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

The minimum permit fee is Residential and commercial schedules include multiple minimum fees; see current city schedules. Fees are calculated as: Mixed; residential and commercial schedules use per-square-foot, valuation-based, and flat charges depending on permit type. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review fee schedules are published in council packet materials.

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

1. 1. Confirm zoning and site requirements with Community Development before submitting, especially for new dwellings and accessory structures. 2. 2. Complete the Menasha permit application and gather the listed supporting documents. 3. 3. For new one- and two-family dwellings, submit the full packet including zoning permit application, state electronic permit application, grade request, sanitary receipt, erosion-control conditions, site plan, house plans, and structural details. 4. 4. Wait for city review; the new-home packet states permits will be approved or denied within 10 business days after receipt of all required forms, fees, plans, documents, and other prerequisite permits. 5. 5. Pay fees, post the permit, schedule inspections at least 2 business days in advance, and obtain final approval.

City Building Permits

Menasha, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Wisconsin Winnebago County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Menasha issues permits inside the city, including the city area in Winnebago County.

Department: City of Menasha Building Inspection Department
Address: 100 Main Street, Suite 200, Menasha, WI 54952
Phone: 920-967-3655
Email: ahumski@menashawi.gov
Website: https://cms5.revize.com/revize/cityofmenasha/Building%20Inspection/_New%20Home%20Handout.pdf

Online Permit Portal

Open Menasha fillable PDF permit forms hosted on Revize

Platform: Menasha fillable PDF permit forms hosted on Revize • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning and site requirements with Community Development before submitting, especially for new dwellings and accessory structures.
2. Complete the Menasha permit application and gather the listed supporting documents.
3. For new one- and two-family dwellings, submit the full packet including zoning permit application, state electronic permit application, grade request, sanitary receipt, erosion-control conditions, site plan, house plans, and structural details.
4. Wait for city review; the new-home packet states permits will be approved or denied within 10 business days after receipt of all required forms, fees, plans, documents, and other prerequisite permits.
5. Pay fees, post the permit, schedule inspections at least 2 business days in advance, and obtain final approval.

Typical processing time: Up to 10 business days after a complete submittal for new one- and two-family dwellings.

Source: City of Menasha Building Inspection Department

General Requirements

Menasha residential permit forms cover construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, erosion control, razing, garages, sheds, pools, siding, foundations, decks, and related work.

Permit validity: Menasha permit form states permits expire one year after issuance, expire four months after issuance if no work has started, and raze permits expire 30 days after issuance.
Building code: Menasha enforces state and local building and zoning requirements through Building Inspection and Community Development.
Owner-builder: Permit form includes the Wisconsin cautionary owner-occupant statement for owners applying without a dwelling contractor certification.
Contractor requirements: Menasha form states all contractors must possess the appropriate Wisconsin DSPS contractor credential and use properly credentialed subcontractors.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Residential and commercial schedules include multiple minimum fees; see current city schedules
Plan check fee: Commercial plan review fee schedules are published in council packet materials
Permit fee formula: Mixed; residential and commercial schedules use per-square-foot, valuation-based, and flat charges depending on permit type
Reinspection fee: The permit form states fees are doubled if work has already started; the new-home packet says reinspection fees are a minimum of $35
Payment note: Menasha permit packets indicate fees are due once permits are approved

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Menasha Building Inspection Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours: Final inspections may take up to five days to schedule for new dwellings according to the new-home packet
Time windows: Final inspections may take up to five days to schedule for new dwellings according to the new-home packet

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, foundation reinforcement, foundation, rough, insulation, basement floor, service, HVAC rough and final, plumbing underfloor and rough and final, occupancy, erosion control, and final building closeout

Additional Resources

Building code: Menasha enforces state and local building and zoning requirements through Building Inspection and Community Development.
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 City of Menasha Building Inspection Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Menasha Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Menasha, WI?: Menasha residential permit forms cover construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, erosion control, razing, garages, sheds, pools, siding, foundations, decks, and related work.
How much does a building permit cost in Menasha, WI?: The minimum permit fee is Residential and commercial schedules include multiple minimum fees; see current city schedules. Fees are calculated as: Mixed; residential and commercial schedules use per-square-foot, valuation-based, and flat charges depending on permit type. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review fee schedules are published in council packet materials.
How do I apply for a building permit in Menasha, WI?: 1. 1. Confirm zoning and site requirements with Community Development before submitting, especially for new dwellings and accessory structures. 2. 2. Complete the Menasha permit application and gather the listed supporting documents. 3. 3. For new one- and two-family dwellings, submit the full packet including zoning permit application, state electronic permit application, grade request, sanitary receipt, erosion-control conditions, site plan, house plans, and structural details. 4. 4. Wait for city review; the new-home packet states permits will be approved or denied within 10 business days after receipt of all required forms, fees, plans, documents, and other prerequisite permits. 5. 5. Pay fees, post the permit, schedule inspections at least 2 business days in advance, and obtain final approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Menasha, WI?: Typical processing time is Up to 10 business days after a complete submittal for new one- and two-family dwellings..

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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.