Building Permit & Building Code Information

Building Permit Required

A building permit and inspection are required for all new buildings, additions and alterations to existing buildings. A building permit is also required for outside improvements, including but not limited to swimming pools, hot tubs, porches, garages, decks, and fences. You do not need a building permit for construction of a residential storage building that is less than 80 square feet in size. However, applicable zoning setbacks still apply. A permit is required for replacement or addition of a heating or cooling unit, upgrading an electrical service, or additional electrical and plumbing work. You do not need a permit to replace existing electrical switches or outlets or plumbing fixtures in the same location. Contact the Community Development Department for information. Many permit application forms are available in the Document Library. To visit the Document Library, click the folder icon at the top of this webpage.

• Residential building permit information.
• Commercial/Industrial building permit information.
• Building permit fee information.

Separate permits may be required if you install:

1. Electrical Wiring
2. Plumbing
3. Heating or air conditioning equipment.

When permits are required

• Electrical permits are required when installing new wiring or service or upgrading existing wiring.
• Plumbing permits are required for any kind of plumbing workexcept minor repairs or fixture replacement.
• Heating permits are required when installing new, replacing existing or adding on heating and air conditioning equipment.
• Residential Building Permit Application Forms

Who may obtain permits

• Homeowners may obtain electrical permits for a single-family residence, which he/she occupies, after passing the City of Janesville homeowners electrical exam.
• Homeowners may obtain a plumbing permit for a single-family residence, which he/she occupies.
• Homeowners may obtain a heating permit for any heating or air conditioning replacements or additional heating and cooling equipment.
• If the homeowner has a licensed contractor install the electrical, plumbing or heating, then the licensed contractor shall obtain the required permit.

Inspectors are available in the office daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 am or by appointment. For more information, contact the Community Development Department.

Licensed Contractors

Any contractors you hire to do one and two-family construction, heating, electrical, or plumbing work are required to be licensed by the State of Wisconsin and in addition any electrical contractor needs to be licensed through the City of Janesville.

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Variances

The ZBA reviews applications for variances of building and zoning ordinances. Seven Janesville citizens make up the board. You must file applications by noon on the second Monday of the month, and meetings are usually held on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There is a $200 filing fee.  Contact the Community Development Department for more information.

Helpful Links of Interest to Builders:

• Wisconsin Department of Commerce - Soil Erosion Control Program
• Publications Order Form - from the Department of Natural Resources
• Erosion Control for Home Builders - A Publication from the University of Wisconsin-Extension (PDF format)

Residential Building Permit Information

• What items do I submit to obtain a building permit?
• What types of specifications and plans are required?
• What inspections are required?

All requests for a one or two family building permit shall be on a City of Janesville application form and be accompanied by the following:

1. Two complete sets of plans (drawn to a scale not less than � inch per foot) including:

1. Floor plans for each floor level including:

   1. Size and location of all doors, windows (state manufacturer, type and unit size), structural features, exit passageways and stairs.
   2. Location of all plumbing fixtures, including future rough-ins, chimneys, heating and cooling appliances.
2. Elevation views of all exterior sides including:

   1. Location of doors and windows.
   2. Illustrate roof, chimneys, exterior grade, footings and foundation walls.
   3. Indicate type of exterior wall cover for all exterior areas.

3. A cross-sectional drawing which shows:

   1. Exterior grade level.
   2. Footing and foundation wall sizes, drain tile system and types of materials.
   3. Exterior wall construction identifying materials used (including insulation and vapor barrier).
   4. Roof construction identifying materials used and spans (including insulation and vapor barrier).
   5. Floor construction identifying materials used and spans (including insulation, if used).

4. Data required. All required plans submitted for approval shall be accompanied by sufficient data, calculations and information, to determine if the dwelling will meet the requirements of this code.
2. State of Wisconsin Energy Worksheet or REScheck computer program printout. You can obtain a free download of the software from www.energycodes.gov
3. Plot plan showing lot lines, buildings and setbacks to property lines.
4. An Erosion Control Plan showing direction of drainage and erosion control measures (i.e. non-tracking roadway, silt fence locations, etc.). The Erosion Control Plan can be included on the plot plan.

An Erosion Control Plan and Plot Plan must be submitted, and a Foundation Permit issued before footings are formed.

Mechanical permits must be issued before any of those inspections will be performed.

Please Remember

The City of Janesville Community Development Department is anxious to help you achieve a safe and complete building project. We are happy to answer your questions. You are required to obtain a permit and have your work inspected for compliance. You will not only be complying with the law, but you will be protecting your customers and your investment in your building.

You may contact the Community Development staff for more information.

Permit application forms are available Document Library.

Inspections

Inspections are required at various stages of construction. The following types of inspections may be required, depending on the project:

Commercial/Industrial Buildings Code Requirements

• Does the proposed business meet local zoning codes?
• Are permits required and what types?
• Are plans and specifications required?
• Are inspections required?
• What are the regulations for signs at a business?
• Are any licenses required and who issues them?

Prior to establishing a new business in an existing building or constructing a new business building, you must determine that the property is zoned properly and that all the requirements of the zoning code such as the setbacks, parking and green area standards are satisfied. This may be accomplished by consulting with the Community Development Department.

For most new construction, building expansions and some changes in use of existing buildings, a site plan must be submitted for review to determine compliance with the zoning standards. Site plans are reviewed by the Community Development Department. The Community Development Department has separate handouts to help you in the preparation of your site plan.

- $250.00 New Buildings
- $150.00 Additions and Other Site Changes

Plans are then transferred to Planning Services for review. After review, the applicant will receive a written review letter.

Questions regarding zoning and the site plan process can be directed to the Community Development Department by contacting them by phone, letter, e-mail, or in person by visiting their office found on the third floor of the municipal building.

New Construction, Building Addition or Remodeling

The Community Development Department will need the following items in order to process your building permit application:

• Buildings containing more than 50,000 cubic feet must have plans prepared, signed and sealed by a licensed architect or engineer for new construction, additions or alterations.
• Four sets of bound building plans with a completed plan review application must be submitted to the Building Services Department for:
1. New buildings less than 50,000 cu. ft.
2. An addition to a building when the combined area of entire building is less than 50,000 cu. ft.
3. Or an addition less than 2,500 sq. ft. with a roof span not exceeding 18 ft. and the exterior wall height not exceeding 12 ft.
4. Existing buildings being remodeled or altered when the area altered is less than 100,000 cu. ft.
• New buildings, additions or alterations exceeding size limits above must be submitted to Wisconsin Department of Commerce Division of Safety and Buildings (608) 266-3151 or Premium Planview (608) 873-3748 (fax no. 608-873-3855) for plan approval. One set of approved building plans must be submitted to the Building Services Department prior to issuance of a building permit.
• Building permit will be issued after receiving completed building permit application, building plan approval and site plan approval.
• Sign permits are required for installation of new signs. New signs must be installed by a licensed sign erector. See sign guideline brochure for more information.
• All electrical and plumbing work must be done by a licensed and/or bonded contractor. The contractor must obtain permits prior to installations.

Plan submittal checklist

A. Footing/foundation plans:

1. Sizes, anchor bolts, reinforcing.
2. Perimeter insulation.

B. Floor plans:

1. Uses, sizes and capacity of rooms.
2. Size and location of all doors, windows (state manufacturer and unit size) structural features, exit passageways and stairs.
3. Barrier-free requirements.
4. Isolation of hazards, fire-rated walls.

C. Elevations for all exterior sides.

D. Cross sections:

1. Footing and foundation walls, grade level.
2. Wall, roof and floor construction (identifying materials used and spans).

E. Structural details:

1. Framing plans.
2. Bearing and connection details.

F. Fire-rated construction:

1. Identify and document fire-resistive rating of walls, ceiling and roof systems.

G. Information/data required:

1. Occupancies identified/separation requirements.
2. Means of egress requirements.
3. Thermal envelope calculations.
4. Structural calculations for footing/foundation, floor/roof framing.
5. Alterations- provide schematic of existing conditions.

H. Other:

1. Plans shall be drawn to a scale not less than � inch per foot. Truss, lighting, HVAC and plumbing plans may also be required.
2. Complete plan submittal checklist and worksheets are available through the Department of Commerce website at www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB

Inspections

Inspections are required at various stages of construction. The following types of inspections may be required, depending on your project:

• Footing inspection . . . . . needed before any concrete is poured.
• Rough construction . . . .needed when framed construction work is done, and before it is covered.
• Rough electrical . . . . . . .after electrical wiring is done, and before it is covered.
• Final inspection . . . . . . . after all work is completed.
• Occupancy inspection. . .after all work has been approved, an occupancy is required before the first day of business.

Change of Tenant or Occupancy

When a new owner or tenant plans to occupy a commercial building, the following is required:

• Check with the Community Development Department to assure your intended use is in compliance with zoning ordinances.
• Submit an occupancy permit application and schedule an occupancy inspection.
• All signs must have a licensed sign erector do the installation and obtain the sign permit.
• All electrical, plumbing and HVAC work must be done by a licensed and/or bonded contractor. The contractor must obtain permits prior to installations.
• If use requires a city license, check with the City Clerk�s office at (608) 755-3073. All food and liquor licenses must have an inspection by the Rock County Health Department, (608) 757-5441.

Building Permit Fees

Residential Building Permits

Commercial Building Permits

Residential Plan Approval

Commercial & Industrial Building Plan Approval

Moving Buildings

Demolition

Certificate of Occupancy

Re-Inspection Fee: $50

A re-inspection fee shall be charged on residential building/remodeling projects if the work for which an inspection is requested is not complete so as to be ready for an inspection, or if the work is complete but not in conformance with the applicable building code requirements and the work is still not in conformance with the applicable code requirements upon re-inspection. The property owner or general contractor shall be notified of any re-inspection fee(s) due at the time the occupancy inspection is requested. Such fees shall be paid prior to an occupancy inspection.

Minimum Fee: $50

Exceptions: Accessory buildings, swimming pools, hot tubs/spas and fences

Reminder: Failure to obtain permit prior to commencement of work will result in a fee of $100 plus permit amount or double the permit fee, whichever is greater, but in no event shall the penalty exceed $2,000. Re-inspections fees now being enforced..