Items Requiring Permits

The following is a list of items which require permits. This list is not meant to be all inclusive. Below the list are more details about each type of project. If you have any questions please contact Building Inspection at inspections@villageofmukwonago.gov.

All applications must be submitted through our online permit system. A New Contractor will have to register/create an account through our online permit system and receive approval before applying for a permit.

Accessory Structures (i.e. Gazebo, Pergola, or Shed)

Applies to all accessory uses and detached accessory structures.Items to submit for plan review. It can be pre-manufactured, or site built. Items needed to submit with your building application:

• A scale plat of survey/site plan with shed location and measurements (drawn to scale) on the survey.
• A picture or drawing of the shed showing dimensions, materials and color, etc.
• A Village of Mukwonago Building Permit filled out online with all information including project cost.
• If a homeowner is applying for a permit on behalf of a contractor, you need to review and acknowledge the Cautionary Statement in the building permit application.
• After the above items are submitted the plan review may take up to 10 business days. If additional information is needed, we will contact you.
• Written homeowners’ association approval is required if applicable. It is your responsibility to check if your neighborhood has an association.
• May be placed or erected in the rear yard.
• Shall not exceed 144 square feet in area.
• No structure shall be visible from the street.
• No structure shall be closer than 10 feet to the principal structure.
• No accessory structure shall exceed 15 feet in height.
• No accessory structure or accessory structure overhang shall be located closer than 3 feet to any lot line.
• Total of all accessory structures upon the lot shall occupy not more than 20% of the rear yard area. All structures shall not cover more that 40% of the lot. 

Addition/Alteration - Residential         

Apply for a Building permit and include:

• The scale drawings of your project with elevations, cross-sections, and floor plans per level.
• Additions and Larger projects may require a one hard copy scale drawing of the project delivered to the plan reviewer.
• Submit copies of the plat of survey. (One PDF uploaded and two hard copies) One copy should be marked with proposed erosion control measures. The plat of survey is not required for interior alterations where the building footprint does not change.
• This includes submittals for attached garages.

Air Conditioner (new or replacement)

Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Electrical permits are separate but required. Replacements of these items do not require plans to be submitted but may be included in a larger new or remodel project. Larger commercial/industrial projects may be subject to Department of Safety and Professional Services plan review and approval per the provisions of SPS 361.30.

Commercial/Industrial - New Building or Addition/Alteration

Apply for a Building permit. Larger projects may be subject to Department of Safety and Professional Service (DSPS) plan review per the provisions of SPS 361.30. Please verify that DSPS review is required by the Building Inspector prior to submitting your application.  There are exclusions for minor alterations, but they must be approved by the inspector.

Items needed when building a new deck.

• Apply for a Building permit. Permit fees are calculated at the time of plan review. If you are the owner occupant of a single-family dwelling and doing the work yourself, you need to review a cautionary statement included in your electronic on-line permit application.
• A scale Plat of Survey with deck location drawn to the scale on the survey.  Scale drawings showing all structural details including footings, beam(s), joists, ledger attachment, ledger flashing detail and tension tie downs. Also required are elevation drawings showing the deck, posts, diagonal bracing, guardrail and stair/handrail detail if applicable and fastener details.
• A Village Deck Worksheet needs to be completed and attached with your application. The Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, specifically Appendix B lays out all of the requirements for your project.
• After the above items are submitted the plan review may take up to 10 business days. If we need any revisions or additional information, we will contact you.

Dishwasher

Plumbing and Electrical permits are separate but required permits. If your existing dishwasher was installed with an appliance cord, then an Electrical permit is not required. 

Electrical, new or repairs           (Example: post light)

Any new wiring or alterations to existing wiring requires an electrical permit.

The Applicant shall:                                                                              

• Apply for an Electrical permit.
• Work shall be installed in accordance with the current adopted  Wisconsin code SPS 316.

A Licensed Electrical Contractor shall apply for an Electrical permit. It is recommended that a Wis. State Licensed Electrical Contractor is hired to change electric services, wiring for swimming pools, hot tubs and hydromassage tubs due to the technical expertise required for these projects. A load calculation may be requested on larger commercial/industrial services.

Items to submit for Fence Plan Review

• A scaled plat of survey or site plan with fence location drawn to scale on the survey.
• A picture or drawing showing fence materials, color and height.
• Written homeowner’s association approval required if applicable.
• Apply for a Building permit.
• If a homeowner is applying for a permit on behalf of a contractor, you need to acknowledge the Cautionary Statement when applying for the permit.

Fences are permitted accessory uses in any district and may be erected with a permit, provided that fences shall comply with the following requirements:                                     

Barbed wire, wire mesh and electrical fences are prohibited in the Village of Mukwonago except in the A-1 agricultural district. Agricultural fences are permitted adjacent to the lot line and shall not exceed three feet in height in the street yard or six feet in height in the side yard or rear yard.            

Residential and business fences are permitted adjacent to the lot line in the side and rear yards of residential and business districts but shall not exceed a height of six feet and shall not extend into the street yard.                          

Ornamental fences are permitted adjacent to the lot line in any district but shall not exceed a height of three feet nor a length of more than 24 feet total when located in the street yard. Ornamental fences shall comply with the 15’ traffic vision triangle requirements as set forth in § 100-401. Security fences are permitted adjacent to the property lines in manufacturing districts but shall not exceed 10 feet in height. Security fences shall comply with the traffic visibility requirements set forth in § 100-401. The finished side always faces out away from your property. 

After the above items are submitted, the plan review may take up to 10 business days. If we need any revisions or additional information, we will contact you.

Fireplace or other Fuel Burning Appliance

A Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) permit is required for a new heating appliance. Fireplace inserts that involve framing require an additional building permit w/plan submission for the framing and the HVAC permit for the unit and venting. Free standing units typically do not require plan submission or a building permit. Other mechanical permits may be required depending on other associated systems installed with the appliance. Example: a new electrical circuit may need to be installed. 

Foundation Repair

A Building permit is required for structural foundation repairs or new drain tile installation.  Anyone applying for a foundation repair permit for One and Two-Family Residential Dwellings requires a valid State of Wisconsin dwelling contractor's certification. You will have to register with our online permit program and get approved before you can apply for a permit.  An application for a permit shall include:

• A description of the current defects and details of the repairs. 
• Plans and/or specifications showing the foundation with the areas of repairs.
• Apply for a Building permit.
• Repairs shall follow "The Best Management Standards for Foundation repair" (July 2017 revision) or have site specific engineering when conditions do not conform to those standards. 

https://wafrp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2017_UBC_Foundation_Repair_Code.pdf

A Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Electrical permits are required. Replacements of these items typically do not require plans to be submitted. Larger commercial/industrial projects may be subject to Department of Safety and Professional Service (DSPS) plan review and approval per the provisions of SPS 361.30. A new Contractor will have to register/create an account through our online permit system and get approved before applying for a permit.

• Detached private garages may be placed or erected in the rear yard upon the issuance of a building permit.
• No more than one garage is permitted per dwelling unit.
• No private garage shall exceed 720 square feet in area.
• No structure shall be closer than 10 feet to the principal structure.
• No private garage shall exceed 15 feet in height.
• No private garage or garage overhang shall be located closer than 3 feet to any lot line.
• The total of all accessory structures shall occupy not more than 20% of the rear yard area.
• A scaled plat of survey or site plan with garage location drawn to scale on the survey.
• Full set of plans including elevations, wall detail and slab details.
• Include a completed Garage Detail Worksheet with Building permit application.
• All electrical work shall be completed with a Licensed Electrical Contractor after obtaining an Electrical permit.

Hot Tub/ Swim Spa

In most cases, this would only require an electrical permit. If you are thinking of putting this on your deck it will need additional structural support for all that water. In that case you will also need to submit a building permit and drawings to detail materials and location, etc.

Apply for a building permit application on-line via our permit portal. The software may ask you to upload the following information:

• The scale drawings of your project with renderings, cross-sections, and floor plans per level.
• Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Permit required regardless of layout changes.
• If replacing cabinets only and the footprint remains the same, no building permit is required.

New Home/Residence

Items to submit for a One or Two-Family New Dwelling Plan Review

• Apply electronically with the State of WI on the Act 211 building permit at the Department of Safety & Professional Services website.
• Fill out the State of Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit application in filable PDF format on the Department of Safety & Professional Services website and submit one copy with application.
• Apply for a Village of Mukwonago permit application online.
• Attach one PDF and submit one hard copy scale drawing of the building for plan review.
• Submit two copies of the plat of survey, one copy should be marked with erosion control measures proposed.
• Submit one copy of the energy worksheet. Make sure it is signed and dated.
• Include wall bracing on the plan with the wall bracing compliance work sheet.
• Additional permits for other subcontractors as well as a Driveway permit will also be required.   

After all of the above items are submitted the plan review may take up to 10 business days. If we need any revisions or additional information, we will contact you.

• Additional resources are available on our website. Ex: A survey review sheet giving requirements needed on a survey and a plan review packet which tells you what we are looking for in your plan submittal.

No permit is needed.  The property owner is responsible for ensuring 60% of your total yard green space (of the entire property requirements are adhered to).

Commercial and industrial projects may require a SPAR application (Site Plan and Architectural Review) and approval. Contact the Planner at planner@villageofmukwonago.gov for additional information.

Plumbing and Plumbing System Replacement

Apply for a Plumbing permit.

Items required prior to razing the building.

• Asbestos/lead paint reports from an abatement company. (If applicable)
• Complete the required form from WE Energies and submit letter received confirming disconnection of Electric and Gas service.
• A building permit for the razing of the building.  Please submit a site plan with the application detailing the location of the Erosion control measures, all building locations and the square footage of the building footprint.  Erosion control shall be shown on the site plan.
• A plumbing permit is required for the termination of sewer and water laterals.

A razing permit is not required for an accessory building of 144 Sq. ft. or less.

Building, Electric, Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) permits are required for this type of project.  A plumbing permit is required if a bathroom or other plumbing is added.

Submit a scale/dimensioned floor plan and label the use of each room including unfinished areas.  Include door sizes and door swing, window and egress window details if applicable.  Also include an exterior wall cross section.

All work shall meet the requirements of the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. (UDC)  The UDC may be viewed online at the following link; http://dsps.wi.gov/programs/industry-services

Additional helpful information for rec-rooms can be viewed at the following link: https://www.villageofmukwonago.gov/building-inspection-services/files/rec-room-finish-basement

Dwellings constructed prior to June 1, 1980, may vary slightly on these requirements when approved by the building inspector.

Building permits are required for the installation of new or replacement roofs. This permit isn’t required if it is part of a larger construction project.  

Commercial and industrial projects may require a SPAR application (Site Plan and Architectural Review) and approval for colors other than grey, black or dark brown. Contact the Planner at planner@villageofmukwonago.gov for additional information.

The State Code allows a maximum of two layers of shingles.

Contractors applying for a re-roofing permit for One and Two-Family Residential dwellings must have valid State of WI Certifications. 

Re-siding

Building permits are required for the installation of new and replacement siding but not for gutters. This permit is not required if siding is part of a larger remodeling project.        

Note: Commercial changes to the color or type of the siding may require a Site plan or architectural review approval.

Please Contact the Planner at planner@villageofmukwonago.gov for additional information. Contractors applying for a residing permit for One and Two-Family Residential dwellings must have valid State of WI certifications.                                                                                                                                                                 

A right of way permit is required for work being done on the Village owned property from the road edge to your lot line.  All contractors are required to submit proof of liability insurance (annually). Note: Work in County and State Right-of-Ways require ROW permits to be issued by the respective agencies. All residential drive approaches with an adjoining sidewalk shall be constructed of concrete, (see details on link listed above).  Exception: In older existing subdivisions an asphalt drive may be extended to the curb edge if no sidewalk is required. An inspection is required by the Public Works department before you can do work in the Right-Of-Way.   

See details for approach and flare information.  

A Village Right-of-Way permit application is required before any work can be started when working in the Village Right-of-Way.

• Driveway approach
• Public sidewalks
• Utility work in Village Right-of-Way

Installing a mailbox would not require a right of way permit but it is suggested you contact the postal service for their requirements.  For more information please contact  Mukwonago Public works dept. 262-363-6447.

 Always remember to contact diggers hotline before digging.   

Apply for a plumbing permit on the Village permit portal. State approved plans may be required on larger Commercial/Industrial projects where site Stormwater is a part of the project scope.

Items to submit for a solar PV system review and permit.

• Line diagram showing service/meter arrangement, service disconnects including ratings and inverter(s).
• Drawing showing location of solar panels.
• If solar panels are roof mount, a stamped engineer's report indicating roof structure will support additional load of solar panels.
• Specifications/cut sheets of all solar PV equipment to verify application and listings.
• No Plan Commission review/approval required.

Items to submit for Swimming Pool Plan Review

• A scaled plat of survey with pool location drawn to the scale of the survey. (Check with Village or County to see if a previous one is available)
• Manufacture’s information on the pool and pool equipment.
• Apply for a Building permit. 
• Apply for an Electrical permit. Electric installations must conform to the current National Electric Code.
• If a homeowner is applying for a permit on behalf of a Contractor, you need to review and acknowledge the Cautionary Statement in the Building permit’s online application.

Pools must conform to Village of Mukwonago Zoning Code and applicable Building Codes. Electrical for pool must conform to the current National Electric Code. Private swimming pools are permitted accessory uses in the rear yard in any residential district (unless within the Shoreland-Wetland district or the floodplain district), provided that:

• All in-ground swimming pools shall be surrounded by a fence not less than five feet or more than six feet in height to prevent unguarded entry to the pool.  Gate(s) shall be self-latching and locked when pool is unattended.  Above ground pools may have a removable or tip up ladder capable of being locked in the up position in lieu of a fence.
• Swimming pools shall not be constructed directly under or over electric transmission lines. All electrical connections to a swimming pool shall be properly grounded so that no electrical current can be discharged into any part of the swimming pool or the surrounding fence.
• No water drained from a swimming pool shall be discharged onto adjacent properties without written consent of the owner, or onto or into any on-site private sewage system, or directly into a navigable body of water.
• No lighting installed around swimming pools shall direct rays onto adjacent properties.
• No private swimming pool shall be located closer than six feet to a lot line and no closer than 10 feet to the house.
• Keep in mind the 60% green space requirement. Houses, detached garages, sheds, decks, patios (including the apron for the pool) cannot exceed 40% of the total lot coverage.
• No pool shall be erected in an Environmental Corridor.
• Flood plain requirement can be found here.

After items are submitted the plan review may take up to 10 business days. If we need any revisions or additional information, we will contact you. A listed storable pool does not require permits, but the above location information and access information would still apply.

Apply for a Plumbing permit.