When do I need a permit?

Permits are required for all new construction and most home, commercial and industrial improvements or remodeling. The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the building project meets minimum planning, building, zoning and set-back requirements enforced by the City of Prescott. Fees charged for permits are used to help offset the cost of inspection and code enforcement. If you are planning to do a project that includes any of the following, you must receive approval from the city and obtain an approved permit prior to beginning work or calling Digger's Hotline.  Many permit applications will require the exposure of your property monuments (pins) for inspection before a permit can be issued.  


Permits are required to/for:

  • Construct a new commercial, industrial, residential or accessory building
  • Add an addition to a commercial, industrial, residential or accessory building
  • Build an attached or detached garage
  • Add a porch, sunroom or deck
  • Finish a room in a basement, attic or lower level
  • Add an additional room
  • Re-side your home
  • Re-roofing your home
  • Install or replace windows or doors.
  • Any electrical, heating, plumbing or structural alterations
  • Fences
  • Retaining walls 
  • Driveways, parking areas and parking lots (including reconstructs and additions)
  • Second water meters
  • Lawn irrigation systems/sprinkler systems
  • Permanent signs
  • Demolition
  • Tents
  • Amplifiers
  • Trees on or near the street right of way 
  • Signs

The process for obtaining a permit is to complete an application which you can get from city hall or find on the Building Inspections / Zoning webpage. A completed application, proper documentation, and fees need to be submitted to city hall. The type of work you are doing will determine the required submittal documents. The type of the project will determine the fees. Once your application has been received it will be reviewed. If the submittal documents require corrections, or it is incomplete, it may take longer. Make sure that you start your paperwork early. We don’t want the city review to hold up your schedule. When the review is completed a building permit will be issued and you will be notified that the permit is ready for pickup at city hall.  The hard paper page of the permit must be displayed as to be visible from the street.  

If you are using a contractor for any work, verify they are Wisconsin Certified if required.  

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1. What is the process for obtaining a permit?
2. When do I need a permit?