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.
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
- dpbldg@deperewi.gov
Online Permit Portal
Platform: De Pere permit forms and document center pages • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Confirm permit need using the city "Do I need a Building Permit?" page.
- Pull the correct permit form from the Building Inspection permits and fees page.
- 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.
- Pay fees and post the permit placard before work starts.
- Call for required inspections as construction progresses.
- 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
- 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.
Scope changes after issuance may require contacting the inspector and obtaining an additional permit.
Additional Resources
- Building code: City pages expressly reference Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and City of De Pere Municipal Code, with additional local zoning and floodplain rules.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- License lookup guide: Wisconsin Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Wisconsin Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Wisconsin hub: Wisconsin Contractor License & Permit Hub
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: 920-339-4053.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in De Pere can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector worksOther cities in Brown County