Building Permit Instructions for Residents and Contractors
Whether you’re planning a small home improvement project or a larger construction endeavor, obtaining a building permit ensures that your work meets local safety standards and complies with village ordinances. Most construction projects require a building permit. Below are the steps to take out a building permit and schedule inspections.
Obtaining a building permit is essential for several reasons:
Applying for a Building Permit
Prepare Your Project Details
- Before submitting a permit request, make sure you have all the relevant information about your project. This includes detailed plans, the scope of work, and any necessary documentation (such as structural or electrical plans, if applicable).
- Contractor credentials and license numbers: Most permitted work in Wisconsin requires contractors to have trade-specific licenses through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. The license numbers should be included on the permit for all the necessary trades professionals working on the project.
Submit Your Permit Application and Fee
- Fill Out Application Forms: Complete the building permit application forms. Minimum information required includes:
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- Owner(s) contact information (name, address, phone number, and email address).
- Contractor(s) contact information (name, address, phone number, email address, and credentials/license numbers).
- Project type
- Estimated cost of project
- Site plan- required for new additions, fences, sheds, decks, and signs.
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- Submit Plans & Documentation: Submit your plans, drawings, and other required documentation with the completed application. This may be done in person, online, or via mail.
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- In-person or mail: 1900 Libal Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
- Email: inspections@villageofallouezwi.gov
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- Pay Fees: There is usually a fee associated with obtaining a permit. The fee may vary depending on the size, scope, and type of project. Please check the village fee schedule. Fess may be paid for in person, online, or via mail.
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- In-person or mail: 1900 Libal Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
- Pay Online
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Approval Process
- Review Process: After submission, the building department will review your application and plans. This involves checking for compliance with building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations. You will be notified when your permit is approved and ready for issuance, as well as given instructions on how to schedule an inspection. We aim to review permits as quickly as possible, however, please budget for 7-14 days in your building project for reviewing and processing a permit application.
- Permit Issuance: If everything meets the necessary requirements, the building department will issue your permit. They may also provide additional instructions or conditions that must be met during construction.
- Receive the Permit: Once your permit is approved, you will receive an official building permit. Make sure to keep it on-site at all times during construction, as it might need to be shown during inspections.
- Display the Permit: If it is a major remodel, addition, or new building, you are required to clearly post the permit on the property in a visible location (e.g., near the front of the building or construction site) for the duration of the project. This helps ensure inspectors can easily verify that a valid permit exists.
Contact for Questions
If you have any questions about the permit process or need assistance with your application, please reach out to Trevor Fuller, Director of Planning and Community Development, at 920-448-2800 x 134 or by email at trevor.fuller@villageofallouezwi.gov.
Obtaining an Inspection
Once your work begins, it’s critical to schedule inspections at appropriate stages to ensure everything is progressing correctly:
- Inspection Process: Inspections confirm that the work is up to code and meets safety standards. The Village contracts with McMahon Associates for our inspection services. You will be given contact information and instructions for scheduling inspections when the permit is issued. We aim to schedule inspections as quickly as possible, however, please budget for 3-7 days in your building project for scheduling an inspection.
- Types of Inspections: Depending on the scope of your project, different types of inspections may be required (e.g., foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical).
- Final Inspection: A final inspection will be required to ensure that your project meets all regulations and is safe for use.
Closing the Permit and Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable)
- After completing your project and passing the final inspection, make sure to close your permit with the Village by emailing inspections@villageofallouezwi.gov or by calling 920-448-2800.
- Certificate of Occupancy: For certain types of projects (e.g., commercial buildings, new homes), you may also need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) before you can use or occupy the building. This can only be provided when final inspections are passed and the permit is closed.
General Building & Zoning Informational Documents
- Informational Document – R1 Residence District
- Informational Document – R2 Residence District
- Informational Document – Commercial District
- Informational Document – Fences
- Informational Document – Driveway Specifications
- Informational Document – Parking Requirements
- Informational Document – Swimming Pools
- Informational Document – Decks
Assistance Programs
Find out if you qualify for home improvement loans and programs offered by Brown County through the CDBG Housing Funds.
Sign Permits
Sign Permits are required for all new, relocated, modified, or redesigned signs within the Village of Allouez. Before a sign may be displayed, the property owner or contractor shall submit an application for a permit to do the work.
There are two different types of signs that require a permit – Permanent and Temporary.
Permanent Signs
A permanent sign is constructed of durable materials, including plastic or metal. Permanent signs are durable, easily maintained, and are intended to be used for an indefinite period of time.
The application fee for a permanent sign is $75 base fee + $0.50 per square foot of signage.
Temporary Signs
A temporary sign is fabricated of paper, plywood, fabric, or other light, impermanent material intended to be displayed for a short period of time. Examples include: banners, porta-panel signs, and sandwich board signs. Temporary signs may be displayed for a period of 30 days per calendar year. There is no application fee for a temporary sign, but an application shall still be submitted.
Sign Code
Sign Exception Application
Sign Exceptions can be applied for and must be approved by the Plan Commission and Village Board.
Community Development Forms
Permit required prior to renting a mobile storage unit or construction dumpster.
A Certificate of Appropriateness is needed when there are plans for reconstructing, altering, or demolishing the exterior of a property locally designated by the Village as historic.
Visit our Building Inspector page page to learn which projects require a building permit application.
Community Development Contacts
Trevor Fuller, AICP
Director of Planning and Community Development
920-448-2800 x 134