On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Greendale
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.
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.
- Exempt Dumpsters and moving containers do not require a permit if they are not in the street and do not block sidewalks.
- Exempt Existing cabinet replacement in a kitchen or bathroom does not require a building permit, though plumbing or electrical permits may still apply.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Permit processing about 5 business days; commercial plan review can take up to 10 days.
- 01 Determine permit type from Greendale's permit requirements page.
- 02 Email a complete permit application and supporting materials to the permit clerk or Director of Inspection Services.
- 03 If the permit requires commercial delegated plan review, submit plans through Greendale's E-Plan Exam / Smartsheet link first.
- 04 Pay fees online and include proof of payment with the permit package.
- 05 Wait for permit issuance before starting work.
- 06 Schedule inspections with the Director of Inspection Services at least 2 business days ahead.
- 07 Complete final inspections and close permit.
Typical processing time: Permit processing about 5 business days; commercial plan review can take up to 10 days.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Greendale building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Refer to linked 2026 Inspection Services fee schedule PDF.
02
Plan check fee
Separate plan review charges apply; delegated commercial review uses E-Plan Exam.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed by permit type and discipline.
Payment can be made online and the receipt must accompany permit plans.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Permit issued, rough trade inspections, rough building inspection where needed, final inspections.
Same-day inspections are not performed.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Greendale permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Greendale, WI? ▸
Building permit fees in Greendale, WI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Greendale, WI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Greendale, WI, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Greendale, WI? ▸
Building permit processing times in Greendale, WI typically run Permit processing about 5 business days; commercial plan review can take up to 10 days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Greendale, WI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Greendale, WI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Greendale, WI via: 414-423-2100.
last verified April 2026
source Department of Inspection Services ↗
entry id permits/wisconsin/milwaukee/greendale
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Inspection Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.