Alterations

The first step of an alteration to a non-residential building is to determine if the parcel is zoned for your desired use or if there are any special development considerations for your project.

Zoning staff will be able to tell you the zoning of the property and if there are any special conditions which will affect your project. Some alteration projects may require a special approval, such as an alteration to an existing conditional use or alteration to a PUDSIP. Projects which require a special approval will be reviewed by various City agencies through the Parking Lot / Site Plan Review process. Zoning staff can guide you through this process. Additional information may be found by going to Land Development.

Find out the zoning for your property.

Who to Contact

Zoning: (608) 266-4551.

Where to Go

Building Inspection Permit Counter by appointment only
Madison Municipal Building
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Suite 017
Madison, WI 53703

What to Include

• Building Plan Approval Application signed by a registered Architect or Engineer
• Minimum of two sets of scale drawing that are signed and sealed by a registered Architect or Engineer
• Structural calculations (if structural alterations are being performed)
• Plan review fees need to be paid when the plans are submitted

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.Once the plans have been reviewed and approved, the permit can be issued. If the plans have not been approved, revised plans need to be submitted correcting the items listed in the withhold letter. For more complex projects, the initial plan review will take 10 – 15 business days.

Plumbing plans are required to be submitted for more than 16 fixtures and must be approved prior to a permit being issued. Plumbing plans are a separate submittal to the Plumbing section. Contact Sean Sutter at (608) 266-4551 with questions.

Where to Go

Building Inspection Permit Counter by appointment only
Madison Municipal Building
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Suite 017
Madison, WI 53703

What to Include

• General Plumbing Plan Approval Application
• Minimum of 2 sets of plans signed and sealed by a Design Professional
• Include your payment with the plan submittal. See the General Plumbing Plan Approval Application for more information.

The Fire Prevention Division reviews the following: 

• Fire Sprinklers 
• Fire Alarms
• Kitchen Hood Suppression Systems
• Standpipe Systems
• Alternate Fire Extinguishing Systems
• Access Controlled/Delayed Egress Devices
• Fire Command Centers
• High-piled Storage

There are specific submittal requirements for each type of fire protection system. The requirements vary depending on the type of fire protection system proposed for installation. The Plan Submittal Checklist for Fire Protection System Plans has been provided to assist you in preparing your complete fire protection system plan submittal.

Where to Go

City of Madison Fire Department
314 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Phone: (608) 266-4420

What to Include

• Fire Protection System Work Permit Application

Flammable/Combustible Liquid Storage Tanks (Under & Above Ground)

(See Flammable and Combustible Liquids)

• Installation: Prior to the installation of an underground storage tank or above ground storage tank containing flammable or combustible liquids a Flammable Liquid Tanks Installation Application (SBD-9) must be completed, and along with four sets of drawings and required fees for plan review be forwarded to the State of Wisconsin for tanks 5000 gallons or larger. Tanks smaller than 5000 gallons are reviewed by the Madison Fire Department.
• Removal/Closure: Prior to the removal or closure of an underground tank or above ground storage tank containing flammable or combustible liquids a City of Madison Tank Closure Application must be completed and forwarded to the Madison Fire Department along with the required drawings and fees at least 15 days prior to any work being performed.

For further information on tanks contact Doug Milks, Fire Prevention Officer at (608) 261-9847.

After obtaining Zoning and Building approvals, if necessary, a permit can be issued. The permit fee will need to be paid at this time.

Where to Go

Building Inspection Permit Counter by appointment only
Madison Municipal Building
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Suite 017
Madison, WI 53703

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

Once the permits are issued and construction has begun contractors will be required to schedule and obtain various inspections. 

Building

• Rough framing (before framing is covered)
• Insulation (before drywall is installed)
• Final

Schedule an Inspection

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

Plumbing, HVAC, & Electrical

• Underground work (before it is covered)
• Rough (all work in concealed spaces must be visible)
• Final

Schedule an Inspection

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

Fire Code Requirements

• Rough (all work in concealed spaces must be visible)
• Hydrostatic tests
• Flow tests
• Final tests

Schedule an Inspection

Call for inspection request: (608) 266-4420.

After final inspections and a completion statement your project will be considered complete.