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Department of Neighborhood Services
Milwaukee Health Department Coronavirus COVID-19 updates. For assistance, find COVID resources online or call the MHD COVID Hotline.
On Monday, June 21st the Permit and Development Center will be reopening for in-person service. We will be open via appointment only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. In an effort to clear projects already in our queue we will remain closed to customers all day on Wednesdays. Appointment slots will be available through Qless, our online check-in system, or by calling the Development Center at (414) 286-8210. For more information about QLess, please review this guide.
Appointments will be available for small commercial alterations (<5,000sf), as well as residential construction, fences, signs, zoning referrals, and occupancy applications. Appointments will help us moderate visitor traffic and provide better customer service by dedicating staff availability in a known quantity. Customers will still have the option of dropping off their applications/submittals for review.
As we transition to opening our doors we ask that you do the following to ensure we are able to best assist you as well as keep our staff and customers safe:
Please note that Plan Submittals are preferably made via mail/shipping. Submittals may also be dropped may be dropped off at the area designated within the front entry vestibule at the 809 N. Broadway building.
Mailed in submittals should be sent to:
809 N Broadway, 1st Floor Attention: Development Center Milwaukee WI, 53202
Dropped submittals should left at the designated entry vestibule area for drop-offs. Plans will be checked in based upon time stamped receivables. Please do not include a check rolled into your submittal. Plan Exam fees may be paid upon check-in and fee assessment via our online LMS system.
Inspections will proceed as requested by contractors. Inspections will be facilitated by remote methods using video conferencing and/or photos whenever possible, at the discretion of the inspector. For on-site inspections, inspectors will provide 10 minutes advance notice of arrival to the site so areas to be inspected may be cleared of workers. Up to two site managers may accompany the inspector for the inspection if desired. All individuals on site must remain a minimum of six feet from the inspector at all times. Failure to clear the area needing inspection or maintain adequate distance from the inspector will result in a failed inspection and the inspector leaving the site immediately.
Inspection requests for occupied properties will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Inspectors will provide 10 minutes advance notice of arrival to the property so the area needing inspection can be cleared. Up to two individuals may accompany the inspector for the inspection if desired. Children, individuals not accompanying the inspector, and pets shall remain in a fully separated space away from the inspector for the duration of the inspection. Failure to clear the area under construction or maintain adequate distance from the inspector will result in a failed inspection and the inspector leaving the site immediately.
Plan Examiner Specialists will be managing customer assistance for those wishing to access these services. All walk-in services will be suspended. Customers may call our customer assistance line at (414) 286-8210 if you would like to apply for any of these services. Please note that our customer service line will be very busy during this time so please be patient with us. Plan Exam consultation will be handled over the phone and opportunity to send information via email will be offered. You may also apply for a permit online through our LMS system. Please go to milwaukee.gov/lms. Supplemental documentation required for submittal should be uploaded to the permit record you have created.
Small Commercial Submittals that would have otherwise been reviewed through our walk-in service or by appointment may now be dropped at our front desk for check-in and review. Walk-in Services and Appointments will be suspended. Correspondence regarding reviews will be handled via email.
Plan Submittals are preferably made via mail/shipping. Submittals may also be dropped may be dropped off at the area designated within the front entry vestibule at the 809 N. Broadway building. Mailed in submittals should be sent to:
Dropped submittals should left at the designated entry vestibule area for drop-offs. Plans will be checked in based upon time stamped receivables. Please do not include a check rolled into your submittal. Plan Exam fees may be paid upon check-in and fee assessment via our online LMS system: milwaukee.gov/lms.
Beginning Aug 1st, DNS will resume interior inspections in the residential section. The following procedure will apply to all interior inspections:
All procedures above will be followed for interior commercial inspections. Additionally, if no appointment is made or reasonable contact established after multiple attempts, DNS inspectors may cold-call to conduct required fire inspections.
Watch our video and learn How to Pull a Permit. Our Development Center team will walk you through the process step-by-step. Learn helpful tips & tricks and where to go for more info.
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Learn more about home updates that do not require a permit and link to helpful resources, energy programs and incentive programs you can use to rehab your property.
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Illegal dumping is a burden to residents and a blight on our beautiful city. Don't let illegal dumping ruin your neighborhood. Report it and you could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Through the enforcement of Building, Zoning, Fire, Environmental, Property Maintenance and other ordinances, DNS protects the value of investments in neighborhoods and commercial properties and supports community goals of building safe and healthy neighborhoods and increasing investment and economic vitality throughout the City.
The City of Milwaukee adopts the the State of Wisconsin Building Code for Residential and Commercial Structures. The Permit & Development Center is located at 809 N. Broadway, first floor. Our hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Tuesday hours are 8:00 a.m. to noon.
If you require an inspector to make an inspection related to a permit or a complaint investigation, you will need to make an appointment. Click on your preferred section below to see a list of inspections conducted and who to call.
The Department of Neighborhood Services offers a variety of programs to assist homeowners, renters, landlords and community groups to improve both properties and neighborhoods.
DNS and the City of Milwaukee offer a variety of resources, incentives and information to help residents research or improve their properties.
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Zeidler Municipal Building, 841 N. Broadway, Room 104, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Lake Tower, 4001 S. 6th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221
414-286-2268
Email DNS
414-286-2543
414-286-5095
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