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Madison Bathroom Permit Fees: 2026 Planning Notes
Madison publishes value- and fixture-based permit fees. Homeowners should use the current city schedule, not a generic statewide estimate.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
Madison Bath Works publishes this planning resource for Madison and Dane County homeowners. Madison publishes value- and fixture-based permit fees. Homeowners should use the current city schedule, not a generic statewide estimate.
This article is a fee-planning companion to the broader Madison bathroom permit guide, which explains when building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical review may enter a bathroom project.
Building alteration fee
The published schedule lists alterations at $11 per $1,000 of project value with a $25 minimum. A $35,000 declared alteration value therefore produces a $385 base illustration before separate trade or review fees.
Plumbing and electrical fees
The schedule lists plumbing at $8 per fixture with a $25 minimum. Electrical work begins with $25 for the first ten openings and adds $1 for each further opening. Project-specific interpretation belongs to the City and permit applicant.
Why the total can differ from the base illustration
A bathroom remodel can involve more than one permit category. The declared project value, number of fixtures or electrical openings, plan review, HVAC work and later scope changes can affect the total. Use the example above to understand the calculation method, not as a project quote.
Review timing
The City says minor projects may be approved at the counter while complex initial review can take 10–15 working days. Design and ordering time are additional.
What to put in the contract
Identify who applies, who pays, who schedules inspections and who corrects rejected work. The proposal should distinguish included permit fees from allowances or fees paid directly by the owner. Avoid leaving permits to an unwritten assumption.
Permit expense is only one part of the project budget. Use the bathroom remodel cost estimator to organize the visible construction scope before comparing proposals.
Questions to confirm before applying
- Which building and trade permits match the final scope?
- Who will be named as the applicant?
- Are plan-review or resubmittal costs included?
- When must rough work remain exposed for inspection?
- Who retains the permit and closeout records?
Update before use
Fees and procedures change. Recheck the City of Madison Development Services Center immediately before publication, application or construction.