Building Permit Information - Residential

The City of Mequon follows the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - One and Two Family (UDC) Administrative Code.  

All permits are good for one year from date of issuance except new commercial or single-family homes which are good for two years from date of issuance.

Homeowners may do their own residential work provided they currently own and occupy the single-family residence where the work is done. 

If you do not plan on doing the work yourself and hire a contractor, the contractor must hold a current State of Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor & Qualifier numbers. 

A contractor or homeowner performing work without a permit will be penalized at twice the permit fee. Work that is covered up before an inspection is done may have to be exposed so that the work can be inspected.

The following items need to be submitted to obtain a building permit:

• Building Permit Application (see attachment)
• Three sets of plans.  When doing interior work such as a bathroom or kitchen remodel, a drawing showing dimensions and layout is needed.  Plans do not have to be drawn by an architect.
• If putting up an addition, shed, fence, deck or pool, a survey showing where the item is going with the distances to the lot lines marked.
• For all exterior work a Zoning Form (see attachment) must be submitted.

Once you submit the application and plans, allow 1-2 weeks for the permit to be issued.  No work should be started until the permit has been issued.

The following is a partial list of items that require permits:

• Agricultural buildings – new construction, additions & renovations 
• Residential buildings – new construction, additions & renovations which include but not limited to:  Basement Finish, Bathrooms, Kitchen, Laundry Rooms, Structural Changes.  Call 262-236-2924 with questions.
• Multi-family – new construction, additions & renovations which include but not limited to: Basement Finish, Bathrooms, Kitchen, Laundry Rooms, Structural Changes.  Call 262-236-2924 with questions.
• Decks & Gazebos
• Fences
• Fire or Water damage repair
• Foundation repair
• Garages
• Generators
• Heating & air conditioning systems
• Moving buildings
• Razing buildings
• Roofing - (See FAQ question for clarification)
• Sheds
• Siding
• Solar Panels
• Swimming pools (see attachment at end of page)
• Under ground storage tank installation & removal
• Windows

Still not sure if a permit is needed?   Call the Inspections Department for clarification - 262-236-2924.