Plumbers
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in the City of Madison?
A common question, answered by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 9, 2026
1 answer
From MadisonWI.com
Yes, plan on one. The City of Madison's Building Inspection lists water heater (and water softener) replacement among the repairs handled with a "data sheet," which is the City's short Plumbing Permit Application for projects that don't need plan review. You can also apply online through the City's "Plumbing Upgrades and Replacements" permit application. The form has spaces for both the owner and the plumbing contractor, but the City's pages don't spell out who has to file it, so if you're unsure whether you or your plumber should pull the permit, ask the Building Inspection permit counter before work starts. There's a fee. This covers the City of Madison only; Middleton, Fitchburg and other nearby communities set their own rules. Source: City of Madison Development Services Center, Permit Applications (checked November 2026).
Written by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 9, 2026