2015 Wisconsin Act 211 will go into effect on January 2, 2018, which requires municipalities to provide building permit data electronically to the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Act 211 does not mandate that municipalities require contractors to use an online permit system to receive a building permit, but some municipalities may choose to move to an online system to apply for a building permit if they are not already using an online system to submit a building permit.
If you don’t see your municipality on the online system, you should contact your municipality directly on how to submit a building permit. The owner, builder, or agents should complete the application form and the Online Building Permit System will route it to your enforcing jurisdiction. Permit application data is used for statewide statistics on new one- and two- family dwellings, as well as for local code administration.
Caution to Owners Obtaining Building Permits
101.65(lr) of the Wisconsin Statutes requires municipalities that enforce the Uniform Dwelling Code to provide an owner who applies for a building permit with a statement advising the owner that: If the owner hires a contractor to perform work under the building permit and the contractor is not bonded or insured as required under s. 101.654 (2) (a), the following consequences might occur:
(a) The owner may be held liable for any bodily injury to or death of others or for any damage to the property of others that arises out of the work performed under the building permit or that is caused by any negligence by the contractor that occurs in connection with the work performed under the building permit.
(b) The owner may not be able to collect from the contractor damages for any loss sustained by the owner because of a violation by the contractor of the one- and two- family dwelling code or an ordinance enacted under sub. (1) (a), because of any bodily injury to or death of others or damage to the property of others that arises out of the work performed under the building permit or because of any bodily injury to or death of others or damage to the property of others that is caused by any negligence by the contractor that occurs in connection with the work performed under the building permit.
Caution to Contractors for Projects Built Before 1978 – If the project is in a dwelling or child-occupied facility built before 1978, and disturbs 6 square feet or more of paint per room, 20 square feet or more of exterior paint, or involves windows, then the requirements of Chapter DHS 163 requiring Lead-Safe Renovation Training and Certification apply. Call (608) 261-6876 or go to the WI Dept. of Health Services for details on how to be compliant.
Wetlands Notice to Permit Applicants – You are responsible for complying with state and federal laws concerning the construction near or on wetlands, lakes and streams. Wetlands that are not associated with open water can be difficult to identify. Failure to comply may result in removal or modification of construction that violates the law or other penalties or costs. For more information, visit the Department of Natural Resources wetlands identification webpage.
Contractor Credential Requirements – All contractors shall possess an appropriate contractor credential issued by the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services. Contractors are required to only subcontract with contractors that hold the appropriate contractor credentials.
For Owners of Projects Disturbing 1+ Acre of Soil – If your project disturbs one or more acres of soil, then it’s subject to Chapter NR 151 regarding additional erosion control and storm water management. For other FAQ on the online building permit request process, go to https://verification.dsps.wi.gov/buildingpermit/application/FAQs.pdf.
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