Berlin, WI — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Planning and Development Department, Building Inspection and Zoning Administration

Street address

108 N. Capron St. (second floor), P.O. Box 272, Berlin, WI 54923

Phone

920-361-5156

tludolph@cityofberlin.wi.gov

Coverage

City of Berlin municipal limits

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Berlin

Permits are required before any new construction, repairs, additions, changes, or demolitions, including heating, electrical, plumbing, garages, porches, fences, decks, pools, signs, use changes, structural changes, and window changes affecting exit or ventilation.

Note: Small projects may not need a permit if approved by the inspector, but the public text does not publish a definitive exemption list.

Required documents

Certified survey for a new building
Plot plan for smaller projects
Estimate of project cost
Contractor list with license numbers where applicable

Building code: All residential projects follow the Wisconsin UDC and city municipal code.
Owner-builder: Owner-occupants of single-family homes can draft their own plans unless code says otherwise.
Contractor requirements: Property owner is responsible for the permit; contractors may apply on the owner's behalf; some work may be done by owner-occupants subject to inspection.

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Approximately one week once a completed application and supplemental items are submitted.

01

Select the relevant permit form.
02

Submit the application at least one week before starting work.
03

Provide supplemental items required by the permit type.
04

Receive the permit placard before starting work.

Typical processing time: Approximately one week once a completed application and supplemental items are submitted.

Source: Planning and Development Department, Building Inspection and Zoning Administration ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Berlin building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$65

Plan check fee

$60 for 1-story, $85 for 2-story, $25 for lean-to additions/decks/garages.

Permit fee formula

Square foot or valuation-based, depending on project type.

Reinspection fee

Early start fee is $100; fees are nonrefundable.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

920-210-6351 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. during summer months, Wednesday 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. year-round, or by appointment.
Time windows: Monday 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. during summer months, Wednesday 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. year-round, or by appointment.

Typical sequence: Berlin lists required inspections for footings, foundation, underfloor plumbing, basement floor, rough construction/trades, electrical services, insulation, and final inspection.

Source: Planning and Development Department, Building Inspection and Zoning Administration ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Berlin permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Berlin, WI? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Berlin, WI? ▸

Building permit fees in Berlin, WI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $65. Fees are calculated as: Square foot or valuation-based, depending on project type.. Plan check fee: $60 for 1-story, $85 for 2-story, $25 for lean-to additions/decks/garages..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Berlin, WI? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Berlin, WI, follow these steps: 1. Select the relevant permit form. 2. Submit the application at least one week before starting work. 3. Provide supplemental items required by the permit type. 4. Receive the permit placard before starting work.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Berlin, WI? ▸

Building permit processing times in Berlin, WI typically run Approximately one week once a completed application and supplemental items are submitted.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Berlin, WI? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Berlin, WI via: 920-210-6351.

last verified April 2026 source Planning and Development Department, Building Inspection and Zoning Administration ↗ entry id permits/wisconsin/green-lake/berlin

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Development Department, Building Inspection and Zoning Administration before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Berlin

Other jurisdictions in Green Lake County.