Adams County, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Adams County Planning and Zoning handles county zoning and building-related permit intake and status questions for the unincorporated county system.

Department

Adams County Planning and Zoning

Address

Planning & Zoning, Suite 4, 401 Adams St, Friendship, WI 53934

Phone

(608) 339-4222

Website

https://www.co.adams.wi.us/departments/planning-and-zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Identify the needed packet or application from the county planning and zoning page.
2. Gather parcel number, zoning permit number, sanitary permit number, electronic plans, and contractor license details if applicable.
3. Submit the building permit application through the GEC online portal.
4. The inspector reviews the submittal and either requests more information or accepts it for further processing.
5. After acceptance, the inspector completes a detailed review and follows up on remaining questions.
6. When approved, the applicant is notified that the permit is ready and any remaining payment is due.

Source: Adams County Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

The county planning and zoning page routes new homes, decks, storage buildings, additions, and other land-use questions to specific permit packets.

Required Documents

• Parcel number
• Zoning permit number
• Sanitary permit number
• Electronic copy of all plans
• Contractor information, including license numbers and expiration dates

Building code

The county page points users to Wisconsin DSPS resources and county code enforcement for building code questions.

Contractor requirements

Contractor license numbers and expiration dates are needed when applicable.

Fees

Payment note

Public fee detail was not located in the sources reviewed.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Storage building under 150 sq ft
• No county zoning permit for some structures located beyond the county shoreline setback triggers
• For some decks and accessory structures, the county page routes the applicant to the town zoning administrator instead of county permit review when shoreline thresholds are not met or when county zoning does not apply

Important: Some structures may still be subject to setback, height, or town-level zoning rules even when county permit review is not required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Application submission, inspector review, acceptance, detailed review, approval, then permit ready notice.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The county page points users to Wisconsin DSPS resources and county code enforcement for building code questions.
• Verify contractor license: Wisconsin DSPS
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning and zoning ordinances
• Flood resources
• Flood map service
• Online zoning permit application
• License lookup guide: Wisconsin Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Wisconsin Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Wisconsin hub: Wisconsin Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Adams County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Adams County, WI?

The county planning and zoning page routes new homes, decks, storage buildings, additions, and other land-use questions to specific permit packets.

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

1. Identify the needed packet or application from the county planning and zoning page. 2. Gather parcel number, zoning permit number, sanitary permit number, electronic plans, and contractor license details if applicable. 3. Submit the building permit application through the GEC online portal. 4. The inspector reviews the submittal and either requests more information or accepts it for further processing. 5. After acceptance, the inspector completes a detailed review and follows up on remaining questions. 6. When approved, the applicant is notified that the permit is ready and any remaining payment is due.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Adams County, WI?

The following work is generally exempt: Storage building under 150 sq ft; No county zoning permit for some structures located beyond the county shoreline setback triggers; For some decks and accessory structures, the county page routes the applicant to the town zoning administrator instead of county permit review when shoreline thresholds are not met or when county zoning does not apply. Note: Some structures may still be subject to setback, height, or town-level zoning rules even when county permit review is not required.