Building Permit

Permits

Many projects and additions in and around your home require city approval. Permits are required to ensure the integrity of the work and the safety of your home. Inspections (roughs and finals) should be scheduled with our office as work progresses and when the work has been completed. Inspections protect you by verifying any finished work is safe and meets statewide statutes and city ordinances. Completing and passing final inspections is the only way to close a permit on your property.


The City of Sun Prairie issues “single source” permits, meaning we do not issue separate building, electrical, plumbing or heating permits for new construction, additions or alterations. If your work is related to such a project, please contact our office to be associated with that permit/project.


Obtaining a Permit

Please fill out an application through our online portal OpenGov.

You will find instructions on basic how to's in our OpenGov Page


A building permit is needed when your project involves:

  • An addition or change to the exterior or interior of your home or any accessory structure
  • Any type of electrical, heating or plumbing work

The sample projects listed below and others that are similar are permitted through the Building Inspection Department. If your project is not listed below and are unsure if a permit is required, feel free to contact us.



Exterior

For exterior work, a permit is needed for:

  • Roof replacement on a house or a garage
  • Fascia and soffit installation
  • Siding replacement on a house or a garage
  • An addition of a screened, three or four-season porch (Plan required)
  • Window and/or door replacements or additions
  • Swimming pool or spa installation (Plan required)
  • Demolition of a house or an accessory structure
  • Construction of a new house, garage or storage shed (Plan and site plan required)
  • An existing home addition (Plan required)
  • A Deck addition, replacement or alteration (Plan required)
  • Lawn sprinkler installation
  • Storm lateral replacements or installations
  • A Fence addition, replacement or alteration (Plan required)

Interior

For interior work, a permit is required for:

  • Furnace and/or central air conditioner installation or replacement
  • Water heater and/or water softener installation or replacement
  • Basement finish or remodel (Plan required)
  • Bathroom or kitchen remodel and/or alteration (Plan may be required)
  • Other interior remodeling
  • Hot tub or whirlpool installation
  • Ceiling fan installation
  • Drain tile and/or basement drainage system installation

Note: The list of projects above is only a sample and is not limited to these types of projects. If you are not sure if you need a permit, please contact our staff and we can inform you if you need one or not.


Permit Not Required

A building permit is not required for:

  • Flooring changes (e.g. carpet, inlaid tiles or wood)
  • Painting
  • Cabinet replace (does not involve plumbing, electrical or HVAC work)  
  • Private sidewalk installation on your property
  • Storm window and/or screen installation
  • Replacing deck boards
  • Dumpster Enclosures that do not have a roof (Zoning permit is required)Gavel

Penalty for Working without a Permit

If a building permit is not obtained prior to the start of the work, the city has the right to double the permit fee and fine you per day until a permit is obtained.


Making Changes To Your Home Brochure



300 E. Main Street
Sun Prairie WI 53590

Phone: 608-825-1184