Overview
Madison’s alteration guide begins with zoning, then scaled plans and Building Inspection submission. The permit counter is appointment-only; use the current digital instructions where offered. Resolve the withholding letter before permit issuance, and do not treat a review estimate as a guaranteed construction start.
Authority
Building Inspection / Development Services Center
Alteration intake
Permit counter by appointment; confirm digital options for scope
Trades
Select a trade for its permit path, licensing, code resources, fees and filing pitfalls.
Electrical openings and service
Madison Building Inspection / WisconsinApplicable Code
Applicable Wisconsin electrical provisions and City permit scope.
License Requirement
Confirm state electrical credentials and the actual City applicant requirements.
License Fee
Fee amount not verified in this review. Use the state credential and local registration assessment.
CEUs
Credential-specific DSPS renewal requirements.
Permit Fee
Published existing work: $25 first ten openings, $1 each additional; service replacement $50/panel.
Plan Review Time
Use electrical data forms and required inspections.
Common Pitfalls
- Openings and service-panel replacement are different fee categories.
- General owner building eligibility does not prove electrical eligibility.
Permit-to-closeout workflow
Talk to zoning
Check parcel restrictions and proposed use.
Draw the scope
Use scaled existing/proposed plans and structural details.
Confirm applicants
Select eligible owner or licensed contractors for each system.
Submit for review
Use the current counter appointment or selected digital instructions.
Pay and obtain permits
Resolve the withholding letter and required charges.
Inspect and finish
Request stages before concealment and complete finals/occupancy as applicable.
Permit fees and worked estimates
The retrieved live City Building Inspection Fees page gives these amounts without a separate commencement date.
| Trade | Permit fee | License fee |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical openings and service | Published existing work: $25 first ten openings, $1 each additional; service replacement $50/panel. | Fee amount not verified in this review. Use the state credential and local registration assessment. |
| Plumbing fixtures | Published existing new/altered fixtures $8 each, $25 minimum; review may be separate. | Fee amount not verified in this review. State credential and applicable local charges. |
| Heating and cooling | Replacement heat: $25 up to 100,000 BTU, $50 up to 165,000, $75 above; AC $25. | Fee amount not verified in this review. Use applicable trade credentials and current assessment. |
| Fire and life-safety coordination | Specific permit amount not verified in this review. City fee resources link separate Fire Code License Fees; obtain the actual system assessment. This unverified amount is excluded from the worked example. | Fee amount not verified in this review. Use the applicable specialist and City fire-license category. |
| Building and alterations | Existing alterations $11 per $1,000/fraction, $25 minimum; one/two-family alteration review $25. | Fee amount not verified in this review. Confirm dwelling contractor/qualifier and local requirements for hired work. |
Submission checklist
Homeowner and licensing
The City distinguishes owner-occupants in single-family alteration/addition work, new-house work, duplex sides and rental properties. Owner nonoccupants need licensed professionals for building/mechanical work; duplex mechanical work also goes to professionals. These specific routes do not establish an unrestricted owner trade exemption.
Codes and amendments
Madison identifies one/two-family buildings separately from three-or-more attached units, which follow commercial building provisions. Coordinate Wisconsin requirements with City zoning and the project-specific approval, rather than applying a dwelling fee or owner route to every residential address.
Inspections and closeout
Request required inspections before covering work and only when the area is ready. Complete finals; new homes and changes creating or combining dwelling units require the described occupancy process. Ordinary alterations/additions without dwelling-count changes do not automatically need a new CO.