Permit Requirements

Work Requiring a Permit 

Permits and Inspections are required for the following; please note the list below is not a complete list. If you have any questions as to whether your project requires a permit, please call Building Inspection at 608-270-4260.

  • New construction: Such as a house, garage, room addition, porch, deck, swimming pool, etc.
  • Addition and/or alteration to existing structures: Such as remodeling, refinishing, finishing, etc.
  • Basement waterproofing
  • Electrical service replacement or upgrade: Such as additions or alterations to existing electrical system
  • Furnace or air conditioner installation or replacement
  • Plumbing installations and repair work: Such as water heater installation or replacement
  • Re-roofing: Including tear off or overlay
  • Siding of existing structure
  • Window or door installation or replacement
  • Demolition of existing structures

For more information regarding pools, decks, and fences click here

Work Exempt from Permit Requirements

Permits Exempt from Building Permit Requirements are as follows:

  • Repairs necessary for building maintenance and upkeep, which do not exceed a cost of $2000 and that are not listed above
  • Residential accessory buildings and storage sheds not used to house motor vehicles and less than 64 square-feet in floor area
  • Attached and detached uncovered wood decks with floor surfaces less the 24 inches above the adjacent grade level
  • Satellite dishes and antennas intended for private residential use
  • Buildings and structures not within the scope of the building code

The construction referred to in this section shall comply with all building, zoning, and applicable codes regardless of building permit requirements. 

To apply for a building permit go to: Building Permit Application Portal (OpenGov.com) and select the correct application type.

Permit Types include:

New Construction and Additions Permit Application - This is for new buildings (except categories listed in links below) or additions to buildings (enlarging footprint or elevation of any structure (except categories listed in links below).

Alterations and Repairs to Existing Buildings Permit Application - This is for any alteration to an existing structure (except listed below). Examples (but not limited to): any minor work such as electrical or plumbing fixture changes, interior remodel, reroof, reside, basement finish, tenant alterations. 

Deck and Shed Permit Application - This includes any deck 24" from grade to surface or greater, any shed or storage building 64 sq ft or larger, any detached garage.

Solar Building Permit Application - This includes any new solar project or additions to the solar.

Swimming Pool Permit Application - This is for any in-ground or above ground swimming pool projects

To Request an inspection please call Building Inspection at 608-270-4240

Once you obtain a building permit, inspections are as follows:

  1. After footings are dug, but before cement is poured.
  2. After walls are poured, but just before backfilling.
  3. When rough framing, plumbing, heating - ventilation - air (HVAC) and electric are completed.
  4. Insulation
  5. Final - The dwelling may not be occupied until a final inspection has been made which finds that no violations of the code exist that could reasonably be expected to affect the health and safety of the occupant.
  6. Swimming pools require two inspections: when the rough electric has been completed, and a final inspection after the fence has been installed.

Additional Inspections

If a re-inspection is necessary because the work was not completed when the inspection was called in, or if there is a code violation, or any additional inspections are called for, there will be an additional charge of $30 per inspection to be collected before the finals are approved.