City Building Permits

De Pere, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in De Pere, Wisconsin. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Wisconsin Brown County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Building Inspection handles residential and commercial permits and inspections inside De Pere; Planning and Zoning Division separately handles land use, rezoning, site plans, and planning approvals.

Department
City of De Pere Development Services - Building Inspection Division
Address
335 S Broadway St, De Pere, WI
Phone
920-339-4053

Online Permit Portal

Platform: De Pere permit forms and document center pages • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Confirm permit need using the city "Do I need a Building Permit?" page.
  2. Pull the correct permit form from the Building Inspection permits and fees page.
  3. Submit plans and supporting documents; simple permits can often be issued in a few days if complete, while projects requiring plan review can take up to 10 business days.
  4. Pay fees and post the permit placard before work starts.
  5. Call for required inspections as construction progresses.
  6. Obtain final approval and, if required, a certificate of occupancy.

Typical processing time: Simple permits can be issued within a few days; projects requiring plan review may require up to 10 business days.

Source: City of De Pere Development Services - Building Inspection Division

General Requirements

Prior to new construction, repairs, additions, alterations, demolitions, many utility/mechanical changes, fences, decks, pools, sheds, and use changes.

Required Documents

  • Correct permit application, supporting plans/data, and any variance or zoning support materials when applicable.
Permit validity
General building permit valid for one year; single- or two-family dwelling permit valid for two years.
Building code
City pages expressly reference Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and City of De Pere Municipal Code, with additional local zoning and floodplain rules.
Owner-builder
Owner-occupants of a single-family dwelling may design their own plans in many cases and may take responsibility for certain residential trades subject to code limits.
Contractor requirements
Dwelling contractor and dwelling contractor qualifier for building work; plumbing by licensed plumbers under a master plumber; HVAC registration; electrical licensure/certification as described by the city.

Fees

Plan check fee
Included through project-specific plan review where applicable; exact plan review fees are in the linked trade/building fee schedules.
Permit fee formula
Mixed by permit type and trade.
Reinspection fee
Work begun without permit is subject to doubled permit fee.
Payment note
City separates fee schedules by building, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of De Pere Development Services - Building Inspection Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Call Building Inspection at 920-339-4053. (phone)
Inspection hours
Office hours 7:30-9:30 a.m. and 3:30-5:00 p.m.; inspection hours 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Friday office open 7:30-11:30 a.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Successive inspections tied to project type; city states applicant is responsible for calling for required inspections and a certificate of occupancy may be needed before occupancy.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of De Pere Development Services - Building Inspection Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

De Pere Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in De Pere, WI?
Prior to new construction, repairs, additions, alterations, demolitions, many utility/mechanical changes, fences, decks, pools, sheds, and use changes.
How much does a building permit cost in De Pere, WI?
Fees are calculated as: Mixed by permit type and trade.. Plan check fee: Included through project-specific plan review where applicable; exact plan review fees are in the linked trade/building fee schedules..
How do I apply for a building permit in De Pere, WI?
1. Confirm permit need using the city "Do I need a Building Permit?" page. 2. Pull the correct permit form from the Building Inspection permits and fees page. 3. Submit plans and supporting documents; simple permits can often be issued in a few days if complete, while projects requiring plan review can take up to 10 business days. 4. Pay fees and post the permit placard before work starts. 5. Call for required inspections as construction progresses. 6. Obtain final approval and, if required, a certificate of occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in De Pere, WI?
Typical processing time is Simple permits can be issued within a few days; projects requiring plan review may require up to 10 business days..
How do I schedule a building inspection in De Pere, WI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Call Building Inspection at 920-339-4053..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.