How much does a building permit cost in Green Bay, WI?

The minimum permit fee is Common one- and two-family accessory permit fees shown in the fee schedule are $75; many multi-family/commercial accessory permits start at $100.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. New one- and two-family principal/accessory construction is priced per square foot; many accessory and replacement permits are flat-fee.. Plan check fee: Fee schedule shows principal-use building plan review $125, accessory-use building plan review $125, HVAC plan $125, plumbing system plan $125, and sign structural plan $75..

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

1. Determine whether the project needs a permit using the city's permit matrix and permit guides. 2. For new one- and two-family construction, initiate the application online through DSPS per Act 211 and submit paperwork to City Hall Room 608. 3. For other projects, submit the short or long city permit application and required plans, site plans, and project documents. 4. Wait for site plan review, zoning/code review, and any needed plan review. 5. Pay fees and receive the permit placard before work begins. 6. Schedule required inspections by phone or the online inspection request form, then obtain final approval and any needed certificate of occupancy.

What work is exempt from building permits in Green Bay, WI?

The following work is generally exempt: Purely cosmetic work such as painting and flooring; Some like-for-like maintenance items shown as not requiring permits in city guides, subject to the city matrix.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Green Bay, WI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Online scheduling, 920-448-3300.

City Building Permits

Green Bay, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Wisconsin Brown County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City handles residential and commercial permitting inside Green Bay; site plan and erosion-control coordination involve other city divisions as noted on permit process pages.

Department: City of Green Bay Department of Community and Economic Development - Building Permits & Inspections / Building Inspection Division
Address: 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: 920-448-3300
Email: inspmail@greenbaywi.gov
Website: https://www.greenbaywi.gov/312/Building-Permits-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Green Bay online inspection request form; DSPS online system is also required for Act 211 new-home starts

Platform: City of Green Bay online inspection request form; DSPS online system is also required for Act 211 new-home starts • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether the project needs a permit using the city's permit matrix and permit guides.
For new one- and two-family construction, initiate the application online through DSPS per Act 211 and submit paperwork to City Hall Room 608.
For other projects, submit the short or long city permit application and required plans, site plans, and project documents.
Wait for site plan review, zoning/code review, and any needed plan review.
Pay fees and receive the permit placard before work begins.
Schedule required inspections by phone or the online inspection request form, then obtain final approval and any needed certificate of occupancy.

Typical processing time: Approximately one week once all required information is received; plan review may be longer depending on project complexity.

Source: City of Green Bay Department of Community and Economic Development - Building Permits & Inspections / Building Inspection Division

General Requirements

Most projects require permits; city matrix says permits are required for most work beyond purely cosmetic items.

Required Documents

Short or long permit application
plans for new construction
many alterations
site plan where applicable
DSPS initiation materials for new homes
and erosion-control materials where required.

Building code: City pages reference compliance with State and Municipal Codes, including Wisconsin SPS rules, local zoning code, and erosion-control requirements.
Owner-builder: City states an owner who currently resides at the property can obtain permits and do their own work; rental properties require a licensed contractor to pull the permit and perform the work.
Contractor requirements: Contractors need applicable Wisconsin licensing; city residential permits page states dwelling contractors must carry Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Certification and Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Common one- and two-family accessory permit fees shown in the fee schedule are $75; many multi-family/commercial accessory permits start at $100.
Plan check fee: Fee schedule shows principal-use building plan review $125, accessory-use building plan review $125, HVAC plan $125, plumbing system plan $125, and sign structural plan $75.
Permit fee formula: Mixed. New one- and two-family principal/accessory construction is priced per square foot; many accessory and replacement permits are flat-fee.
Reinspection fee: Electrical reinspection fee listed at $75; city permit guidance states work without permit can trigger doubled permit fee.
Payment note: Fees are tied to permit type and project class; city issues separate guides and fee tables.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Purely cosmetic work such as painting and flooring
Some like-for-like maintenance items shown as not requiring permits in city guides, subject to the city matrix

Inspections

How to Schedule

Online scheduling (online)
920-448-3300 (phone)

Inspection hours: Request at least one business day in advance; phone scheduling listed 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Building footing, foundation, tar/tile/stone, framing/rough-in, insulation, final; HVAC rough-in/final; electrical service change, rough-in, final; plumbing sewer, groundwork, rough-in, final.

Final inspections are required for all projects; unpermitted work can trigger stop-work and doubled fees per city guidance.

Additional Resources

Building code: City pages reference compliance with State and Municipal Codes, including Wisconsin SPS rules, local zoning code, and erosion-control requirements.
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 Green Bay Department of Community and Economic Development - Building Permits & Inspections / Building Inspection Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Green Bay Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Green Bay, WI?: Most projects require permits; city matrix says permits are required for most work beyond purely cosmetic items.
How much does a building permit cost in Green Bay, WI?: The minimum permit fee is Common one- and two-family accessory permit fees shown in the fee schedule are $75; many multi-family/commercial accessory permits start at $100.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. New one- and two-family principal/accessory construction is priced per square foot; many accessory and replacement permits are flat-fee.. Plan check fee: Fee schedule shows principal-use building plan review $125, accessory-use building plan review $125, HVAC plan $125, plumbing system plan $125, and sign structural plan $75..
How do I apply for a building permit in Green Bay, WI?: 1. Determine whether the project needs a permit using the city's permit matrix and permit guides. 2. For new one- and two-family construction, initiate the application online through DSPS per Act 211 and submit paperwork to City Hall Room 608. 3. For other projects, submit the short or long city permit application and required plans, site plans, and project documents. 4. Wait for site plan review, zoning/code review, and any needed plan review. 5. Pay fees and receive the permit placard before work begins. 6. Schedule required inspections by phone or the online inspection request form, then obtain final approval and any needed certificate of occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Green Bay, WI?: Typical processing time is Approximately one week once all required information is received; plan review may be longer depending on project complexity..
What work is exempt from building permits in Green Bay, WI?: The following work is generally exempt: Purely cosmetic work such as painting and flooring; Some like-for-like maintenance items shown as not requiring permits in city guides, subject to the city matrix.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Green Bay, WI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Online scheduling, 920-448-3300.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Green Bay 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 works

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.