About Us

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.

• Building Safety Month
• Code Violation Process
• Complaint Process
• Customer Satisfaction Survey
• News Releases
• Open Records

Permit & Development Center

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. 

• Does it need a Permit? - Permit Checklist
• DNS Info Sheets – Resource Page
• Get a building permit
• LMS - Land Management System
• Occupancy Permits
• QLess Online Check-In NEW
• Resources for Homeowners
• Habla Espanol?

Inspections & Sections

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. 

• Administration
• Animals, Bee and Chicken Keeping
• Boiler & Mechanical Safety
• Commercial Code Enforcement
• Condemnation & Demo
• Deconstruction
• Construction Inspection
• Construction Inspection Process
• Courtesy Inspections
• Electrical Inspection
• Enforcement (Court)
• Environmental Inspection
• Outreach & Training Section
• Plumbing Inspection
• Residential Code Enforcement
• Special Enforcement
• Sprinkler Inspection

Programs

The Department of Neighborhood Services offers a variety of programs to assist homeowners, renters, landlords and community groups to improve both properties and neighborhoods.

• Anti-Graffiti
• Artistic Board-Up
• Compliance Loan Program (CLP)
• Landlord Training Program
• Neighborhood Improvement Program
• Property Registration Program
• Rent for Success Program
• Residential Property Pending Foreclosure
• Vacant Building Registration

Property & Neighborhood Information

DNS and the City of Milwaukee offer a variety of resources, incentives and information to help residents research or improve their properties.

• Housing Help Web Tool
• LMS Land Management System
• Map Milwaukee
• My Milwaukee Home
• Milwaukee Neighborhood Living - Neighborhood Associations
• Property Surveys
• Report a Problem - Click for Action
• Strong Neighborhoods Plan

Initiatives

The Department of Neighborhood Services aims to bring about positive change in the city of Milwaukee. The following are current initiatives put forth by DNS.

• Building Safety Month
• Illegal Dumping - Report it. Get Rewarded.
• Lunch and Learn Summer Series