Madison, Wisconsin Building Permits
Applying for a building permit in Madison, WI? Get essential information on the Building Inspection Division process, fees, codes, and project timelines today.
Wind
ASCE 7 basic wind speed: 90-105 mph
Snow Load
Ground snow load: 40 psf
Flood
Subject to Yahara River and lake shore floodplain regulations; verify via FEMA maps.
Earthquake
Seismic Design Category A
Wildfire
Low risk; standard fire-resistive materials required by code.
Building Department
Madison Building Inspection Division
Approval Timeline
Residential projects average 1-2 weeks; commercial projects typically require 4-6 weeks for initial review and corrections.
Common Requirements
Completed application, detailed floor plans, structural details, energy calculations, site map, and Erosion Control Plan if applicable.
Zoning Information
Madison utilizes a unified development code (UDC) with districts including Residential, Commercial, Downtown, and special overlay districts.
Permit Costs
Permit fees are fee-schedule based. Expect base fees plus per-square-foot costs for new construction or additions.
Engineering Requirements
Engineers' stamps are required for all commercial work, residential structural work, and any projects involving complex foundation or lateral force systems.
Local Code Adoption
Adopts Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) and IBC 2015/2021 amendments.
Typical Projects
ADUs, residential additions, deck replacements, multi-family construction, and sustainable retrofits.