Prairie du Chien, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Prairie du Chien

Department

Planning, Zoning and Building Department

Address

214 E. Blackhawk Avenue, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

Phone

608-326-8024

Website

https://cityofpdc.com/planning

Application Process

1. Contact Planning, Zoning and Building Department.
2. Use the city building permit application and supporting permit forms.
3. Department reviews zoning, floodplain, subdivision, and building code compliance.
4. Building inspector issues permits.

Source: Planning, Zoning and Building Department

General Requirements

No building, plumbing, or electrical work may be performed unless a permit is obtained; no project under the ordinance may begin until a permit is obtained.

Required Documents

• Written application on a form furnished by the building inspector

Permit validity

Permit lapses if work does not start within 6 months or is suspended/abandoned for 90 days. Demolition permits expire within 90 days.

Building code

City code adopts and enforces the building code, zoning code, floodplain code, and subdivision code.

Owner-builder

Owner or authorized agent must apply; owner and builder are jointly and severally liable for compliance.

Contractor requirements

Both owner and builder are responsible if permits are not applied for and issued.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential new one- and two-family dwelling minimum fee is $770.00 before the city adds its 15 percent total-fee column; minimum with 15 percent column is $885.00.

Plan check fee

Residential plan review is $85 per unit before the 15 percent column; commercial plan review is $125.

Permit fee formula

Examples include $0.30 per sq ft for new one- and two-family dwellings, $0.17 per sq ft for detached garages or sheds over 120 sq ft, and numerous fixed-fee categories.

Reinspection fee

Re-inspection for corrective actions ordered is $85 each additional inspection; work started without a permit is subject to double the inspection fees per the fee schedule, while city code says if a project is started without a permit, permit fees are tripled.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Replacement of exterior roof covering except in the city construction zone
• Same-type exterior siding repair/replacement
• Door and window replacements
• Painting
• Floor carpet/tile/linoleum
• Interior or exterior non-structural repairs not exceeding $1,000
• Residential non-structural remodeling and alterations not to exceed $400

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Inspection hours

Building inspector office hours are Thursday 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Time windows

Planning and zoning Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; building inspector Thursday 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Typical inspection sequence: Application on city form, fee payment to treasurer, permit issuance, then inspections under the city and state code.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City code adopts and enforces the building code, zoning code, floodplain code, and subdivision code.
• Planning page
• Building regulations code PDF
• Fee schedule PDF
• License lookup guide: Wisconsin Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Wisconsin Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Wisconsin hub: Wisconsin Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Prairie du Chien Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Prairie du Chien, WI?

No building, plumbing, or electrical work may be performed unless a permit is obtained; no project under the ordinance may begin until a permit is obtained.

How much does a building permit cost in Prairie du Chien, WI?

The minimum permit fee is Residential new one- and two-family dwelling minimum fee is $770.00 before the city adds its 15 percent total-fee column; minimum with 15 percent column is $885.00.. Fees are calculated as: Examples include $0.30 per sq ft for new one- and two-family dwellings, $0.17 per sq ft for detached garages or sheds over 120 sq ft, and numerous fixed-fee categories.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review is $85 per unit before the 15 percent column; commercial plan review is $125..

How do I apply for a building permit in Prairie du Chien, WI?

1. Contact Planning, Zoning and Building Department. 2. Use the city building permit application and supporting permit forms. 3. Department reviews zoning, floodplain, subdivision, and building code compliance. 4. Building inspector issues permits.

What work is exempt from building permits in Prairie du Chien, WI?

The following work is generally exempt: Replacement of exterior roof covering except in the city construction zone; Same-type exterior siding repair/replacement; Door and window replacements; Painting; Floor carpet/tile/linoleum; Interior or exterior non-structural repairs not exceeding $1,000; Residential non-structural remodeling and alterations not to exceed $400.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Prairie du Chien, WI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: .