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Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS)

New permit fees are effective January 1, 2025.  These fees were adopted by the Common Council on November 8, 2024, and the complete ordinance text can be read here. The permit and review fees of MCO Chapter 200-33, and other chapters, have been updated in the Code of Ordinances, here. Plans submitted after January 1, 2025, are subject to the new fees, and permits fees assessed after January 1, 2025, are calculated using the new fee schedule.

The Permit and Development Center is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. In-person plan reviews as described below are conducted from 8:15 to 4:15 all days except Wednesday. The cashier closes at 4:00 PM each day, and permits not requiring plan review are available during all business hours. Plan review appointments appointment are 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 are available for small commercial alterations (<5,000sf), as well as fences, garages, signs, zoning referrals, occupancy applications, and specified 1- and 2-family residential projects. Customers still have the option of dropping off their applications/submittals for review.

We ask that customers do the following to ensure we are able to best assist you:

  • If you have an appointment please be sure you arrive on time and have all the information/documentation you will need. If you are not certain what to bring, please refer to our information sheets or call us at (414) 286-8210.
  • If you are not feeling well, please stay home and reschedule your visit for another day.
  • If you make an appointment, online submittals are also encouraged so that staff may help you most efficiently in person to review your submittal.

Plan submittals can be made via mail/shipping, or may be dropped off at the area designated within the front entry vestibule at the 809 N. Broadway building.

Drop off and mailed submittals may be directed to:

809 N Broadway, 1st Floor Attention: Development Center Milwaukee WI, 53202

Payments are accepted by cash, check, Visa, and Mastercard. Please do not roll checks into your plan submittals. Plan Exam fees may be paid upon check-in or by fee assessment via our online LMS - Land Management System.

Apply for a Permit 

The Land Management System (LMS) provides citizens, businesses, and visitors access to government services online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use LMS to schedule inspections online (NEW!), review status updates, upload drawings and plans electronically, pay online after all regulatory or reviews have been met, and more. 

Use QLess to Check-In

QLess Online Check-In QLess Online Check-In allows users to make appointments for service at the Permit & Development Center to avoid waiting in line. Enter your name, mobile phone number and desired services to make your appointment. You will then receive a text alert with the appointment date and time. For more information on using Qless.


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Occupancy Permits

When you establish your business, church, agency, school or organization in a new or existing building, you need a Certificate of Occupancy before you open your doors.

Certificates of Occupancy also are required for parking lots and commercial storage buildings. They are not required for one- and two-family homes unless an inspector has issued a “placard” or the house has been vacant for more than six months.

Resources For Homeowners

More Permit Info

Wisconsin Building Code

The City of Milwaukee adopts the the State of Wisconsin Building Code for Residential and Commercial Structures. A copy of this code is available electronically on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) website.

City of Milwaukee Department of Administration Director Sharon Robinson

 M, T, Th, F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

 W: No appointments, but open 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM for drop off, pick up and payment 

 Plan Exam & Permits, 809 N. Broadway, 1st Floor, Milwaukee, WI 53202

 414-286-8210

Email: [email protected]

 

Parking is available at reduced rates (5 hour limit) at the Milwaukee Center on the southwest corner of E. Kilbourn and N. Water St. Parking tickets must be validated at the first floor Information Booth in City Hall, 200 E. Water St. View additional parking info. 

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