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Development Services Center

  • Home
  • 1 & 2 Family Residential
  • Other Residential
  • Non-Residential
  • Land Development
  • Permits
  • Contact
  1. City of Madison
  2. Development Services Center
  3. 1 & 2 Family Residential
  4. Alterations
  5. General Alterations, including Bathrooms, Kitchens & Basements
Building Inspection Counter Appointments

Building Inspection plan review and zoning review counters will be open to the public by appointment only.

General Alterations, including Bathrooms, Kitchens & Basements

Before beginning construction on an alteration to your home there are several steps you will need to take to make sure your alteration will be in compliance with local regulations.

Process Overview

  1. Determine Zoning

    Find out the zoning for your property.

  2. Draw a Plan

    What to Include
    • Floor plan to scale
    • Any structural info, i.e. beams, headers, post joists, etc.
  3. Submit Building Plans

    Where to Go

    Madison Municipal Building
    215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd  Suite 017
    Madison, WI 53703

    Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

    Phone: (608) 266-4551

    Note: If your project cannot conform to building code, follow the variance procedure. See the Petition for Variance Application for more information. Please contact Building Inspection at (608) 266-4551 with any questions.

  4. Pay Fees

    You will need to pay for any plan review costs, building permits or other fees that may apply to your project.

    Where to Go

    Building Inspection
    215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd  Suite 017
    Madison, WI 53703

    Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

    Once the plans have been reviewed and approved, the permit can be issued. If the plans have not been approved, new plans need to be submitted correcting the items listed in the withholding letter. Minor projects can be approved at the counter. For more complex projects, the initial plan review will typically occur between 5 – 10 working days.

  5. Get Permits

    When your plans are approved and your fees have been paid, the Building Inspection will issue the required permits for your project.

  6. Schedule Inspections

    Once the work permitted is completed, but before covering up or building over any permitted work, you will need to call and request an inspection. Inspections are required to ensure that all work was completed correctly. View required inspections.

    Call for an inspection request: (608) 266-4551.

  7. Completion

    After your final inspection, your project will be considered complete.


Related Forms & Handouts

  • Building Data Sheet
  • Electrical Data Sheet
  • HVAC Data Sheet
  • Plumbing Data Sheet
  • Data Forms: Building Permit, Electrical, HVAC & Plumbing

1 & 2 Family Residential

  • New Building Construction
    • New Garage
    • New House
    • New Shed
  • Additions
    • Attic Alterations or Conversions
    • Decks
    • General Additions, including Screened Porches
    • Hot Tub, Whirlpool or Spa
    • Swimming Pools (above or in-ground)
  • Alterations
    • Change the Number of Dwelling Units
    • General Alterations, including Bathrooms, Kitchens & Basements
  • Repairs & Replacements
    • Central Air Conditioner
    • Doors
    • Electrical Outlet, Switch or Fixture
    • Fence or Hedge
    • Furnace
    • Roofing, Shingling, Reroofing & Reroof Shingling your House or Garage
    • Siding your House or Garage
    • Soffit & Facia Only
    • Street Terrace Alterations (Sidewalk, Terrace, Drive Apron)
    • Utilities, Hook up or Repair (Excavate in Right of Way)
    • Water Heater or Softener
    • Windows & Frames
  • Solar Energy System
  • Inspections
  • Tips: Shop around for Materials and/or Contractors

Contact Building Inspection

Building Inspection
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Suite 017
Madison, WI 53703

  • Hours:
    Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
  • Conditional Use Questions
  • Variances / Area Exceptions Questions
  • Zoning & Rezoning Questions
  • Other Questions
  • Phone: (608) 266-4551
  • Building Plan Review: (608) 266-4559
  • Fax: (608) 266-6377
  • WI Relay Service

Development Services Center

  • Contact Us
  • Hours:
    Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
  • Phone: (608) 266-4551
  • Building Plan Review:
    (608) 266-4559
  • Fax: (608) 266-6377
  • WI Relay Service

Contributing Agencies

  • Building Inspection
  • Engineering
  • Madison Fire Department
  • Planning

Resources

  • Data Sheets
  • Development Assistance Team (DAT)
  • Development Center Terminology
  • Development Review Bodies
  • Neighborhood Resources
  • Project Status Information
  • Additional Resources

Fees

  • Business Licenses
  • Clerk's Office License Fees
  • Fire Code License Fees
  • Food & Drink Licenses
  • Inspection Fees
  • Site Plan Review Fees
  • Traffic Engineering Fees
  • Zoning Fees
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