Before beginning development on any non-residential project there are several steps you will need to take to make sure your new building will be in compliance with local regulations regarding land and construction. Some examples of non-residential buildings may be: Offices, Churches, Mercantile, Factories, Warehouses, and Daycare centers.
You will need to make sure the site you intend to build on is appropriate regarding setbacks and use based on zoning and other requirements.
Before developing a parcel of land, you will need to determine if the parcel is zoned for your desired use or if there are any special development considerations for your project.
Zoning will be able to tell you the zoning of the property or if there are any special considerations for your project. If your project requires special handling, our staff will inform you of the requirements and next steps.
Find out the zoning for your property.
Zoning: (608) 266-4551.
A minimum of two sets of plans are required for any plan review. If the building for which the plans are being submitted is over 50,000 cubic feet, all plans must be signed and sealed by a registered Architect or Engineer. All plans must be submitted with a City of Madison Plan Approval Application Form which also must be signed by the Building Designer and Supervising Professional. Omission of any required items on your plans or application may result in a delay of your project. The plan review fees need to be paid at the time of submittal.
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 plan approval is obtained, permits can be issued as long as all other Departments have approved the project. For example, Zoning needs to sign off on the permit and any other departmental holds will also need to be resolved. You can contact Zoning at (608) 266-4551 regarding any additional approvals.
Building Inspection
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Suite 017
Madison, WI 53703
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
A minimum of two sets of plans are required for any plan review. All plans need to be drawn to scale and include all dimensions. Your plans should include:
For more complex projects, the initial plan review will typically occur between 5 – 10 working days.
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.
Building Inspection
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Suite 017
Madison, WI 53703
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
The Fire Prevention Division reviews the following:
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.
City of Madison Fire Department
314 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: (608) 266-4420
(See Flammable and Combustible Liquids)
For further information on tanks contact Doug Milks, Fire Prevention Officer at (608) 261-9847.
Once the plans are approved and all other concerned departments have signed off a permit can be issued. Inspection/permit fees will be collected at the time of issuance (See the Inspection Fee Schedule to figure the necessary fee). If plans have been withheld revisions will need to made and resubmitted for review.
Restaurants, taverns, and any other commercial facility that sells alcohol will need approval from the City Clerk's Office (See Procedure for Liquor License Application). For more information, please call (608) 266-4601.
A fire code license (or permit) is required to maintain, store or handle materials, or to conduct processes, which produce conditions hazardous to life or property, or to install equipment used in connection with such activities. All license applications must be made 30 days prior to commencing the prescribed activities. For more information, please contact the Madison Fire Department Fire Prevention Division at (608) 266-4420 and read more about fire code licenses.
Building Inspection
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Suite 017
Madison, WI 53703
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
During the construction process multiple inspections will need to be made on the project.
Call for inspection request: (608) 266-4551.
Call for inspection request: (608) 266-4551.
Call for inspection request: (608) 266-4420.
When all inspections have been done and approved the Inspectors will sign off on the Certificate of Occupancy. You are required to have this Certificate in hand prior to moving in to the building. The Fire Inspector also needs to sign off and your Design Professional must submit a Compliance Statement before the Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.
Submit Fire Evacuation Plans for your facility to the City of Madison Fire Department for review. Find out more about developing Fire Evacuation Plans.
