Building Permits

Building Safety

Permits: grading, erosion, building inspections, building permit application (by State Law, the Building Inspector has 10 Days to approve a building permit application. Early Start may also be considered.

Commercial Buildings: Upon review by the State, Planning and City Council, the Building Inspector will review the plans and issue permits. A Zoning Permit may be necessary as well that would be issued by the Zoning Inspector.

Zoning – Building Permit Summary
UDC Permit Application 2020
The building inspector also inspects for zoning which is why he has zoning listed on his fee schedule.

The Building Permit Process:

Residential and Commercial Building Permits are issued by Johnson Inspection, LLC.
Residential Zoning Permits are issued by Johnson Inspection, LLC
Commercial Zoning Permits are issued by the City Zoning Administrator.

How to Contact the Inspector:

Call 608-444-0372
All calls will be returned when the Inspector is notified of the message
Hours Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM – 5:00 AM

Permits are required for the following:

All new 1 and 2 family homes and decks
Additions that increase the physical dimensions of a building
Alterations to the building structure
Alterations to the building’s heating, electrical or plumbing systems
All electrical wiring (new or remodeling)
All HVAC (new or remodeling)
All plumbing (new or remodeling)
Commercial buildings and Remodels includes mechanicals
Accessory structures
Miscellaneous Replacements: Electrical Panels

Permits are not required for the following:

Finishing interior surfaces
Installation of cabinetry
Repairs deemed minor by Building Inspector
Normal repairs to HVAC and plumbing
Repairs to electrical equipment or systems (e.g. switches, receptacles or fixtures)
Re roofing
Siding and window replacements
If uncertain, call the building inspector.

To obtain an application:

NEW! Applications for the Building Inspector may be submitted online. Complete an online application at jiportal.com
- If you're having trouble accessing the website via the provided link, try opening it in your browser's 'Private' or 'Incognito' mode to bypass any caching issues.
Call the Building Inspector at (608) 444-0372 to have applications mailed or arrange to pick up applications at the City Hall at 450 South Main Street.
Please see the attached list of information required to obtain building permits.
Fees are determined by City Contract / Ordinance

Returning completed applications/submitting plans:

Applications may be mailed to: Johnson Inspection, LLC, PO Box 127, Arena, WI 53503
Applications can be emailed to Building Inspector: Johnsoninspection@gmail.com

Inspections are required prior to concealing work! Working without permits is subject to double fees!

Call for inspections at (608) 444-0372

Items needed to issue Building Permits for:

New Homes:

2 sets of building plans drawn to scale with elevations
2 plot plans of the land (showing elevations, distances to lot lines and building sizes)
1 copy of Thermal performance Sheets (heat loss calculations) Res Check Software also accepted
Applications to be filled out: Uniform Building Permit
2 copies of erosion Control Plan shown on a plot plan

Additions, remodels & accessory structures:

2 sets of building plans
2 copies of plot plans of the land (showing elevations, distance to lot lines, & building sizes)
Applications to be filled out: Uniform Building Permit.
2 copies of erosion Control Plan shown on plot plan for additions only

Commercial:

2 sets State approved building plans and specifications as needed per COMM 60.12
2 copies of plot plan of the property showing all buildings located on it to scale
Applications to be filled out: Uniform Building Permit

Before you begin your project, you will be required to have the zoning of your property checked.

An additional Zoning Permit is required from the Zoning Administrator for new buildings or additions to commercial, multi family or industrial buildings. These projects will require additional procedures. Please contact Matt Williams for more information. The City wants to work with you to make your project a success for both you and the entire community.