Evansville, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Evansville spans Rock and Green Counties; the Rock County portion follows the city permit office and city code enforcement process.

Department

City of Evansville Building Inspection and Code Enforcement

Address

City Hall, 31 S Madison Street, Evansville, WI 53536

Phone

608-490-3100 for building inspection questions; city hall main line 608-882-2266

Email

permits@evansvillewi.gov

Website

https://evansvillewi.gov/business/starting_a_business/building_permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the work is inspector-needed construction or a city hall processed minor alteration.
2. For inspector-needed work, use the GEC online permit application or the city residential permit packet.
3. For minor alterations, use the city minor-improvement form and submit it to City Hall.
4. Drop off the application at City Hall, second floor, or email it to permits@evansvillewi.gov or fax it to 608-882-2282.
5. Wait for review and fee calculation under the city fee schedule.
6. Receive the permit, complete inspections, and close out the project after final approval.

Typical processing time: City page says allow 3-7 business days

Source: City of Evansville Building Inspection and Code Enforcement

General Requirements

City page lists permits for new houses, garages, room additions, porches, decks, sheds over 150 square feet, pools and hot tubs, remodels, electrical service replacement or upgrades, furnace and air conditioner installation, plumbing work, demolition, and solar; separate city-hall minor permits cover reroofing, residing, sheds under 150 square feet, fences, door replacement, window replacement, and similar work

Required Documents

• Building permit application, parcel and owner information, contractor information, historic-district materials where applicable, and plan packets for new residential work

Building code

City page says Evansville has adopted the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and that local building code standards extend those standards citywide

Owner-builder

Not clearly summarized on the city page reviewed

Contractor requirements

Credentialed building-inspector work is routed through General Engineering Company; Wisconsin licensing rules apply by trade where applicable

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not clearly summarized in the public page text reviewed

Plan check fee

Included where applicable; not separately summarized on the public page reviewed

Permit fee formula

Fees are calculated by the Building Inspector using the established City of Evansville Fee Schedule

Reinspection fee

Not clearly summarized on the public page reviewed

Payment note

Checks are payable to the City of Evansville; public page notes fee calculation after review

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Evansville Building Inspection and Code Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call Building Inspection at 608-490-3100; commercial inspection routing may depend on the state plan reviewer identified (phone)

Inspection hours

City hall contact hours posted as Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, staged inspections by GEC or authorized commercial reviewer, final inspection, permit closeout

Not clearly summarized on the public page reviewed

Additional Resources

• Building code: City page says Evansville has adopted the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and that local building code standards extend those standards citywide
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• License lookup guide: Wisconsin Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Wisconsin Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Wisconsin hub: Wisconsin Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Evansville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Evansville, WI?

City page lists permits for new houses, garages, room additions, porches, decks, sheds over 150 square feet, pools and hot tubs, remodels, electrical service replacement or upgrades, furnace and air conditioner installation, plumbing work, demolition, and solar; separate city-hall minor permits cover reroofing, residing, sheds under 150 square feet, fences, door replacement, window replacement, and similar work

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

The minimum permit fee is Not clearly summarized in the public page text reviewed. Fees are calculated as: Fees are calculated by the Building Inspector using the established City of Evansville Fee Schedule. Plan check fee: Included where applicable; not separately summarized on the public page reviewed.

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

1. Determine whether the work is inspector-needed construction or a city hall processed minor alteration. 2. For inspector-needed work, use the GEC online permit application or the city residential permit packet. 3. For minor alterations, use the city minor-improvement form and submit it to City Hall. 4. Drop off the application at City Hall, second floor, or email it to permits@evansvillewi.gov or fax it to 608-882-2282. 5. Wait for review and fee calculation under the city fee schedule. 6. Receive the permit, complete inspections, and close out the project after final approval.

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

Typical processing time is City page says allow 3-7 business days.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call Building Inspection at 608-490-3100; commercial inspection routing may depend on the state plan reviewer identified.

Other cities in Rock County