Adams, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Adams only

Department

City of Adams Building Inspector, with clerk and clerk-treasurer office support

Address

P.O. Box 1009, 101 North Main Street, Adams, WI 53910-1009

Phone

(608) 339-6516

Website

https://cityofadamswi.org/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start with the City of Adams clerk office forms and permits page.
2. Download the applicable building permit application or new-build application.
3. Submit the application to the city clerk or building inspector for review.
4. For one- and two-family dwellings, obtain the state uniform building permit from the City of Adams building inspector under the city building code.
5. Pay the applicable fee under the city fee resolution.
6. Receive permit approval before work begins.

Source: City of Adams Building Inspector, with clerk and clerk-treasurer office support

General Requirements

No person may build a one- or two-family dwelling without first obtaining a State Uniform Building Permit from the City of Adams building inspector.

Building code

Title 15 Building Code, City Uniform Dwelling Code, and Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code adopted by reference in Title 15

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50.00

Permit fee formula

New construction: $0.25 per sq ft; garages and accessory buildings: $0.17 per sq ft for frame constructed and additions; garages and accessory buildings: $0.15 per sq ft for pole constructed and additions; deck: $0.15 per sq ft; HUD manufactured home fees are listed separately in the city resolution

Reinspection fee

$50.00, with one at no charge per permit

Penalty (no permit)

Work started prior to permit: fee doubled or $200, whichever is greater

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Adams Building Inspector, with clerk and clerk-treasurer office support to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Application, inspector review, permit approval, then inspections as required by the city and the state UDC process.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Title 15 Building Code, City Uniform Dwelling Code, and Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code adopted by reference in Title 15
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Ordinances page
• Clerk forms and permits
• Contact page
• License lookup guide: Wisconsin Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Wisconsin Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Wisconsin hub: Wisconsin Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Adams Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Adams, WI?

No person may build a one- or two-family dwelling without first obtaining a State Uniform Building Permit from the City of Adams building inspector.

How much does a building permit cost in Adams, WI?

The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: New construction: $0.25 per sq ft; garages and accessory buildings: $0.17 per sq ft for frame constructed and additions; garages and accessory buildings: $0.15 per sq ft for pole constructed and additions; deck: $0.15 per sq ft; HUD manufactured home fees are listed separately in the city resolution.

How do I apply for a building permit in Adams, WI?

1. Start with the City of Adams clerk office forms and permits page. 2. Download the applicable building permit application or new-build application. 3. Submit the application to the city clerk or building inspector for review. 4. For one- and two-family dwellings, obtain the state uniform building permit from the City of Adams building inspector under the city building code. 5. Pay the applicable fee under the city fee resolution. 6. Receive permit approval before work begins.

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