City Building Permits
Greendale, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Greendale, Wisconsin. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Village of Greendale inspection, permit, code enforcement, and zoning administration; also provides contracted inspection services to Hales Corners.
- Department
- Department of Inspection Services
- Address
- 6500 Northway, Greendale, WI 53129
- Phone
- 414-423-2100
- pwolfgramm@greendale.org
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Website plus email submittal, online payments, and separate E-Plan Exam portal for commercial delegated review • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Determine permit type from Greendale's permit requirements page.
- Email a complete permit application and supporting materials to the permit clerk or Director of Inspection Services.
- If the permit requires commercial delegated plan review, submit plans through Greendale's E-Plan Exam / Smartsheet link first.
- Pay fees online and include proof of payment with the permit package.
- Wait for permit issuance before starting work.
- Schedule inspections with the Director of Inspection Services at least 2 business days ahead.
- Complete final inspections and close permit.
Typical processing time: Permit processing about 5 business days; commercial plan review can take up to 10 days.
General Requirements
Greendale states permits are required for kitchen and bathroom rough construction, wall removals, structural remodels, residential electrical, HVAC, plumbing, commercial work, and many listed building improvements.
Required Documents
- Complete signed permit application
- project-specific plans
- reviewed plans for commercial delegated review
- proof of payment
- additional zoning or site documents where required.
- Building code
- Permit page references Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code for residential work and the current International Building Code for commercial requirements.
- Owner-builder
- Owners are required by ordinance to obtain permits for covered work; cautionary owner forms are included in the permit application library.
- Contractor requirements
- Trade permits and state-certified residential contractor rules apply; commercial plan review uses Greendale's delegated review process.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Refer to linked 2026 Inspection Services fee schedule PDF.
- Plan check fee
- Separate plan review charges apply; delegated commercial review uses E-Plan Exam.
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed by permit type and discipline.
- Payment note
- Payment can be made online and the receipt must accompany permit plans.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Dumpsters and moving containers do not require a permit if they are not in the street and do not block sidewalks.
- Existing cabinet replacement in a kitchen or bathroom does not require a building permit, though plumbing or electrical permits may still apply.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 414-423-2100 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Village Hall hours Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical inspection sequence: Permit issued, rough trade inspections, rough building inspection where needed, final inspections.
Same-day inspections are not performed.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Permit page references Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code for residential work and the current International Building Code for commercial 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 Department of Inspection Services before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Greendale Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Greendale, WI?
- Greendale states permits are required for kitchen and bathroom rough construction, wall removals, structural remodels, residential electrical, HVAC, plumbing, commercial work, and many listed building improvements.
- How much does a building permit cost in Greendale, WI?
- The minimum permit fee is Refer to linked 2026 Inspection Services fee schedule PDF.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed by permit type and discipline.. Plan check fee: Separate plan review charges apply; delegated commercial review uses E-Plan Exam..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Greendale, WI?
- 1. Determine permit type from Greendale's permit requirements page. 2. Email a complete permit application and supporting materials to the permit clerk or Director of Inspection Services. 3. If the permit requires commercial delegated plan review, submit plans through Greendale's E-Plan Exam / Smartsheet link first. 4. Pay fees online and include proof of payment with the permit package. 5. Wait for permit issuance before starting work. 6. Schedule inspections with the Director of Inspection Services at least 2 business days ahead. 7. Complete final inspections and close permit.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Greendale, WI?
- Typical processing time is Permit processing about 5 business days; commercial plan review can take up to 10 days..
- What work is exempt from building permits in Greendale, WI?
- The following work is generally exempt: Dumpsters and moving containers do not require a permit if they are not in the street and do not block sidewalks.; Existing cabinet replacement in a kitchen or bathroom does not require a building permit, though plumbing or electrical permits may still apply..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Greendale, WI?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 414-423-2100.
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