Apartment buildings along rail ways
Development Services Center
  1. Building Inspection Counter Appointments

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

Change the Number of Dwelling Units

Before beginning construction to change the number of dwelling units in your building, there are several steps you will need to take to make sure your alteration will be in compliance with local zoning and building regulations. Your proposed alteration must meet Zoning regulations. If your building is a landmark, in a local historic district, in a special district, or has specialized zoning, additional approvals will be required.

Process Overview

  1. Determine Zoning

    Changing the number of dwelling units in a building is a multi-step process. Your ability to change the number of units depends on many factors, including the:
    • Zoning of the property.
    • Current number of dwelling units and bedrooms in the building.
    • Size of the lot.
    • Amount of open (green) space on the lot.
    • Availability of parking on the property.
    Zoning Staff can find the zoning of the property and any special conditions. Most of these projects will need special approval. This approval can look be:
    • a conditional use approval from the Plan Commission,
    • an alteration to an existing conditional use, or
    • an alteration to a PDSIP.
    Various city agencies will review these projects through the Parking Lot / Site Plan Review process. Zoning staff can guide you through this process. You can find more information under Land Development. Find out the zoning for your property.

    Who to Contact

    Zoning: (608) 266-4551, ext. 3.

  2. Submit Plans to Building Inspection

    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.

  3. Submit Plumbing Plans

    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

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

    What to Include

  4. Submit Plans to Fire Prevention

    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
    325 W. Johnson St.
    Madison, WI 53703

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

    Phone: (608) 266-4420

    What to Include

  5. Get the Permits and Pay the Fees

    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

  6. Schedule Inspections

    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

    To schedule an inspection, call (608) 266-4551, ext. 1. Note: We cannot schedule same-day inspections after 8:30 am.

    Fire Code Requirements

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

    Schedule an Inspection

    To schedule an inspection with Fire, call (608) 266-4420.

  7. Completion

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

Related Forms & Handouts

Was this page helpful to you?

Other Residential