Shorewood, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Village of Shorewood planning, zoning, building permit, occupancy, and code enforcement functions.

Department

Planning & Development Department / Building Inspections & Code Enforcement

Address

3930 N Murray Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211

Phone

414-847-2640

Email

pad@shorewoodwi.gov

Website

https://www.villageofshorewood.org/827/Building-Inspections-Code-Enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review Shorewood's Guide to Village Permits and project-specific information sheets.
2. Email fillable PDF applications or submit them through the Planning & Development Department.
3. Include plans and any design review materials where exterior work, additions, facade changes, or commercial signs are involved.
4. Staff reviews for completeness and routes items to the needed board, inspector, or occupancy review.
5. Pay fees and await permit issuance.
6. Complete required inspections, including commercial occupancy inspection where applicable.

Typical processing time: Design Review Board applications must be received at least 10 days before the next meeting; other processing times are not clearly consolidated.

Source: Planning & Development Department / Building Inspections & Code Enforcement

General Requirements

Shorewood's permit guide and inspection page cover building, trade, occupancy, and other permits. Fences and new windows that change size require permits; business occupancies require occupancy review and often additional building, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC permits.

Required Documents

• Project-specific forms
• plans
• and supporting materials
• commercial occupancies may require architect or state-reviewed plans depending on building volume.

Permit validity

Commercial certificates of occupancy must be renewed every 5 years.

Building code

Shorewood states it adopts the State Uniform Dwelling Code and the Uniform Building Code for homes constructed before June 1, 1980.

Owner-builder

Shorewood FAQ identifies owner responsibility for obtaining permits; confirm self-performed trade work limits with staff.

Contractor requirements

Wisconsin trade credentialing applies; commercial plan review rules follow the state commerce and building code framework.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Permit guide and information sheets show project-specific fees; verify current fee schedule with the department.

Plan check fee

Commercial plan review may involve architect or state review depending on cubic volume.

Permit fee formula

Mixed by permit type.

Payment note

Shorewood is moving toward a paperless application process and accepts emailed forms; ask department whether payment will be handled on the web for the specific application.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences or new windows that do not change in size do not require design approval, but still require a building permit.
• Use the Guide to Village Permits because exemptions and approvals are project-specific.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Coordinate through Planning & Development / Building Inspector. (phone)

Inspection hours

Building Inspector office hours Monday through Thursday, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, trade or building inspections, commercial occupancy inspection where applicable, final approval.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Shorewood states it adopts the State Uniform Dwelling Code and the Uniform Building Code for homes constructed before June 1, 1980.
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Shorewood Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Shorewood, WI?

Shorewood's permit guide and inspection page cover building, trade, occupancy, and other permits. Fences and new windows that change size require permits; business occupancies require occupancy review and often additional building, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC permits.

How much does a building permit cost in Shorewood, WI?

The minimum permit fee is Permit guide and information sheets show project-specific fees; verify current fee schedule with the department.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed by permit type.. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review may involve architect or state review depending on cubic volume..

How do I apply for a building permit in Shorewood, WI?

1. Review Shorewood's Guide to Village Permits and project-specific information sheets. 2. Email fillable PDF applications or submit them through the Planning & Development Department. 3. Include plans and any design review materials where exterior work, additions, facade changes, or commercial signs are involved. 4. Staff reviews for completeness and routes items to the needed board, inspector, or occupancy review. 5. Pay fees and await permit issuance. 6. Complete required inspections, including commercial occupancy inspection where applicable.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Shorewood, WI?

Typical processing time is Design Review Board applications must be received at least 10 days before the next meeting; other processing times are not clearly consolidated..

What work is exempt from building permits in Shorewood, WI?

The following work is generally exempt: Fences or new windows that do not change in size do not require design approval, but still require a building permit.; Use the Guide to Village Permits because exemptions and approvals are project-specific..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Shorewood, WI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Coordinate through Planning & Development / Building Inspector..

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