Permit needs in Franklin for each project
Franklin's own materials answer four of the five jobs. Here is each one, using the city's wording where it gives any.
Roof replacement
Franklin's building permit fee schedule lists "Reroofing. residing including trim a. Residential."[2] The city's FAQ also names reroofing among the work that needs a permit.[14]
Your city permit office can tell you whether a permit applies to your project. Call Inspection Services at 414-425-0084 before you sign a contract.
Driveway and flatwork
A concrete drive approach needs its own permit. The city's application is to "construct a concrete drive approach to the specifications on file in the office of the City Engineer."[3] That covers the approach and curb opening.
The city's pages do not state rules for the driveway slab itself, patios or sidewalks. Check with the city for those.
If you need a concrete pro, the Badger Flatwork directory lists them statewide.
Deck
A deck needs a permit. The city's deck handout lists the application, which includes a plat of survey, construction plans, the building permit application and a plan review fee.[4] The handout also sets location, footing and post-connection rules.
Franklin does not say in words which deck work is exempt.
For more on deck construction, see our Wisconsin deck code guide.
Fence
A fence needs a permit. The handout opens with "Building Permit Required. No fence shall be..." and the sentence continues in the city document.[6]
Read the handout before you pick a location, height or material.
Basement waterproofing
Check with Franklin. The city's list of permits issued by Inspection Services says permits cover "repairs or modifications that involve structural components," and it lists a foundation-repair standards handout. Waterproofing, drain tile and sump work are not named as permit items.[5]
Ask Inspection Services whether your scope counts. If you need a pro, see the Badger Basements directory.
Franklin permit fees, as the city publishes them
Fees below are as the city publishes them.
- Roof replacement: $60 for residential reroofing/residing including trim.[2]
- Driveway approach: $90 permit plus a $10 technology fee, $100 total.[3]
- Deck: $95 under 100 square feet, $180 for 100 square feet or more, plus a $75 plan review fee.[2][4][13]
- Fence: $14.00 per $1,000 of value of work, $95.00 minimum, plus a $10.00 technology fee.[6]
- Basement waterproofing: no fee is published for this job on the city's pages. Check the city's fee schedule.[5]
Do not use the new-dwelling numbers you may see in search results. The $300 plan-review fee on the one- and two-family sheet and the separate Impact Fees page concern new homes and additions, not these jobs.[13]
That sheet also notes that plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other additional permits are not included.[13] Fees can change, so confirm the current schedule when you apply.
| Job | Published fee |
|---|---|
| Roof replacement | $60 |
| Driveway approach | $100 total |
| Deck | $95 or $180, plus $75 plan review |
| Fence | $14.00 per $1,000, $95.00 minimum, plus $10.00 |
| Basement waterproofing | None published |
Where to apply and which office inspects in Franklin
The office is Inspection Services (Building Inspection), on the city's Inspection Services page.[1] For permit, inspection, application, fee or process questions, call 414-425-0084, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.[14]
That is the line to use. City Hall's main number is for other business.
Ask what a permit needs before you hire. Ask the city whether your scope changes the permit, and ask your contractor to give you the permit number and fee breakdown.
For every city in our tables, see the Wisconsin permit table.
Snow load and footing rules for Milwaukee County
Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code sits under the city's permits. Milwaukee County is in roof snow load Zone 2, 30 psf, and is not on the zone line. Zone 1 is 40 psf.[7]
See the county snow load table for comparison.
Footings and foundations, including those for landings and stoops, go below the frost penetration level or at least 48 inches below adjacent grade, whichever is deeper.[8] Footings may not be placed on frozen material.[8]
Wisconsin has no county frost-depth table, and the same rule applies everywhere. Ask the building inspector if you think your lot needs more. Details are in our frost depth guide.
Who is allowed to pull a permit
For a one- or two-family dwelling, the person who obtains the building permit must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification (or a Restricted certification), held through a certificate of financial responsibility.[9][10] That contractor must also hold, or employ, a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.[11][12]
The Qualifier renews with 12 hours of approved continuing education.[11]
An owner who lives or will live in the dwelling and applies for a permit to do work on it is exempt.[10] Franklin also says contractors applying for attached-deck permits on one- and two-family homes must hold valid Wisconsin certifications.[1]
Side by side
Who can pull the permit
Owner who lives there
- Lives or will live in the dwelling
- Exempt from the certification
Contractor
- Dwelling Contractor or Restricted certification
- Holds or employs a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier
- Qualifier renews with 12 hours of continuing education
Our Dwelling Contractor license page explains the credentials, and the DSPS lookup checks a contractor.
Franklin is in the Southeast region, which is our own grouping and not an official boundary. The city and its building inspector have the final word on every job above.
Quick answers
Does a roof replacement need a permit in Franklin?
Yes. The fee schedule lists residential reroofing at $60, and the city FAQ names reroofing among work that needs a permit.
Does a fence need a permit in Franklin?
Yes. The city's fence handout opens with "Building Permit Required."
Who do I call with permit questions?
Call Inspection Services at 414-425-0084, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sources
- City of Franklin. "Franklin building permits and inspections." https://www.franklinwi.gov/Departments/Inspection-Services.htm. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Franklin. "Franklin: building permit rules (city page)." https://www.franklinwi.gov/Files/Inspection/Schedule-of-Building-Permit-Fees-Ord-2025-2714.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Franklin. "Franklin: driveway and flatwork permit." https://www.franklinwi.gov/Files/Inspection/Drive-Approach-Permit-Application-2026.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Franklin. "Franklin: deck permit." https://www.franklinwi.gov/Files/Inspection/Decks-Handout-2-2026.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Franklin. "Franklin: basement waterproofing permit." https://www.franklinwi.gov/Departments/Inspection-Services/Permits-Issued-by-Inspection-Services.htm. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Franklin. "Franklin: fence permit." https://www.franklinwi.gov/Files/Inspection/Fences-Handout-2026.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS 321.02 (roof snow load) and Figure 321.02." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20321.02. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "Wisconsin Administrative Code, SPS 321.16 (Footings and foundations)." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20321.16. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. "Dwelling Contractor (DC) (DSPS)." https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/dwelling-contractor-dc/. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "Wis. Stat. 101.654; SPS 305.31." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/101.654. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. "Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) (DSPS)." https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/dwelling-contractor-qualifier-dcq/. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "SPS 305.31(1)(b); Wis. Stat. 101.654(1m)." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20305.31. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Franklin, Wisconsin — Inspection Services. "One and Two Family Dwelling Permit Fees." https://www.franklinwi.gov/Files/Inspection/One--Two-Family-Building-Permit-Fees-2026.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Franklin, Wisconsin — Inspection Services. "Frequently Asked Questions." https://www.franklinwi.gov/Departments/Inspection-Services/Frequently-Asked-Questions.htm. Accessed October 17, 2026.