Madison’s Building Inspection Division is the main starting point for construction permits, plan review, inspections, and zoning compliance. Building Inspection reviews building-code requirements and issues permits for construction, demolition, electrical, plumbing, and heating work, while its Zoning staff review most development proposals for permitted uses, setbacks, parking, landscaping, site design, floodplain status, and other land-use standards. The City also maintains an online Licenses & Permits portal for supported permit transactions.
Every property is assigned a zoning district under Chapter 28 of the Madison General Ordinances, with different rules governing uses and development standards. Projects that cannot proceed by right may require additional land-use review, such as a conditional use, zoning variance, rezoning, demolition approval, or subdivision action. The Plan Commission has final authority over conditional uses and demolition requests and makes recommendations on certain rezonings and subdivisions.
Historic designation creates a separate approval path. Madison has locally designated landmarks and historic districts regulated through the Landmarks Commission. Exterior alterations, new construction, and demolition affecting these locally protected properties require a Certificate of Approval before the applicant applies for the associated building permit.
Public right-of-way work is handled separately from ordinary building permits. Engineering requires permits for excavation affecting streets and other public right-of-way, while Traffic Engineering issues Street Occupancy Permits when construction materials, machinery, dumpsters, or similar activities occupy streets, terraces, sidewalks, alleys, or public grounds. Applicants can start with Madison’s Development Services Center and then identify any zoning, historic, floodplain, or right-of-way reviews that apply.