Building Permit Application Requirements

Welcome to the MSA Building Inspection resource center. Below you’ll find the information needed to apply for permits associated with new home construction, remodels, additions, accessory structures, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) upgrades. Requirements may vary by municipality. The information below reflects common standards and Wisconsin code requirements.

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Permit Overview & Wisconsin Code References

MSA reviews building plans and inspections under the following Wisconsin Administrative Codes:

• SPS 320–325 – Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC)
• SPS 361–366 – Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (as applicable)
• SPS 321 – Structural, Fire Safety, and Exits
• SPS 322 – Energy Conservation
• SPS 323 – HVAC
• SPS 324 – Electrical
• SPS 325 – Plumbing

Municipal zoning requirements may also apply based on local ordinances.

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Timeframe for Permit Review

Once all required documents and approvals (zoning, sanitary, etc.) have been submitted,  plan review may take up to 10 business days.

This timeline begins only after the application is complete and all required documentation has been received.

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Permit Fees

• Permit fees vary by municipality.
• Please visit your municipality’s official website for the most current fee schedule.
• Once your permit is approved, the assigned inspector will contact you with the appropriate fee amount and payment instructions.

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1. New Home Construction Permits

Required Documents

• Complete House Plans including:
  • Foundation plan
  • Floor plans
  • Elevations
  • Structural details (SPS 321)
• Site Plan (showing setbacks, drainage, driveway, and grading)
• Wall Bracing Documentation per SPS 321.25
• Cross-Section Form
• Energy Code Documentation (SPS 322)
• Survey or Certified Plot Plan (where required)
• Erosion Control Plan per SPS 320.09

Possible Additional Approvals

• Municipal or County Zoning Approval
• Sanitary or Septic System Approval
• Driveway/Culvert Permits
• Shoreland or Floodplain Approval (County)

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2. Remodel Permits

Required Documents

• Detailed Scope of Work
• Existing & Proposed Floor Plans
• Structural calculations or plans for load-bearing changes (SPS 321)
• Wall bracing updates if structural walls are modified
• Cross-section documentation

Possible Additional Approvals

• Zoning (if changes affect use or building footprint)
• Historic preservation (where applicable)

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3. Additions

Required Documents

• Full building plans including foundation, floor, roof, and elevations
• Site Plan showing setbacks & lot coverage
• Wall bracing documentation per SPS 321.25
• Cross-section form
• Energy compliance documentation (SPS 322)

Possible Additional Approvals

• Municipal zoning approval (setbacks, height, lot coverage)
• County zoning approval for shoreland/floodplain areas

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4.  Accessory Structures

(Garages, sheds, pole buildings, etc.)

Required Documents

• Site plan
• Structure plans or manufacturer specifications
• Anchoring/foundation details
• Truss specifications where required

Possible Approvals

• Municipal zoning
• County zoning if in regulated areas

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5.  Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Upgrades

Typical Projects

• HVAC replacements (SPS 323)
• Electrical service upgrades (SPS 324)
• Plumbing alterations (SPS 325)
• Water heater replacements
• Fuel gas systems

Required Documents

• Scope of work
• Equipment specifications
• Electrical service details
• Plumbing layout changes

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Zoning Approvals (Municipal or County)

Depending on location, zoning review may include:

• Setbacks and lot coverage
• Building height
• Use/occupancy classification
• Shoreland zoning review (County)
• Floodplain restrictions
• Stormwater or grading review

Applicants should confirm all zoning requirements with the local municipality and county zoning departments.

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Required Inspections & Notification Timeline

Wisconsin SPS 320.10 and SPS 320.12 outline the required inspections for UDC projects.

Required Inspections May Include:

• Footing & Foundation Inspection
• Foundation Waterproofing/Draintile (if applicable)
• Underground Plumbing (SPS 325)
• Rough Electrical (SPS 324)
• Rough Plumbing (SPS 325)
• Rough Framing/Wall Bracing Verification (SPS 321.25)
• HVAC Rough-In (SPS 323)
• Insulation/Energy Code Inspection (SPS 322)
• Final Plumbing
• Final Electrical
• Final HVAC
• Final Building Inspection for Occupancy

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Inspection Notice Requirements

• The contractor or applicant must provide at least 48 hours’ notice for inspections unless otherwise noted by the municipality.
• Inspections must be completed before work is covered.
• Failure to schedule inspections may result in delays or correction orders.

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Submit Your Application

All application forms, checklists, and uploads can be completed using the link below:https://www.civicgov4.com/wi_msaprofessional/portal/index.php?r=portalPosts/view&id=2

 

Forms, checklists and worksheets are state forms unless otherwise noted.