Remodel Permits in Middleton, WI: What Needs One

Do You Need a Permit in Middleton?

Yes permit neededNo no permitDepends depends on the workAsk not published, call the office

Project	Permit	What the rule says
Kitchen remodel	Depends	The code requires a building permit to alter or repair any building unless it is a non-structural repair under $1,000 total. Any plumbing or electrical changes need separate plumbing and electrical permits pulled by licensed trades. The code does not specifically address a cabinets-and-counters-only job, so confirm with the department. Permits: building, electrical, plumbing.(source)
Bathroom remodel	Yes	Plumbing work, including swapping fixtures, needs a plumbing permit; only repairs of leaks or stoppages are exempt. The building code also names toilet-room alterations as needing a building permit. New circuits need an electrical permit; ventilation ducts and vent connections fall under the HVAC permit chapter. Permits: building, plumbing, electrical, HVAC.(source)
Finish a basement	Yes	Finishing a basement is listed as a Level 2 project requiring plans (floor plans, framing, energy compliance). Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work need separate trade permits, with rough, insulation and final inspections. Permits: building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC.(source)
Remove or move a wall	Yes	Removing or moving walls is an alteration, which needs a building permit. Load-bearing changes are structural remodels and need plans showing beams and headers, plus a framing inspection. The code makes no separate exemption for non-load-bearing walls. Permits: building.(source)
Build or replace a deck	Yes	Decks are Level 1 projects needing a building permit with a site plan, footing sizes, ledger and guard/stair details. A zoning permit is also required; the fee schedule lists decks as an 'addition' zoning permit. A patio or non-elevated deck no more than 1 ft above grade may sit in required yard setbacks if it meets accessory setbacks. No size or height exemption from the building permit was found, and no frost depth figure is published (the design sheet asks the designer to state it). Permits: building, zoning.(source)
Replace deck boards or railings	Depends	Like-for-like, non-structural repairs costing under $1,000 total need no permit. Above $1,000, the general rule that repairs need a building permit applies. Permits: building.(source)
Replace windows, same size	Depends	Replacing windows with the same or smaller size is exempt only if the total job is under $1,000. Otherwise a building permit is needed. Since September 2026, like-for-like window and door replacements must also file a notarized workmanship and code-compliance affidavit within one week of finishing, or the permit stays open. Permits: building.(source)
New or larger window (egress)	Yes	Cutting a new or larger opening is a structural alteration, which is never covered by the non-structural repair exemption, so it needs a building permit. Egress openings are checked at the framing inspection. Zoning lets egress windows project into required yards within Article IV limits. Permits: building.(source)
Replace exterior doors	Depends	Replacing exterior doors with the same or smaller size is exempt only if the total is under $1,000; otherwise a building permit is required. Like-for-like door replacements must file the notarized windows-and-doors affidavit after completion. Permits: building.(source)
Re-roof	Depends	Re-roofing is exempt only when the total cost is under $1,000; otherwise it needs a building permit. Like-for-like re-roofs must file a notarized roofing affidavit (sheathing repair, underlayment, nailing, ventilation) after completion, and the city lists dry-in and final inspections. The code also bars replacing more than 25% of a roof covering in 12 months unless the whole roof is brought up to code. The sources do not distinguish tear-off from overlay. Permits: building.(source)
Replace siding	Depends	Re-siding is exempt only if the total cost is under $1,000; otherwise a building permit is required. Permits: building.(source)
New flooring	Ask	The code broadly requires permits for alterations and repairs, but neither the code nor the city's handouts mention flooring specifically. Ask the Building Inspection Department.
Replace a water heater	Yes	Plumbing and heating work never qualifies for the minor-repair exemption, and water heaters are listed as a fee item on the plumbing permit application. The city's inspection list calls for a final inspection on water heaters. The plumbing code requires a state-licensed plumber. Permits: plumbing.(source)
Build a fence	Yes	Every new or replacement fence needs a zoning permit and a building permit (combined $80 for one- and two-family homes). In residential districts, fences can be up to 6 ft in side and rear yards, and up to 3 ft and at most 50% opaque in front or street yards. On lake or pond lots, the limit is 3 ft between the water and the yard facing it. Height is measured to the top rail. Fences in a City easement need an encroachment agreement. Temporary garden, snow and construction fencing needs no permit. Permits: zoning, building.(source)

Checked October 2026 against the City of Middleton sources listed below.

Who to Call

City of Middleton Building Inspection
Phone: 608-821-8370
Email: buildinginspection@cityofmiddleton.us
Permit office website

Apply online through the city's iWorQ portal, with separate building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and zoning forms.

Permit Fees

From Middleton Municipal Code Appendix A, alterations and repairs to existing buildings: a building permit costs $50 residential minimum plus $5 per $1,000 of cost. Electrical permits are a $50 base plus $3 per 0-30 A circuit, $6 for 31-60 A, $10 for 61-100 A, and $20 per 100 A of permanent service. Plumbing permits are a $50 base plus $6 per fixture and $50 per air admittance valve. HVAC permits are a $50 base plus $4 per $1,000 of cost and $6 per gas connection. Fences and sheds are $30 for the building permit. One- and two-family zoning permits are $50 for minor accessory structures such as fences, $100 for additions such as decks, and $300 for a principal structure; the 2025 fence/shed checklist totals $80 for a fence. Additional or misc. inspections are $50, as are failed inspections and reinspections. Working without a permit costs a penalty equal to 100% of the permit fee (the 2020 schedule), and failing to take out an electrical permit doubles the fee.(fee schedule)

Worth Knowing in Middleton

Permit pulling: the city says owner-occupants of single-family homes may do some work themselves, and the building permit form includes the state cautionary statement for owners. But the city code issues electrical permits only on proof the work will be done by a state-licensed electrician. It also bars anyone without a state plumbing license from plumbing work and requires HVAC applications to show state HVAC contractor certification.(source)
New residential inspection procedures took effect September 15, 2026. Request inspections through iWorQ by 2:00 PM for next-day service. An owner, contractor or adult representative must be present for inspections in occupied homes. Approved plans must be on site in a weatherproof container. A failed inspection costs a $50 reinspection fee, and a second failure on the same trade brings a stop-work order.(source)
Like-for-like re-roofing, window and door jobs must file a notarized workmanship affidavit within one week of completion. Contractors with more than three overdue affidavits cannot get new permits.(source)
The code bars replacing more than 25% of a roof covering in any 12 months unless the entire roof covering is brought up to code for new buildings.(source)
Some neighborhoods require approval from a Neighborhood Architectural Review Committee or HOA, separate from city permits. The fence/shed checklist also has the zoning reviewer note whether the lot is in a floodplain.(source)
Plans can be waived only for small jobs: alterations over $100 need plans unless the cost is $1,000 or less and the inspector waives them. Permits expire if work does not start within 6 months.(source)
The City's erosion control ordinance (Ch. 28) exempts one- and two-family construction sites regulated by the UDC, which the City regulates under UDC rules instead.(source)

Other Towns

Sources

Permit rules and fees change. We checked each answer against the town's own website, code or fee schedule in October 2026 and linked the source. Confirm with the permit office before you start. This is a guide, not legal advice.