Wauwatosa Wisconsin Deck Permit Guide

Wauwatosa deck permits are required for decks attached to a house, decks serving an exterior door, decks more than two feet above grade, and floodplain deck construction.

Permit takeaway

Wauwatosa requires a building permit for decks that are attached to a house, serve an exterior door to a house, or are more than two feet above grade.

Zoning and placement

Deck locations are restricted by planning requirements, city easements, floodplain rules, guardrails, and setbacks, so homeowners should check placement before design.

Building and trade review

Deck applications require construction plans, a recent land survey, and an application fee, and attached decks require frost footings at least four feet deep.

Call before applying when

Call before building over an easement, in a floodplain, as part of an exit path, attached to the home, or with a fence on the deck.

Documents to prepare

• Construction plans
• Elevations and cross sections
• Recent land survey
• Application fee
• Floodplain information when applicable

Inspection planning

• Confirm whether deck is attached or part of exit path
• Submit portal application
• Upload plans and survey
• Wait for plan review
• Schedule footing, framing, and final inspections when required

Official sources

• Wauwatosa Decks
• Wauwatosa Building Permits
• Wauwatosa Licenses and Permits

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.