Madison, WI Building Permits: Two Stamped Paper Sets for Commercial, Two Hard Copies or a PDF for Homes
Madison’s paper sets, from stamped commercial packages to the two copies for a home, print here at $1.95 a sheet in black and white or $3.75 in color, in 17×22, 18×24, 22×34, 24×36, 30×42, 36×46 or 36×48, and orders placed by 3 PM ET ship the same day to all 50 states. Madison’s rules split by building type. Commercial permits need two stamped paper sets delivered with the application and fee in one complete package. One- and two-family homes can be reviewed digitally, or on paper as two hard copies no larger than 24×36.
What the City of Madison asks for
Quoted from Building Inspection Services and the 1- & 2-Family Digital Plan Submittal page:
| Rule | What the City says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | With the application: “the plan review fee, and two stamped paper sets of plans.” “We will not accept or hold incomplete submissions.” | Building Inspection Services, Commercial Projects |
| How to submit | “You can submit complete applications by mail or by making a Permit and Plan Review Counter appointment” | Same |
| No walk-ins | “The Plan Review and Permit Counter is open by appointment only. Please schedule an appointment for service. We do not serve walk-ins.” | Same |
| Homes on paper | “If you cannot meet the digital plan requirements, you can still submit two hard copies of plans. Plans must be drawn to scale.” | 1- & 2-Family Digital Plan Submittal |
| Sheet size | “Max allowed formatting size is 24×36 inches.” | Same |
| Scale | “Draw building plans to an architectural scale such as 1/8”, ¼”, 3/16”, 3/8”, ½”, or 1”.” “Provide one scale per page.” | Same |
| Digital files | “Group all building plans in one PDF.” “We cannot accept photos of plans in any form.” | Same |
For your order, that means:
- Commercial means two stamped sets, every time. A 24-sheet set × 2 is 48 sheets, or $93.60 in black and white. The design professional’s stamp has to be on the PDF or added after printing; we print what you upload.
- Send the whole package together. Madison won’t hold an incomplete submittal, so have both sets shipped to you, then mail or bring them with the application and fee.
- Use one architectural scale per page. Printing at 100% keeps that scale true.
- Hand-drawn plans need a scan, not a photo. Madison won’t accept photos of plans. Scan to PDF first; we print from that PDF.
Madison asks for one architectural scale per page; check your PDF prints to scale before you order. For signed and sealed sets, see wet stamp vs digital seal printing.
We print your uploaded PDF on white 20 lb bond and stop there. Madison Building Inspection and your architect or engineer decide the copies and stamps, so confirm with them first.
Built for Madison jobs
- Two stamped commercial sets, shipped together so the package arrives complete.
- Two hard copies for a house or duplex when digital review isn’t an option, at 24×36 or smaller.
- 18×24 sets for small additions and porches, same per-sheet price.
- Scanned hand drawings, printed from a PDF scan, since Madison won’t accept photos of plans.
We ship to the Isthmus, the East Side and Monona Bay, and out to Middleton, Fitchburg, Sun Prairie and Verona in Dane County. Those suburbs run their own inspection offices. The appointment-only counter at 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. is the City of Madison’s.
Quick cost examples (print only; shipping chosen at checkout)
| Example | Sheets | Print total | With code WELCOME20 (20% off your first order) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial set, 24 sheets × 2 stamped sets, B&W, 24×36 | 48 | $93.60 | $74.88 |
| Addition, 10 sheets × 2 hard copies, B&W, 18×24 | 20 | $39.00 | $31.20 |
| Commercial set, 40 sheets × 2, B&W | 80 | $156.00 | $124.80 |
| Renderings for review, 3 sheets, color | 3 | $11.25 | $9.00 |
Frequently asked questions
How do Madison applicants get paper sets without a counter visit?
Upload the PDF and we ship the sets to you; then mail them in or bring them to your counter appointment. Orders placed by 3 PM ET ship the same day.
How many sets of plans does Madison want for a commercial permit?
Madison Building Inspection says commercial submittals must include the application, the plan review fee and two stamped paper sets of plans, and it won’t accept or hold incomplete submissions.
Can I walk in to submit plans in Madison?
No. The City’s Plan Review and Permit Counter is open by appointment only and doesn’t serve walk-ins. You can also submit complete applications by mail.
Can I submit house plans on paper in Madison?
Yes. If you can’t meet the digital plan requirements, the City says you can submit two hard copies drawn to scale, by appointment at the permit counter.
What’s the largest sheet Madison takes for a house plan?
The 1- & 2-Family Digital Plan Submittal page says the maximum formatting size is 24×36 inches, so 18×24 or 24×36 fit.
