PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a shed in Milwaukee, WI?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a shed in Milwaukee, WI (for example: 150 sq ft or more, or within 3 ft of a lot line: permit).

Last verified: · Confidence: medium · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: medium

No permit for a tool or storage shed under 150 sq ft in the rear yard and at least 3 ft from property lines. Other sheds need a permit.

What changes the answer

Note: The City's quick checklist says sheds need a permit; the homeowner page exempts small rear-yard sheds.

Cost

Fee not extracted; see DNS permit fees. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://city.milwaukee.gov/DNS/permits/PermitChecklist

Where to apply

City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services (Development Center)

Permitting authority: City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS). Rules shown are for 1-2 family homes. Historic properties need a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes regardless of permit rules. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds or similar uses, under 150 square feet in the rear/back yard and are at least three feet from the property lines”

Source: https://city.milwaukee.gov/DNSPrograms/homeowner

“Shed Yes”

Source: https://city.milwaukee.gov/DNS/permits/PermitChecklist

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: medium

See something wrong or out of date? Report a correction (anonymous, no email needed).

Other projects in Milwaukee

Shed permits in other cities

Compare shed permit rules in all 48 cities · All Wisconsin cities