City Building Permits
Hales Corners, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
The Village contracts with the Village of Greendale for inspection services and plan review.
- Department
- Building Inspection
- Address
- 5635 S New Berlin Rd, Hales Corners, WI 53130
- Phone
- 414-529-6172 for permit application questions; Village Hall main line 414-529-6161
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Website plus paper or emailed submittals; no general self-service portal identified • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Review permit applications and project requirements on the Hales Corners building inspection page.
- Prepare a complete application package, including survey where required.
- Mail or drop off original paper permit and plan-review materials with payment to Village Hall; electronic copies may also be sent.
- Wait for Greendale-contracted review and permit issuance.
- After issuance, schedule inspections with the Greendale inspection office.
Typical processing time: Residential permits may take 3 to 5 business days after submittal; residential plan review minimum 5 business days; commercial plan review minimum 10 business days.
Source: Building Inspection
General Requirements
Hales Corners lists permits for fencing, pools, garages, sheds, gazebos, decks, additions, interior remodels, siding, reroofing, signs, culverts, fireplaces, demolition, some sidewalks, and foundation repair.
Required Documents
- Complete application
- property survey is preferred
- may be required
- full paper copies for records retention.
- Building code
- Hales Corners page cites Wisconsin UDC for residential work and the current International Building Code for commercial work.
- Owner-builder
- Owner or contractor is contacted when permit is issued; no broader owner-builder rule was stated on the reviewed page.
- Contractor requirements
- Commercial plumbing plan reviews may require state review; trade licensing follows Wisconsin requirements.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Refer to linked permit fee schedule PDF on the department page.
- Plan check fee
- Commercial plumbing plan reviews may require state review; other plan review fees are on the permit fee schedule.
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed by permit type.
- Payment note
- Payment is submitted with the original paper package at Village Hall.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Gutters, trim, fascia, exterior soffits, and downspouts.
- Replacement windows or doors of the same size.
- Storm door.
- Existing kitchen or bathroom cabinet replacements only, though plumbing or electrical permits may still apply.
- Driveways and sidewalks on exclusively private property, unless grade changes require DPW notice.
- Replacing steps exactly as they are.
- Membrane tar roofing.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Email scheduling (email)
- 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 after review, then schedule rough or final inspections as required.
Inspections must be scheduled at least 2 business days in advance; same-day inspections are not scheduled.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Hales Corners page cites Wisconsin UDC for residential work and the current International Building Code for commercial work.
- 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 Building Inspection before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hales Corners Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Hales Corners, WI?
- Hales Corners lists permits for fencing, pools, garages, sheds, gazebos, decks, additions, interior remodels, siding, reroofing, signs, culverts, fireplaces, demolition, some sidewalks, and foundation repair.
- How much does a building permit cost in Hales Corners, WI?
- The minimum permit fee is Refer to linked permit fee schedule PDF on the department page.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed by permit type.. Plan check fee: Commercial plumbing plan reviews may require state review; other plan review fees are on the permit fee schedule..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Hales Corners, WI?
- 1. Review permit applications and project requirements on the Hales Corners building inspection page. 2. Prepare a complete application package, including survey where required. 3. Mail or drop off original paper permit and plan-review materials with payment to Village Hall; electronic copies may also be sent. 4. Wait for Greendale-contracted review and permit issuance. 5. After issuance, schedule inspections with the Greendale inspection office.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Hales Corners, WI?
- Typical processing time is Residential permits may take 3 to 5 business days after submittal; residential plan review minimum 5 business days; commercial plan review minimum 10 business days..
- What work is exempt from building permits in Hales Corners, WI?
- The following work is generally exempt: Gutters, trim, fascia, exterior soffits, and downspouts.; Replacement windows or doors of the same size.; Storm door.; Existing kitchen or bathroom cabinet replacements only, though plumbing or electrical permits may still apply.; Driveways and sidewalks on exclusively private property, unless grade changes require DPW notice.; Replacing steps exactly as they are.; Membrane tar roofing..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Hales Corners, WI?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Email scheduling, 414-423-2100.
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