Elkhorn Bandshell

Residential Buildings Permits

Permit Requirements

Examples of projects that typically require building permits include the following:

  • New Construction: Building a new structure from the ground up, whether it's a residential home, commercial building, or other type of property. (Zoning Permit required)
  • Additions: Expanding an existing structure by adding rooms, floors, or other elements. (Zoning Permit required)
  • Alterations: Making significant changes to the layout or structure of an existing building, such as moving walls, adding or removing windows or doors, or finishing a basement.
  • Renovations: Updating or improving existing spaces, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or living areas.
  • Structural Repairs and Modifications: Fixing or altering the structural elements of a building, such as the foundation, walls, or roof.
  • Demolition: Tearing down an existing structure or part of a structure.
  • Reconfiguring rooms by adding or removing walls: This can significantly change the layout and structure of a home and may require updates to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
  • Finishing basements: Converting an unfinished basement into a habitable space, such as a living room, bedroom, or home office.
  • Remodeling kitchens or bathrooms: These projects often involve plumbing and electrical work, as well as changes to the layout and finishes.
  • Building decks or porches: Adding outdoor living spaces to a home.
  • Installing swimming pools or hot tubs: These projects may require excavation and electrical work.
  • Re-roofing or Re-siding 

Examples of projects that typically do not require building permits include the following:

  • Most pre-fab sheds, play houses, etc. (Zoning Permit required)
  • Replacement doors or windows unless structural modifications are required.

Although we don't require a permit for all types of work, the work must still meet applicable building and zoning codes.

The City of Elkhorn allows homeowners (owner occupied only) to obtain building permits for many of these projects. The Building Inspector does however have the discretion to require a licensed contractor in the case of electrical or plumbing. If you decide that hiring a contractor best fits your needs, please make sure they are licensed with the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety of Professional Services (DSPS) Contractor Lookup.

Residential Plan Review Requirements

As set forth by Chapter SPS 320 all Residential Buildings require:

  • Plan review and approval: All plans and related information shall be submitted to the City of Elkhorn. - For further information about submitting plans, including all requirements, please refer to the Residential Plan Review Submission Checklist.

The State of Wisconsin adopts these codes:

City of Elkhorn Requirements

Once obtaining a Conditional Approval from the City of Elkhorn and after receiving all applicable Building & Zoning permits you may commence with the project.

View PDF of Page