Building Permits

Commonly Asked Questions post April 18, 2025 Hailstorm

What are the construction standards for single and two family structures in Evansville?

Evansville has adopted the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) for state of Wisconsin. While the Uniform Dwelling Code only applies to homes built after 1980, Evansville's local building code has extended those standards to all buildings within the City. Standards for roofs and siding are found within the UDC. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Protection Services (DSPS) has also advised that in addition to the UDC, contractors are required to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of shingles, siding, and other materials to ensure correct installation practices.

Hours & Location:

The Code Enforcement office is located in City Hall at 31 S Madison Street, Evansville. 

Building Permits may be dropped off in person at City Hall, 2nd Floor.

Permits may be emailed to permits@evansvillewi.gov or faxed to 608-882-2282. 

The City of Evansville will be working with General Engineering Company to issue Building Permits for work needing a credentialed building inspector.

Residential Building Permit Information:

For information on obtaining building permits for a new single or two-family dwelling, see the New Residential Permit Submittal Brochure and New Residential Building Permit Application (see Cautionary Statement - Wetlands Notice - SWEC). 

Work Requiring a Building Permit and Inspections with GEC:

• New Construction

  • House

  • Garage

  • Room Addition

  • Porch

  • Deck

  • Shed (>150 square feet)

  • Swimming Pool/Hot Tubs etc.

• Addition and/or Alteration to an Existing Structure

  • Remodel

  • Re/Finishing

• Electrical Service Replacement or Upgrade

  • Additions

  • Alterations to Existing Electrical System

• Furnace/Air Conditioner Installation 

• Plumbing Installation and/or Repair Work

• Demolition of Existing Structure

• Solar Installation

 BUILDING PERMIT - INSPECTOR NEEDED      GEC ONLINE PERMIT APPLICATION   

For minor alterations that do not require an inspection with credentialed building inspector, building permits are processed with City Hall staff and includes the form listed below. This includes work such as:

• Tear-off or reshingling a roof

• Re-siding of structure

• Sheds (<150 square feet)

• Fences

• Door Installation or Replacement

• Window Installation or Replacement

• Water heater/Furnace/Air Conditioner Replacements

Building Permit - Minor Alterations

If you have any questions as to whether your project requires a permit, please call Building Inspection at 608-490-3100. 

Building Permits in the Historic Districts

Homeowners applying for building permits for homes within the Historic Overlay District will need to fill in a Certificate of Appropriateness Application that will require Historic  Preservation Commission review prior to issuance of the building permit.  Homeowners within this overlay district are also required to obtain building permits for the installation of siding, windows and the removal of original architectural details representative of an architecture style, a unique design element or material. These particular items require permits only in the Historic Overlay districts and not anywhere else in the city.

 Historic district application

Fees & Processing

Please allow 3-7 business days to process your building permit application. 

Processing times are subject to change, and are dependent on the amount of permits to be processed at time you turn in yours. We will make every effort to keep to the time frames above. To ensure timely processing of your permit please complete and attach all necessary information. Fees will be calculated by Building Inspector using the established City of Evansville Fee Schedule. All checks should be made payable to the City of Evansville.