Winnebago County, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Winnebago County is not a single countywide building department for all unincorporated land. County Planning and Zoning issues county zoning permits, sanitary permits, and erosion control permits in the towns of Algoma, Neenah, Nekimi, and Omro, and also regulates rural shoreland areas countywide. In the towns with town zoning, the town issues zoning permits and the county still handles shoreland, sanitary, and some county land-use approvals.

Department

Winnebago County Planning and Zoning

Address

112 Otter Ave, 3rd Floor, Oshkosh, WI 54903

Phone

920-232-3344

Email

zoningdepartment@winnebagocountywi.gov

Website

https://www.winnebagocountywi.gov/planning-and-zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Winnebago County and identify whether it is in county zoning, town zoning, or shoreland jurisdiction.
2. Pull the applicable county application for zoning, sanitary, erosion control, stormwater, or temporary use approval.
3. Submit the signed application, plans, and supporting documents to Planning and Zoning by email, mail, or in person.
4. Pay fees. The county states applications are not processed or reviewed until fees are paid, and card payments are accepted in person only.
5. If the project also needs a town, city, or village permit, obtain that local permit separately before starting work.

Typical processing time: Not generally posted; commercial plan and hearing matters vary by application type.

Source: Winnebago County Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

County permits are required for county zoning, sanitary, stormwater, erosion control, temporary use, and rural shoreland regulated work. The county zoning FAQ states incorporated areas issue their own permits and county zoning towns are Algoma, Neenah, Nekimi, and Omro.

Required Documents

• Signed application, parcel information, site plan, and supporting materials required by the permit type.

Building code

County page states the department issues zoning, sanitary, stormwater, erosion control, and temporary use permits; it is not the unified building code authority for all unincorporated structures.

Contractor requirements

County sanitary and land-use pages do not post one unified contractor licensing rule for all permit types.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Mixed flat-fee schedule by permit and application type

Reinspection fee

Vary by permit type; confirm on the relevant application or fee sheet

Payment note

County states fees must be paid before processing; debit and credit cards are accepted in person only and carry a convenience fee

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Applicants should not assume exemption if the parcel is in shoreland, floodplain, sanitary, stormwater, or erosion-control jurisdiction.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• County inspections depend on permit type; sanitary and erosion-control inspections are coordinated with Planning and Zon (online)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM for department hours

Typical inspection sequence: County land-use or sanitary approval first, then local building permit and inspections where applicable, then county closeout for county-regulated work if required

Additional Resources

• Building code: County page states the department issues zoning, sanitary, stormwater, erosion control, and temporary use permits; it is not the unified building code authority for all unincorporated structures.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• 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

Winnebago County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Winnebago County, WI?

County permits are required for county zoning, sanitary, stormwater, erosion control, temporary use, and rural shoreland regulated work. The county zoning FAQ states incorporated areas issue their own permits and county zoning towns are Algoma, Neenah, Nekimi, and Omro.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Winnebago County, WI?

Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat-fee schedule by permit and application type.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Winnebago County, WI?

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Winnebago County and identify whether it is in county zoning, town zoning, or shoreland jurisdiction. 2. Pull the applicable county application for zoning, sanitary, erosion control, stormwater, or temporary use approval. 3. Submit the signed application, plans, and supporting documents to Planning and Zoning by email, mail, or in person. 4. Pay fees. The county states applications are not processed or reviewed until fees are paid, and card payments are accepted in person only. 5. If the project also needs a town, city, or village permit, obtain that local permit separately before starting work.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Winnebago County, WI?

Typical processing time is Not generally posted; commercial plan and hearing matters vary by application type..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Winnebago County, WI?

The following work is generally exempt: Applicants should not assume exemption if the parcel is in shoreland, floodplain, sanitary, stormwater, or erosion-control jurisdiction..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Winnebago County, WI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: County inspections depend on permit type; sanitary and erosion-control inspections are coordinated with Planning and Zon.