City Building Permits
Franklin, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Franklin, Wisconsin. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
City of Franklin permit issuance, inspections, code enforcement, drive approach permits, culvert permits, and delegated commercial review.
- Department
- Inspection Services
- Address
- 9229 W Loomis Road, Franklin, WI 53132
- Phone
- 414-425-0084
Online Permit Portal
Platform: BS&A Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Determine whether the project fits the City's online permit table or must be submitted another way.
- For eligible licensed-contractor jobs, create a BS&A Online account and obtain a City PIN from Inspection Services.
- Upload application information and required documents, or submit paper applications in person or by mail for other permit types.
- For commercial building, HVAC, and plumbing plan review handled through Franklin's delegated status, submit plan review through E-Plan Exam when required.
- Pay assessed fees.
- Wait for permit issuance; Franklin states some permits are processed while you wait, but many are reviewed in order received.
- Call for required inspections and obtain final approval.
Typical processing time: Minimum 10 business days for one- and two-family new construction, additions, and alterations; commercial plan review within 15 business days after complete paperwork and fees.
Source: Inspection Services
General Requirements
Franklin states permits are required for new one- and two-family dwellings, additions, remodels affecting living space or structural components, pools, drive approaches, culverts, electrical work, siding, demolition, occupancy changes for commercial and industrial uses, foundation repair, and miscellaneous listed permit types.
Required Documents
- Application
- project-specific plans
- specifications
- and supporting handouts
- commercial work may require plan review packages through E-Plan Exam.
- Permit validity
- Extension fees are listed in Franklin fee schedules; verify current duration and extension rules per permit type.
- Building code
- Franklin states it adopts state and local building, plumbing, and electrical codes; city also functions as a fully delegated municipality for commercial review.
- Owner-builder
- Online permit program is for licensed contractors only; homeowners still may submit other applications directly where allowed.
- Contractor requirements
- Franklin states contractors for one- and two-family new construction, additions, alterations, residing, and foundation repair must have valid Wisconsin certifications; electrical permits must be obtained by a master electrician licensed in Wisconsin.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Review the applicable Franklin fee sheet; commercial and residential schedules vary by discipline.
- Plan check fee
- Franklin publishes separate plan review fees for residential and E-Plan Exam commercial review.
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed; project-type sheets use square-foot, valuation, and flat-fee methods depending on permit.
- Reinspection fee
- Extensions and other fee changes are listed in current fee schedules; confirm project-specific penalties with staff.
- Payment note
- Check, City Hall drop box, Treasury counter credit card, and online payment options are offered; service fees apply to some online payments.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Inspection Services to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 414-425-0084 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, discipline inspections during work, then final approval or occupancy where applicable.
Project-specific inspection lists are posted by the City for commercial work.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Franklin states it adopts state and local building, plumbing, and electrical codes; city also functions as a fully delegated municipality for commercial review.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- License lookup guide: Wisconsin Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Wisconsin Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Wisconsin hub: Wisconsin Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Inspection Services before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Franklin Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Franklin, WI?
- Franklin states permits are required for new one- and two-family dwellings, additions, remodels affecting living space or structural components, pools, drive approaches, culverts, electrical work, siding, demolition, occupancy changes for commercial and industrial uses, foundation repair, and miscellaneous listed permit types.
- How much does a building permit cost in Franklin, WI?
- The minimum permit fee is Review the applicable Franklin fee sheet; commercial and residential schedules vary by discipline.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed; project-type sheets use square-foot, valuation, and flat-fee methods depending on permit.. Plan check fee: Franklin publishes separate plan review fees for residential and E-Plan Exam commercial review..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Franklin, WI?
- 1. Determine whether the project fits the City's online permit table or must be submitted another way. 2. For eligible licensed-contractor jobs, create a BS&A Online account and obtain a City PIN from Inspection Services. 3. Upload application information and required documents, or submit paper applications in person or by mail for other permit types. 4. For commercial building, HVAC, and plumbing plan review handled through Franklin's delegated status, submit plan review through E-Plan Exam when required. 5. Pay assessed fees. 6. Wait for permit issuance; Franklin states some permits are processed while you wait, but many are reviewed in order received. 7. Call for required inspections and obtain final approval.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Franklin, WI?
- Typical processing time is Minimum 10 business days for one- and two-family new construction, additions, and alterations; commercial plan review within 15 business days after complete paperwork and fees..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Franklin, WI?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 414-425-0084.
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