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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Green Bay
Most projects require permits; city matrix says permits are required for most work beyond purely cosmetic items.
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
- Exempt Purely cosmetic work such as painting and flooring
- Exempt Some like-for-like maintenance items shown as not requiring permits in city guides, subject to the city matrix
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately one week once all required information is received; plan review may be longer depending on project complexity.
- 01 Determine whether the project needs a permit using the city's permit matrix and permit guides.
- 02 For new one- and two-family construction, initiate the application online through DSPS per Act 211 and submit paperwork to City Hall Room 608.
- 03 For other projects, submit the short or long city permit application and required plans, site plans, and project documents.
- 04 Wait for site plan review, zoning/code review, and any needed plan review.
- 05 Pay fees and receive the permit placard before work begins.
- 06 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Green Bay building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
Electrical reinspection fee listed at $75; city permit guidance states work without permit can trigger doubled permit fee.
Fees are tied to permit type and project class; city issues separate guides and fee tables.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Green Bay permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Green Bay, WI? ▸
Building permit fees in Green Bay, WI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Green Bay, WI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Green Bay, WI, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Green Bay, WI? ▸
Building permit processing times in Green Bay, WI typically run Approximately one week once all required information is received; plan review may be longer depending on project complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Green Bay, WI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Green Bay, WI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Green Bay, WI via: Online scheduling, 920-448-3300.
last verified April 2026
source City of Green Bay Department of Community and Economic Development - Building Permits & Inspections / Building Inspection Division ↗
entry id permits/wisconsin/brown/green-bay-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Green Bay Department of Community and Economic Development - Building Permits & Inspections / Building Inspection Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.