Madison Bath Works publishes this planning resource for Madison and Dane County homeowners. The direct answer is: Madison bathroom work may require building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical permits when the project alters those systems. Cosmetic work can be treated differently. Confirm the exact scope with City of Madison Building Inspection before work starts, and make the written proposal identify who applies, pays, schedules inspections and corrects rejected work.
Which bathroom changes commonly trigger permits?
Moving or replacing plumbing, adding electrical openings, changing ventilation, altering walls and completing broader interior alterations can bring separate permit requirements. A tub-to-shower conversion may look simple in a sales presentation but can still involve the drain, valve, electrical clearances or concealed wall work. The project description—not the marketing name—controls the question.
What does Madison charge?
The current City fee schedule lists building alterations at $11 per $1,000 of project value with a $25 minimum, plumbing at $8 per fixture with a $25 minimum, and electrical fees beginning at $25 for the first ten openings plus $1 for each additional opening. Plan review, HVAC and other project-specific fees may apply.
How long can review take?
The City says minor projects may be approved at the counter, while the initial review for more complex work can take 10–15 working days. That review period is separate from design, product ordering and onsite construction. A realistic schedule should show those phases separately.
What should the contract say?
The agreement should name the permit applicant, identify included permit and plan-review fees, assign inspection scheduling, and explain who pays for corrections when work does not pass. A statement such as ‘permits by owner if required’ shifts material risk and deserves clarification before signing.
What happens before walls close?
Required rough inspections occur while plumbing, electrical, framing or mechanical work remains visible. Covering work too early can require removal of finished material. Ask the provider to build inspection points into the schedule and to retain permit and closeout records for the homeowner.
Frequently asked questions
Does replacing a vanity require a permit?
A like-for-like cabinet change may be cosmetic, but plumbing or electrical alterations can change the answer. Confirm the complete scope with the City rather than deciding from the cabinet work alone.
Can a homeowner pull the permit?
Eligibility depends on the work and local rules. Even when a homeowner can apply, the contract should identify who is responsible for code compliance, inspections and corrections.
Where are the official requirements?
Use the City of Madison Development Services Center alteration workflow and current fee schedule. Recheck both immediately before publishing or beginning work.
