New Construction, Addition, Remodel 

You need a building permit to construct any new building, add to an existing building, alter any living space, and/or perform repairs or modifications that involve structural components. An altered space includes projects that create, reconfigure, or modify living space by adding or removing walls. Typical examples would be attic living spaces, basement living spaces, kitchens, and baths. Any contractor working on a one and two family dwelling must have valid state certifications. If you are the homeowner pulling the permit, you are required to complete the Homeowner's Cautionary Statement.

Foundation Repair, Drain Tile 

Installation of beams, straightening, waterproofing, or drain tile replacement all require a permit in the City of Wauwatosa. Additional permits may be required depending on the scope of work. For example, this may include a plumbing permit or electrical permit.

Open Wall

An open wall permit is required when minor aesthetic renovations occur typically in bathrooms and kitchens. This permit type is for work that will only open the walls as necessary for plumbing and electrical work. This can also include the removal of decorative soffits. Additional carpentry work will require a full alteration permit, drawn plans, and review rather than this open wall permit.

Although plan review is not required for an open wall permit, all applicable state and local codes and ordinances will apply.

Demolition

Whenever a building is demolished or wrecked, the roof and each upper story shall be taken down before the demolition of the next lower story is begun. No wall, chimney or other construction shall be allowed to fall in mass on a floor, and bulky material such as beams and columns shall be lowered and not thrown. Enclosed chutes for the removal of materials shall be provided in all such parts of demolition operations that are more than twenty feet above the point where the removal of material is effected, and means shall be provided to prevent descending material from attaining dangerous speeds. All dry mortar, lime, brick dust or other flying material shall before and during removal be dampened sufficiently to prevent it from floating or being blown into the street on adjoining property, and all sidewalks shall be protected by fences and scaffolds to the satisfaction of the building inspector.

For foundation removal, all existing slabs at grade will be removed along with the foundation walls to the basement floor level including footings. This excludes finely broken material of not larger than one-half square foot on any side which may be utilized for fill.

For an informational list, view our demolition standards.

Permit Fee

Each permit requires a non-refundable application fee or a plan review fee if you submit full construction plans at the time of application. There are generally two components that comprise the total fee paid for a permit: plan review and inspection. Plan review fees range from $50 to $500 depending on the type of plan review.

The inspection fee depends on the type of permit and is usually:

• a cost per unit
• a flat fee
• a cost per $1,000 of value
• a cost per square foot

Application Process

You can apply online using this self-service portal. You can upload any needed documents and process payments online. During the application process, you will be required to submit:

• a pdf of construction plans
• a recent land survey
• the application fee

Any exterior work, from a new structure or addition to most exterior remodeling, will require a review by the Design Review Board for commercial projects, and staff review for residential properties.