On September 9, 2026, Matt Miller from Vierbicher’s Planning & Community Development team presented the findings of our 2026 Fee Study to the Metropolitan Builders Association of Milwaukee (MBA) Construction Advocacy Council.
This initiative builds on the success of a similar study Vierbicher prepared for the Madison Area Builders Association (MABA) in summer 2025. Seeing the value of having a reference guide for single-family home building costs, MBA Executive Director Toby Van Sistene requested Vierbicher’s assistance in preparing a similar study to inform MBA’s 600+ members.
Study Methodology & Findings
The study investigates twenty-five jurisdictions, mostly cities and villages, across Waukesha, Washington. Jefferson, Milwaukee, and Ozaukee counties. To establish a clear, apples-to-apples comparison across jurisdictions, the study evaluated two specific development scenarios on ten acres of undeveloped land:
- Scenario A: Sixty single-family homes (2,500 sq. ft. each)
- Scenario B: Thirty-five single-family homes (3,500 sq. ft. each)
For each scenario, the study tabulated and compared:
- Impact Fees
- Planning & Land Division Fees
- Building Permit Fees
- Community “Fast Facts” such as local contact information, median household income, demographic trends, and housing affordability metrics.
By consolidating municipal fee structures alongside local demographic and economic data into a single, accessible resource, the study empowers MBA members to make informed decisions about which housing products and price points are best suited for each community.
Vierbicher appreciates the opportunity to partner with MBA on crafting this study, and looks forward to its positive impact on fostering home building in Southeast Wisconsin.
Ready to Plan Your Next Community Development Project?
Reach out to our Planning & Community Development team today to discuss how we can support your goals across Wisconsin.
