Building Permits

The construction which shall require a building permit includes, but
is not limited to:
  • New buildings
  • Additions that increase the physical dimensions of a building including decks.
  • Alterations to the building structure, cost shall include market labor value, or alternations to the building’s heating, electrical or plumbing systems.
  • Replacement of major building equipment, including furnaces, and central air conditioners, water heaters and any other major piece of equipment shall require a permit.
  • Alteration of plumbing, venting, electrical or gas supply systems.
  • Any electrical wiring for new construction or remodeling
  • Any plumbing for new construction or remodeling
  • Agricultural buildings and mechanicals.
The following construction activities shall NOT require a building
permit:
  • Re-siding, re-roofing, and finishing of interior surfaces, installation of cabinetry, and repairs which are deemed minor by the Building Inspector. Not withstanding this section, however, a permit accompanied by structural load-bearing calculations shall be required for re-roofing a building if the proposed re-roofing would constitute a third or more layer of roofing.
  • Normal repairs of HVAC, plumbing and electrical equipment or systems

After reading this list, you more than likely will still have projects that require the building inspector’s judgment as to whether or not a permit is needed.
WHEN IN DOUBT, PLEASE CALL AND CHECK BEFORE STARTING A PROJECT. AVOID BEING RED TAGGED AND FRUSTRATING DELAYS.

OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT

For a new home:  

NEW HOME PERMIT APPLICATIONS MUST BE PROCESSED THROUGH THE STATE OF WISCONSIN’S ONLINE PERMIT SYSTEM!

For all other building permits: 

  • Apply for a LAND USE PERMIT (aka Zoning Permit) and Jurisdiction Review from General Engineering Company.  Call Mary Dussling at (608) 697-8003 for questions.
  • Complete a BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION.
    • Stop by the town hall on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (on a first come; first serve basis) or call Roger at (414) 639-6314 to make an appointment with the inspector for a different day and time.   
    • FEES:  Building permit fees
  • Zoning and Building permit fees will be collected before a permit is issued.
  • A completion deposit will be required at the time a building permit is applied for based on the total cost of the project. This deposit will be refunded once the project is completed and all codes have been complied with.
    •  COMPLETION DEPOSIT:

      Project Costs

      Amount of Deposit Required

      $0.00 – $1.500.00

      $ 0.00

      $1,501.00 – $25,000.00

      $100.00

      $25,001.00 – $50,000.00

      $250.00

      $50,001.00 – $100,000.00

      $500.00

      $100,001.00 and over

      $1,000.00
  • Once the permit is issued it shall be posted at the job site in a visible location from the street.
  • Call (262) 420-4732 for all inspections as instructed and have your permit number ready. The inspector has 48 hours to complete his/her inspections.

The town office also “permits” razing and moving of buildings and requires erosion control. Call for more information.

What if I don’t comply?

Anyone who violates this code shall, upon conviction, forfeit not less than $25.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for each day of non-compliance, together with the cost of prosecution.

The UDC states that agricultural buildings don’t need a permit, what constitutes a farm building?

UDC Engineering consultant Leroy Stublaki, AIA provides the following definition:

Comm 50.06 LOCAL REGULATIONS

This code shall not limit the power of cities, villages and towns to
make, or enforce, additional or more stringent regulations, provided the
regulations do not conflict with this code, or with any other rule of the
department, or law.

Comm 50.05 BUILDINGS EXEMPT FROM CODE REQUIREMENTS

Buildings used exclusively for farming purposes. Note: for a definition
of “farming” see s.102.04(3) Stats.