Milwaukee with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Milwaukee?
The City of Milwaukee building permits are required for nearly all construction or alteration activities.
Expect to pull a permit if your project includes:
- New building construction
- Demolitions
- Decks & porches
- Garages
- Attic/basement conversions and remodels
- Door & window installations
- New or replacement fences
- Electrical work
- Plumbing work
- HVAC & furnace installations
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Some minor updates may be exempt:
- Painting, carpentry & non-structural repairs
- Door replacement: 1–2 family home where the opening size doesn’t change
- Patios & small sidewalks: Patios and private-property sidewalks
- Tents: Open-sided tents and small tents under 600 sq ft
Keep in mind that historic properties need a Certificate of Appropriateness, even if a permit isn’t required.
For more information or to find your specific case, refer to the “Does It Need a Permit?” page.
Note: Some projects are flagged as “Maybe/Probably/Sometimes.” Make sure you call the corresponding phone number to find out more info.
Who issues Milwaukee permits?
Milwaukee construction permits are managed by the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS). All residential and commercial permits, along with trade permits, must be applied for through DNS or the online Accela portal.
Milwaukee building permit fees
Milwaukee building permits are based on project type, valuation, and the scope of the work.
Residential fees
| Permit type |
Rate |
Minimum fee |
| Single-Family & Two-Family Dwellings (new/addition) |
$0.55 per sq ft |
$200 |
| Accessory Structures (>150 sq ft) |
$0.45 per sq ft |
- |
| Accessory Structures (≤150 sq ft) |
Flat fee |
$175 |
| Footings & Foundations |
$0.25 per sq ft (first floor area) |
$300 |
| Hoop Houses |
Exempt |
$0 |
| Solar PV (residential, no structure mod.) |
Exempt |
$0 |
| Solar PV (other) |
Tiered flat rates by system size |
$100–$350 |
| Processing Fee (per permit) |
Flat |
$20 |
Commercial fees
| Permit type |
Rate |
Minimum fee |
| Single-Family & Two-Family Dwellings (new/addition) |
$0.55 per sq ft |
$200 |
| Accessory Structures (>150 sq ft) |
$0.45 per sq ft |
- |
| Accessory Structures (≤150 sq ft) |
Flat fee |
$175 |
| Footings & Foundations |
$0.25 per sq ft (first floor area) |
$300 |
| Hoop Houses |
Exempt |
$0 |
| Solar PV (residential, no structure mod.) |
Exempt |
$0 |
| Solar PV (other) |
Tiered flat rates by system size |
$100–$350 |
| Processing Fee (per permit) |
Flat |
$20 |
For more information on both residential and commercial fees, refer to the Permit & Development Center page.
Milwaukee trade permits
Plumbing permits
Milwaukee plumbing permits are required for all water line installations, fixture replacements, drain work, and gas line additions. You’ll need to be a licensed plumber to pull the permit.
Milwaukee plumbing permit costs
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Permits for commercial building plumbing |
1.6% of project cost (min. $200) |
| Private main/storm sewer plan review |
$195 + 1.6% surcharge → $198.12 |
| Storm sewers w/ stormwater plan review |
$330 + surcharge → $335.28 |
| Minor alteration (<11 fixtures) review required |
$110 + surcharge → $111.76 |
| Multi-purpose piping review in dwellings |
$110 + surcharge → $111.76 |
| Maximum plan review fee |
$8,250 cap |
For more information, please refer to the Plumbing Plan Examination Fees page.
Electrical permits
Electrical work, such as panel changes, wiring new circuits, and EV charger installation, requires a licensed electrician and proper permitting.
Milwaukee electrical permit costs
| Permit scope |
Fee structure |
| Low-voltage work |
Min. $70 (single-family), $80 for condos & others + 1.4% surcharge + $5 processing
|
| Electrical systems & appliances |
Fees depend on # of circuits/openings ($1 each) + inspections/reinspections at standard rates
|
More information can be found on the Low Voltage Permit Application page.
HVAC permits
Any work involving heating, cooling, or ventilation equipment requires Milwaukee building permits.
Milwaukee HVAC permit costs
| Scope |
Fee structure |
| HVAC system installation/remodeling |
Permit required; plan review fee applies; see HVAC plan review publish |
| Mechanical plan review |
Typically charged at 1.6% of cost (min. $200 for 1–2 family, $300+ for others) |
To get more information on HVAC fees, visit the HVAC Permit Fees section of the Plan Review and Permit Fees page.
Fence permits
Fences over 4 feet in the front yard or 6 feet elsewhere require Milwaukee building permits. Material and placement may also be regulated by zoning laws.
Milwaukee fence permit costs
| Fence type |
Fee |
| Residential fence permit |
$25 + $0.40 surcharge + $35 processing = $60.40 |
For more information on fence permit fees, check out the Residential Fence Permit Application page.
Tired of jumping through permitting hoops? PermitFlow takes care of your submissions, keeps your documents organized, and alerts you to deadlines. Focus on the job while we handle the paperwork.
How to get a building permit in Milwaukee
Step 1: Prepare your plans
Gather your:
- Construction drawings or site plan
- Contractor license (if required)
- Energy compliance documentation
- Scope of work description
- Structural or MEP plans, if needed
Step 2: Apply online
Use the Accela Citizen Access portal to:
- Select permit type
- Upload plans
- Pay initial fees
- Track application progress
For help, you can contact DNS or visit their walk-in permit center.
Step 3: Plan review
Your submission may be reviewed by multiple city departments:
- Zoning
- Fire Marshal
- Health Department (for commercial food facilities)
- Historical Preservation (if applicable)
Corrections may be required before approval.
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once your plans are approved, final permit fees will be invoiced. Payment must be made before your permit is officially issued.
Step 5: Schedule inspections
After receiving your permit, you'll need to pass inspections at key milestones:
- Rough framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC
- Final inspection
To determine which inspections are required for your project and how to schedule, visit the city’s Inspection Services page.
Milwaukee permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Milwaukee with PermitFlow
Pulling permits in Milwaukee can quickly turn into a time sink — especially if your business is new to the area. Between zoning rules, submission requirements, and inspection timelines, it’s easy to lose valuable hours navigating the process.
PermitFlow takes the burden off your plate by managing the entire permitting workflow for you, from application to final approval. PermitFlow is permit management software that handles permit preparation, submission, and tracking across all municipalities you serve.
Builders and contractors choose PermitFlow for:
- Expert guidance: Our team knows Milwaukee's permitting requirements inside and out, so your submissions are accurate and efficient
- Centralized permit management: Track and manage all your permits from one dashboard
- Faster approvals: We get your submission right the first time, which means you get your permit quicker
Don't let permit delays hold up your project. Contact us to see how we can help with your next project in Milwaukee or beyond.
Planning a construction or renovation project in Milwaukee, Wisconsin? This guide will help you understand the city's building and trade permit requirements and work with the application process with confidence.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Milwaukee's permitting process, such as application procedures, required documents, fees, inspection schedules, and approval timelines.
Simplify permitting in Milwaukee with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Milwaukee?
The City of Milwaukee building permits are required for nearly all construction or alteration activities.
Expect to pull a permit if your project includes:
- New building construction
- Demolitions
- Decks & porches
- Garages
- Attic/basement conversions and remodels
- Door & window installations
- New or replacement fences
- Electrical work
- Plumbing work
- HVAC & furnace installations
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Some minor updates may be exempt:
- Painting, carpentry & non-structural repairs
- Door replacement: 1–2 family home where the opening size doesn’t change
- Patios & small sidewalks: Patios and private-property sidewalks
- Tents: Open-sided tents and small tents under 600 sq ft
Keep in mind that historic properties need a Certificate of Appropriateness, even if a permit isn’t required.
For more information or to find your specific case, refer to the “Does It Need a Permit?” page.
Note: Some projects are flagged as “Maybe/Probably/Sometimes.” Make sure you call the corresponding phone number to find out more info.
Who issues Milwaukee permits?
Milwaukee construction permits are managed by the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS). All residential and commercial permits, along with trade permits, must be applied for through DNS or the online Accela portal.
Milwaukee building permit fees
Milwaukee building permits are based on project type, valuation, and the scope of the work.
Residential fees
| Permit type |
Rate |
Minimum fee |
| Single-Family & Two-Family Dwellings (new/addition) |
$0.55 per sq ft |
$200 |
| Accessory Structures (>150 sq ft) |
$0.45 per sq ft |
- |
| Accessory Structures (≤150 sq ft) |
Flat fee |
$175 |
| Footings & Foundations |
$0.25 per sq ft (first floor area) |
$300 |
| Hoop Houses |
Exempt |
$0 |
| Solar PV (residential, no structure mod.) |
Exempt |
$0 |
| Solar PV (other) |
Tiered flat rates by system size |
$100–$350 |
| Processing Fee (per permit) |
Flat |
$20 |
Commercial fees
| Permit type |
Rate |
Minimum fee |
| Single-Family & Two-Family Dwellings (new/addition) |
$0.55 per sq ft |
$200 |
| Accessory Structures (>150 sq ft) |
$0.45 per sq ft |
- |
| Accessory Structures (≤150 sq ft) |
Flat fee |
$175 |
| Footings & Foundations |
$0.25 per sq ft (first floor area) |
$300 |
| Hoop Houses |
Exempt |
$0 |
| Solar PV (residential, no structure mod.) |
Exempt |
$0 |
| Solar PV (other) |
Tiered flat rates by system size |
$100–$350 |
| Processing Fee (per permit) |
Flat |
$20 |
For more information on both residential and commercial fees, refer to the Permit & Development Center page.
Milwaukee trade permits
Plumbing permits
Milwaukee plumbing permits are required for all water line installations, fixture replacements, drain work, and gas line additions. You’ll need to be a licensed plumber to pull the permit.
Milwaukee plumbing permit costs
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Permits for commercial building plumbing |
1.6% of project cost (min. $200) |
| Private main/storm sewer plan review |
$195 + 1.6% surcharge → $198.12 |
| Storm sewers w/ stormwater plan review |
$330 + surcharge → $335.28 |
| Minor alteration (<11 fixtures) review required |
$110 + surcharge → $111.76 |
| Multi-purpose piping review in dwellings |
$110 + surcharge → $111.76 |
| Maximum plan review fee |
$8,250 cap |
For more information, please refer to the Plumbing Plan Examination Fees page.
Electrical permits
Electrical work, such as panel changes, wiring new circuits, and EV charger installation, requires a licensed electrician and proper permitting.
Milwaukee electrical permit costs
| Permit scope |
Fee structure |
| Low-voltage work |
Min. $70 (single-family), $80 for condos & others + 1.4% surcharge + $5 processing
|
| Electrical systems & appliances |
Fees depend on # of circuits/openings ($1 each) + inspections/reinspections at standard rates
|
More information can be found on the Low Voltage Permit Application page.
HVAC permits
Any work involving heating, cooling, or ventilation equipment requires Milwaukee building permits.
Milwaukee HVAC permit costs
| Scope |
Fee structure |
| HVAC system installation/remodeling |
Permit required; plan review fee applies; see HVAC plan review publish |
| Mechanical plan review |
Typically charged at 1.6% of cost (min. $200 for 1–2 family, $300+ for others) |
To get more information on HVAC fees, visit the HVAC Permit Fees section of the Plan Review and Permit Fees page.
Fence permits
Fences over 4 feet in the front yard or 6 feet elsewhere require Milwaukee building permits. Material and placement may also be regulated by zoning laws.
Milwaukee fence permit costs
| Fence type |
Fee |
| Residential fence permit |
$25 + $0.40 surcharge + $35 processing = $60.40 |
For more information on fence permit fees, check out the Residential Fence Permit Application page.
Tired of jumping through permitting hoops? PermitFlow takes care of your submissions, keeps your documents organized, and alerts you to deadlines. Focus on the job while we handle the paperwork.
How to get a building permit in Milwaukee
Step 1: Prepare your plans
Gather your:
- Construction drawings or site plan
- Contractor license (if required)
- Energy compliance documentation
- Scope of work description
- Structural or MEP plans, if needed
Step 2: Apply online
Use the Accela Citizen Access portal to:
- Select permit type
- Upload plans
- Pay initial fees
- Track application progress
For help, you can contact DNS or visit their walk-in permit center.
Step 3: Plan review
Your submission may be reviewed by multiple city departments:
- Zoning
- Fire Marshal
- Health Department (for commercial food facilities)
- Historical Preservation (if applicable)
Corrections may be required before approval.
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once your plans are approved, final permit fees will be invoiced. Payment must be made before your permit is officially issued.
Step 5: Schedule inspections
After receiving your permit, you'll need to pass inspections at key milestones:
- Rough framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC
- Final inspection
To determine which inspections are required for your project and how to schedule, visit the city’s Inspection Services page.
Milwaukee permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Milwaukee with PermitFlow
Pulling permits in Milwaukee can quickly turn into a time sink — especially if your business is new to the area. Between zoning rules, submission requirements, and inspection timelines, it’s easy to lose valuable hours navigating the process.
PermitFlow takes the burden off your plate by managing the entire permitting workflow for you, from application to final approval. PermitFlow is permit management software that handles permit preparation, submission, and tracking across all municipalities you serve.
Builders and contractors choose PermitFlow for:
- Expert guidance: Our team knows Milwaukee's permitting requirements inside and out, so your submissions are accurate and efficient
- Centralized permit management: Track and manage all your permits from one dashboard
- Faster approvals: We get your submission right the first time, which means you get your permit quicker
Don't let permit delays hold up your project. Contact us to see how we can help with your next project in Milwaukee or beyond.
