Permit needs by project in Madison
Start with the city's own "Do I Need a Permit?" chart, then match it to your job. Four of the five common jobs below are answered from the city's pages. Basement waterproofing is not.
Roof replacement
A permit is required. The city's chart reads: "Roofing - Reroof your house or garage Yes Building Inspection."[2] Madison also says small repairs under $500 in estimated value do not need one.[11]
Ask Building Inspection before you treat a job as a repair.
Driveway and flatwork
A permit is required. The city's chart reads "Driveway Yes Zoning: 608-266-4551 ext 3."[2]
If the work includes a drive opening or apron in the right of way, you also need a Street Terrace Permit or a Permit to Excavate in the Right of Way from Engineering.[2] If you need a pro for the concrete, Badger Flatwork is our statewide directory.
Deck
A permit is required. The city states: "You need a permit to build a deck."[3] Deck boards can be replaced without a permit if the cost is under $500.[3]
Replacing stairs, joists, beams, columns or guardrails should have a permit or be checked with Building Inspection.[3] Our Wisconsin deck code guide covers the state side.
Fence
"You do not need a building permit to put up a fence." Height and placement rules still apply through Zoning (608-266-4551 ext. 3), and deed covenants may restrict fences.[4]
| Job | Permit answer from the city pages |
|---|---|
| Roof replacement | Required |
| Driveway and flatwork | Permit required |
| Deck | Permit required |
| Fence | No building permit needed |
| Basement waterproofing | Check with the city |
Basement waterproofing
Check with the city. The permit chart has no waterproofing, drain-tile or sump line. It lists "Basement - alterations or conversions," but that is a remodel item.[2]
Ask Building Inspection about your scope, and see the Madison permit page. If you need a pro, Badger Basements is our statewide directory.
Finding the fee for a Madison permit
No fee is published for any of these five jobs on the city's pages. Check the city's fee schedule on the Development Services Center page, or call Building Inspection at 608-266-4551 and ask.[1]
Tell the office the job and what it will cost, then ask for the fee in writing.
Pro tip
Describe the job and its cost to the office, and get the permit fee in writing instead of relying on a contractor's estimate.
A contractor's verbal estimate is not the city's number.
Application office and inspecting divisions in Madison
The office is the Development Services Center: Building Inspection and Zoning.[1] The chart sends roofing questions to Building Inspection. Driveway, patio and fence questions go to Zoning, at 608-266-4551 ext 3.[2]
For permit verification, Building Inspection lists 608-266-4551, extension 1.[11]
The city's online permits page lists replacing roofing as an online building-repair example. It also says plan review applies to deck additions or alterations and to changes to deck posts, footings, joists or beams.[10]
Ask the office how inspections are scheduled for your job.
The full list of city rules is in our Wisconsin permit table. Madison sits in our South Central grouping, which is our own navigation label and not an official boundary.
Snow load and footing rules in Dane County
State rules apply on top of the city's.
Roof snow load
Dane County is in Zone 2, which is 30 psf. Zone 1 is 40 psf. Dane County is not on the zone line.[5]
The county-by-county list is on our snow load page.
Footing depth
Wisconsin has one statewide rule. 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. Footings may not be placed on frozen material.[6]
Bedrock is a limited exception. It's allowed only if the rock is cleaned of all earth, clay in crevices is removed, and provisions prevent water collecting along the foundation.[6]
There is no county frost table, so ask the building inspector if you think your lot needs more. Details are in our frost depth guide.
Eligibility to pull the permit
For a one- or two-family dwelling, the person who obtains the building permit holds a Dwelling Contractor certification, or a Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification, through a certificate of financial responsibility. That person also holds, or employs, a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.[7][8][9]
An owner who lives or will live in the dwelling and applies for a permit to do work on it is exempt.[8] State guidance says the same: the credentials apply unless the submitter indicates an owner-occupant project.[12]
The certificate of financial responsibility is valid for one year. It covers who may obtain the permit, not which trades may work.[7]
Madison also states that contractors on one- and two-family homes must be licensed by Wisconsin.[11]
Before you sign, ask:
- Do you hold the Dwelling Contractor credential, and who is your Qualifier?
- Who pulls the permit?
- Which inspections will the city expect?
Verify credentials with our license lookup guide, and read more on the Dwelling Contractor license.
Rules change, and the city or the building inspector has the final word. Confirm with Building Inspection at 608-266-4551 before you start.
Sources
- City of Madison. "Madison building permits and inspections." https://www.cityofmadison.com/development-services-center. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Madison. "Madison: building permit rules (city page)." https://www.cityofmadison.com/development-services-center/permits. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Madison. "Madison: building permit rules (city page)." https://www.cityofmadison.com/development-services-center/1-2-family-residential/additions/decks. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Madison. "Madison: fence permit." https://www.cityofmadison.com/development-services-center/1-2-family-residential/repairs-replacements/fence-or-hedge. 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.
- City of Madison Development Services Center. "Online permits." https://www.cityofmadison.com/development-services-center/1-2-family-residential/online-permits. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Madison Building Inspection. "Storm Damage." https://www.cityofmadison.com/dpced/building-inspection/home-property/storm-damage. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. "Municipality UDC Permit Reporting Information." https://dsps.wi.gov/esla-information/municipality-permit-filing-information/. Accessed October 17, 2026.