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
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.
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 53703What 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.
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 53703Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
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 fee information.
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 53703Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: (608) 266-4420
What to Include
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 53703Schedule 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.
Completion
After final inspections and a completion statement your project will be considered complete.