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

1. Confirm permit need with the Building Inspector or City Hall. 2. Complete the GEC online building permit application. 3. Provide plans, site setbacks, and contractor information as requested. 4. Pay applicable fees. 5. Schedule inspections with the inspector on duty.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Replacement of same-size doors and windows; Storm windows; Minor repairs; Changing flooring, carpet, or inlaid wood or tile; Installing private sidewalks on your property.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call inspector or City Hall..

City Building Permits

Hillsboro, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Wisconsin Vernon County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Hillsboro

Department: City of Hillsboro Building Inspector and Permitting
Address: 123 Mechanic Street, P.O. Box 447, Hillsboro, WI 54634
Phone: (608) 489-2521
Email: admin@hillsborowi.com for city administration , permit page also references sara@hillsborowi.com for permit questions
Website: https://www.hillsborowi.com/building-inspector

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: GEC online building permit application • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm permit need with the Building Inspector or City Hall.
Complete the GEC online building permit application.
Provide plans, site setbacks, and contractor information as requested.
Pay applicable fees.
Schedule inspections with the inspector on duty.

Typical processing time: Office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment for the inspector; no formal turnaround time was posted.

Source: City of Hillsboro Building Inspector and Permitting

General Requirements

Hillsboro page says permits are needed for additions, structural changes, electrical, heating, plumbing, fences, new houses, garages, sheds, pools, porches, decks, basement finish, bathroom or kitchen remodels with structural/mechanical work, wood stoves and fireplaces, roofing and siding replacement, hot tubs, driveways, and razing structures.

Required Documents

Application, contractor information if applicable, plans and drawings, and a detailed site plan with setbacks.

Building code: DSPS delegated UDC city; Wisconsin UDC applies.

Fees

Reinspection fee: Hillsboro page warns fees can be legally doubled if work starts without a permit.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Replacement of same-size doors and windows
Storm windows
Minor repairs
Changing flooring, carpet, or inlaid wood or tile
Installing private sidewalks on your property

Inspections

How to Schedule

Call inspector or City Hall. (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Apply, receive permit, then schedule inspection.

Work without a permit can trigger double fees and a stop work order.

Additional Resources

Building code: DSPS delegated UDC city; Wisconsin UDC applies.
Permits and forms
Contact page
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 City of Hillsboro Building Inspector and Permitting before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hillsboro Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Hillsboro, WI?: Hillsboro page says permits are needed for additions, structural changes, electrical, heating, plumbing, fences, new houses, garages, sheds, pools, porches, decks, basement finish, bathroom or kitchen remodels with structural/mechanical work, wood stoves and fireplaces, roofing and siding replacement, hot tubs, driveways, and razing structures.
How do I apply for a building permit in Hillsboro, WI?: 1. Confirm permit need with the Building Inspector or City Hall. 2. Complete the GEC online building permit application. 3. Provide plans, site setbacks, and contractor information as requested. 4. Pay applicable fees. 5. Schedule inspections with the inspector on duty.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Hillsboro, WI?: Typical processing time is Office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment for the inspector; no formal turnaround time was posted..
What work is exempt from building permits in Hillsboro, WI?: The following work is generally exempt: Replacement of same-size doors and windows; Storm windows; Minor repairs; Changing flooring, carpet, or inlaid wood or tile; Installing private sidewalks on your property.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Hillsboro, WI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Call inspector or City Hall..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Hillsboro can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Vernon County

Unincorporated Area Viroqua Westby Villages

View all Vernon County jurisdictions →