When do I need a building permit?

Building permits are required for all new construction and most home, commercial and industrial improvements. The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the building project meets minimum planning, building and zoning requirements enforced by the City of Prescott. Fees charged for building 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 building permit prior to beginning work. Building Permit: • 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 • Reside your home • Install or replace windows or doors. • Any electrical, heating, plumbing or structural alterations • Fences • Retaining walls over 4 feet tall • Permanent Signs The process for obtaining a building permit is to complete an application which you can get from city hall or find on the website at www.prescottwi.org. 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 contractor schedule. When the review is completed a building permit will be issued and available for pickup at city hall.