Confirm who handles each approval
Official building guidance points to Building Permit / Plan Review Application. Fence Zoning Review / Permit Application is the zoning-related source.
Municipal permit guide
City of Madison, WI permit planning guide
Plan your project in City of Madison, WI: review likely approvals, preparation items, and official references before you file.
Local guidance available Permit forms and fees are verified for this area. Reviewed July 28, 2026
Best first step
Find the approvals for your parcel, not just a generic form.
Start with the property address. GovCodex uses it to identify the parcel, zoning authority, overlays, and the mix of municipal, county, and state approvals that can apply.
Prefills City of Madison, WI Checks authority by address
What are you building?
Choose a common project or enter any description on the next screen.
Project preparation
Local application forms are available
Use the project type and property address together before choosing a form or paying a fee.
Before you file
Check the parcel details
Use the address check to confirm the current local offices, forms, and requirements before filing.
Project-specific preparation
What can trigger review and what to prepare
These project checks highlight situations that can add an approval. Your property address and project scope determine what applies.
Common approval triggers
Zoning / Land-Use Review
New construction and additions to 1- & 2-family homes need a zoning review confirming setbacks, lot coverage, and use under the Ch. 28 zoning code before the building permit issues.
City of Madison ZoningSource
Building Permit (Wisconsin UDC)
New construction and additions to 1- & 2-family homes require a City of Madison building permit (Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code).
City of Madison Building Inspection DivisionSource
Accessory-Building Permit
Accessory buildings larger than 150 sq ft (or heated, or closer than 10 ft to a dwelling unit) require a building permit; they must meet MGO 28.131 (max 15 ft height; 3 ft from the house and rear/side lot lines; total ac…
City of Madison Building Inspection DivisionSource
Accessory Building — permit-exempt (<=150 sq ft)
Unheated accessory buildings 150 sq ft or less located 10 ft or more from dwelling units are exempt from the building permit but must still meet zoning: max 15 ft height, 3 ft from the house and rear/side lot lines, tota…
City of Madison ZoningSource
Swimming Pool Permit
Above-ground and in-ground pools require a building permit; the pool must be at least 3 ft from structures and rear/side lot lines, with a 4 ft locking enclosure (in-ground) or controlled access (above-ground).
City of Madison Building Inspection DivisionSource
Fence Zoning Review
Madison does not issue fence building permits, but fences must meet zoning: front-yard screening fences <= 4 ft; rear/interior side yards up to 6 ft; within the corner vision triangle <= 30 in.
City of Madison ZoningSource
Sign / Street-Graphics Permit
Signs and street graphics require a sign permit and zoning review.
City of Madison ZoningSource
Lakefront Development Conditional Use
On zoning lots abutting Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Wingra, or Monona Bay (within 300 ft of the OHWM), a new principal building, a >500 sq ft principal-building addition, or any accessory building requires Plan Commi…
City of Madison Plan Commission (via Zoning)Source
Preparation order
A practical order for project planning
Use this sequence to organize the work. The property address and project scope determine which steps actually apply.
Zoning / Land-Use Review
New construction and additions to 1- & 2-family homes need a zoning review confirming setbacks, lot coverage, and use under the Ch. 28 zoning code before the building permit issues.
Building Permit (Wisconsin UDC)
New construction and additions to 1- & 2-family homes require a City of Madison building permit (Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code).
Accessory-Building Permit
Accessory buildings larger than 150 sq ft (or heated, or closer than 10 ft to a dwelling unit) require a building permit; they must meet MGO 28.131 (max 15 ft height; 3 ft from the house and rear/side lot lines; total ac…
Accessory Building — permit-exempt (<=150 sq ft)
Unheated accessory buildings 150 sq ft or less located 10 ft or more from dwelling units are exempt from the building permit but must still meet zoning: max 15 ft height, 3 ft from the house and rear/side lot lines, tota…
Swimming Pool Permit
Above-ground and in-ground pools require a building permit; the pool must be at least 3 ft from structures and rear/side lot lines, with a 4 ft locking enclosure (in-ground) or controlled access (above-ground).
Fence Zoning Review
Madison does not issue fence building permits, but fences must meet zoning: front-yard screening fences <= 4 ft; rear/interior side yards up to 6 ft; within the corner vision triangle <= 30 in.
Sign / Street-Graphics Permit
Signs and street graphics require a sign permit and zoning review.
Lakefront Development Conditional Use
On zoning lots abutting Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Wingra, or Monona Bay (within 300 ft of the OHWM), a new principal building, a >500 sq ft principal-building addition, or any accessory building requires Plan Commi…
Responsibility by office
Who may handle the approvals
Separate offices can review different parts of the same project. Confirm the parcel-specific split before filing.
City of Madison Zoning
Sign / Street-Graphics Permit
City of Madison Building Inspection Division
Swimming Pool Permit
City of Madison Plan Commission (via Zoning)
Lakefront Development Conditional Use
Fee signals
Published fee examples
Use these to anticipate cost structure. Confirm the adopted schedule and project calculation before filing.
Conditional Use
Base fee $950 · $100 per acre · Standard conditional use / major alteration: $950 + $100/acre up to 20 acres ($2,850 max). Other conditional uses: $600 + $100/acre ($2,500 max). Nonprofit / specified uses: no fee.
View fee sourceVariance (Zoning Board of Appeals)
Base fee $500 · Variance application fee.
View fee sourceSign / Street-Graphics Permit
minimum $50 · $1.75 per sq. ft. · New / ground sign $1.75 per sq ft (minimum $50); advertising sign $2.50 per sq ft; portable / business-opening sign $50.
View fee sourceBuilding Permit (Wisconsin UDC)
UDC building-permit fees are set by City of Madison Building Inspection (valuation-based), separately from the zoning fees — quote pending digitization; do not present $0 as a fee.
View fee sourcePreparation library
Browse forms only when you need them
Search by project or approval. Official forms and adaptable state templates are labeled separately.
Showing forms that match your project search.
Building Permit / Plan Review Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Electrical Data Sheet / Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
HVAC / Mechanical Data Sheet / Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Plumbing Data Sheet / Plan Approval Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Deck Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Fence Zoning Review / Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Swimming Pool Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Sign Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Conditional Use Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Official references
Official sources for City of Madison, WI
Statewide sources describe the governing code regime. Locally verified sources identify the actual issuing office, form, or adopted schedule.
Official reference
Building Permit / Plan Review Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Certificate of Appropriateness (Landmarks / Historic District)
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Conditional Use Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Deck Permit Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Demolition Permit Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Erosion Control Permit Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Fence Zoning Review / Permit Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Land Division (Subdivision / Certified Survey Map) Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Rezoning (Zoning Map Amendment) Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Sign Permit Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Street Terrace Alteration (Sidewalk / Terrace / Drive Apron) Permit
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Swimming Pool Permit Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Wisconsin Statewide Parcels V12
City of Madison, WI · checked July 28, 2026
Official reference
Zoning Variance Application
City of Madison, WI · checked July 1, 2026
Reference excerpts
Source excerpts for City of Madison, WI
These excerpts provide context from official materials associated with this municipality.
City of Madison - CHAPTER 4 - FINANCE
(1)Finance Department Established. The Finance Department is hereby established as a department of the City's structure.(2)Finance Director. The office shall be managed and directed by the Finance Director who shall perform the duties of Comptroller as provided in Wis. Stat. § 62.09(10) and other duties as provided in these ordinances. The position of Finance Director as it becomes vacant shall be filled according to Sec. 3.54(9)(f) of these ordinances. The Finance Director shall, upon being appointed, take an oath of office to perform faithfully and impartially the duties of his/her office and shall execute a fidelity bond to the City of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000), to be approved by the Mayor, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the duties of his/her office. (Am. by Ord. 9745, 3-30-89; ORD-14-00173, 12-10-14)(3)Functions. The Finance Director shall see to the proper operation of Accounting Services, including Central Payroll and Purchasing Administrative Support, including the Administrative Services Team and Document Services, Risk Management, and Budget and Audit Services. (Am. by Ord. 11,764, 1-3-97)(4)Accountability. The Finance Director shall report to the Fin
4.01 - FINANCE DIRECTOR · p. 1 · Open sourceSUBCHAPTER 28N: - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
28.196 - NONCONFORMING SITE CONDITION SUBCHAPTER 28O: - DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION SUBCHAPTER 28N: - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT SHARE LINK TO SECTION PRINT SECTION DOWNLOAD (DOCX) OF SECTIONS EMAIL SECTION COMPARE VERSIONS 28.201 - GENERAL PROVISIONS. SHARE LINK TO SECTION PRINT SECTION DOWNLOAD (DOCX) OF SECTIONS EMAIL SECTION COMPARE VERSIONS (1) Administration. The administration of this ordinance is vested the following three (3) offices of the City of Madison: (a) Zoning Administrator. (b) Zoning Board of Appeals. (c) City Plan Commission. 28.202 - ZONING ADMINISTRATOR. SHARE LINK TO SECTION PRINT SECTION DOWNLOAD (DOCX) OF SECTIONS EMAIL SECTION COMPARE VERSIONS (1) Establishment. (a) This section establishes the office of the Zoning Administrator of the Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development. (b) The Zoning Administrator is responsible to the Director of the Building Inspection Division or their designee. (c) The Director of the Building Inspection Division is assigned the same powers as the Zoning Administrator. (2) Duties. The Zoning Administrator shall enforce this ordinance, and shall exercise the duties listed b
§UBCHAPTER_28NADEN_28.202ZOAD · p. 1 · Open sourceCity of Madison - CHAPTER 8 - PUBLIC PROPERTY
Upon a determination that a former City tree could have marketable value if sold for lumber, City divisions may inform the Streets Superintendent, who may take possession of any such City-owned logs. Any such saleable logs may be stockpiled and sold or disposed of by the Streets Superintendent in a manner consistent with the City's interests, which may include consideration of non-monetary interests such as the reuse of local materials. If any logs are sold or disposed of under this Section, the Streets Superintendent shall report annually to the Council about the program and the manner of disposition.(Cr. by ORD-15-00058, 5-27-15; Am. by ORD-23-00019, 2-16-23)
8.055 - SALEABLE LOGS · p. 1 · Open sourceCity of Madison - CHAPTER 9 - LICENSES AND PERMITS
(1)The City Clerk shall be charged with the enforcement of all ordinances relating to licenses unless other provision is made by the Common Council for the enforcement.(2)The payment of all personal property taxes, special assessments, and room taxes imposed pursuant to Section 4.21 of these ordinances, all forfeitures or judgments resulting from conviction for violation of any Madison General Ordinance except moving traffic violations, and all other judgments due and owing from any applicant, including any officer of a corporate applicant, to the City of Madison at the time of the application for any license or permit provided for in these Ordinances, and any of the same relating to the property or business previously licensed if the new license is granted consequent or conditionally upon the sale or transfer of the business or stock in trade or furnishings or equipment of the premises or of the ownership or control of a corporation is a condition precedent to the granting of such license or permit. If the personal property tax bill has not been issued, the Treasurer shall require advance payment based on the previous year's mill rate multiplied by the premises' or property's or b
9.01 - DUTY OF CLERK WITH REGARD TO LICENSES; PAYMENT OF TAXES, CLAIMS, FORFEITURES, JUDGMENTS, ETC., APPEAL · p. 1 · Open sourceCity of Madison - CHAPTER 13 - PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
(1)Election. The City of Madison hereby elects, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 66.0805(6), to provide for the operation of the Madison Water Utility by a board of officers other than the commission provided for in Wis. Stat. § 66.0805(1)-(3). In establishing this Board, the City also relies on its authority under Wis. Stat. § 62.11(5). (Am. by ORD-07-00099, 8-23-07)(2)Water Utility Board. There is hereby created a Water Utility Board of eight (8) members, whose duty shall be the management and operation of the Water Utility. There shall be seven (7) voting members and one (1) non-voting ex-officio member. At least one (1) and not more than two (2) of the voting members shall be members of the Common Council, who shall serve during their two-year terms. The members shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council, and members who are not members of the Common Council shall serve staggered terms of five (5) years, respectively provided that the Mayor may appoint one of the members whose term ends in 2010 to a three (3) year term in order to achieve staggered terms. In case of vacancy, the Common Council may at any regular or special meeting confirm a member for the unexp
13.01 - WATER UTILITY BOARD · p. 1 · Open sourceCity of Madison - CHAPTER 2 - STANDING RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
(1)The Common Council President shall oversee the application process to fill aldermanic vacancies.(2)Applications to fill any aldermanic vacancy shall include information on:(a)Name,(b)Address,(c)Home telephone number,(d)Work telephone number,(e)E-mail address,(f)Biographical resume including education, work, neighborhood, and civic experience,(g)A statement on why the applicant wishes to serve,(h)A statement of what the applicant wants to accomplish,(i)If the applicant plans to run for office during the next special or regular election, and,(j)Such other information as the Common Council President in consultation with the Common Council Executive Committee may request. (Am. by ORD-16-00079, Pub. 9-15-16, Eff. 4-18-17)(3)The Common Council Executive Committee shall review the applications and, following opportunities for personal candidate interviews, shall recommend to the Common Council a candidate selected for confirmation to fill the vacancy. If the Common Council Executive Committee is unable to agree on a candidate to recommend, it may recommend more than one candidate, or it may reopen the application process to seek additional applicants. (Am. by ORD-16-00079, Pub. 9-15-16
2.03 - PROCEDURE TO FILL VACANCIES ON THE COMMON COUNCIL · p. 1 · Open sourceQuestions people ask
Madison permit FAQ
Where do I start for a project in City of Madison, WI?
Start with the property address. The parcel determines whether municipal, county, state, shoreland, floodplain, sanitary, transportation, or special-district approvals can apply.
Who handles building permits in Madison?
Building Permit / Plan Review Application. Confirm the current filing process at the official source before submitting.
Who handles zoning approval in City of Madison, WI?
Fence Zoning Review / Permit Application. Separate building, county, or trade approvals can still apply.
Are the fees and forms on this page final?
No. Adopted fees, application versions, issuing offices, and required attachments can change. Verify the current official source before filing or paying a fee.
Do not guess from the municipality name.
Check which permits apply