When is a Building Permit Required?

Village Ordinances and State Statutes require building permits. If you do not apply for a building permit prior to starting work, the Village can double the fees, stop work, and fine you for every day the work is not in compliance. The permits and follow-up inspections help protect you by ensuring that the work is up to code and safe. Please allow time for your permit to be issued by submitting your completed application and proper paperwork/plans a week prior to the anticipated start of your project.

During construction of your project, on-site inspections will be conducted to check that approved materials are used and the work meets code requirements. Any work or materials that are not up to code will need to be corrected and re-inspected. Inspections guard the safety of the occupants and the investment in your property.

If you are unsure of whether your project requires a building permit, please call the Community & Economic Development Department at 608-838-3154 or stop by our office located in the Municipal Center, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please allow appropriate time for processing of your building permit.

Examples of Projects Requiring a Permit

A building permit is required for:

  • Constructing any new residential or commercial building.
  • An addition or change to the exterior of your building including:
    • Adding a screened porch or deck
    • Any type of electrical, heating or plumbing work
    • Building any accessory structure (garage, shed or chicken coop)
    • Installing a fence
    • Installing or altering a driveway
    • Installing a swimming pool, whirlpool or hot tub
    • Re-roofing
    • Re-siding
    • Replacing windows
  • An addition or change to the interior of your building including:
    • Any type of electrical, heating or plumbing work
    • Bathroom or kitchen remodeling and/or alterations
    • Finishing an unfinished basement
    • Hot tub or whirlpool installation
    • Installation of wood stoves and fireplaces
    • Replacement of a furnace or central air conditioner
    • Replacement of water heaters and water softeners

Examples of Projects Not Requiring a Permit

A building permit is not required for:

  • Changing flooring, carpet, inlaid tile or wood
  • Installing private sidewalks on your property
  • Patios: cement, rock, brick
  • Painting