Building Permits

Evansville’s Building Inspector is responsible for processing building permits, conducting inspections,  monitoring for property maintenance, other code violation concerns within the City Ordinance as outlined in Section 46.  

Hours & Location

The Building Inspector's office is located in City Hall at 31 S Madison Street, Evansville. Permits may be emailed to permits@ci.evansville.wi.gov or faxed to 608-882-2282. 

The Building Inspector has open office hours to answer your questions Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and is available most weekdays by appointment. 

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).  Please note that electrical, heating and plumbing permits are not included with the new residential building permit application.  Individual application forms are needed for each mechanical permit.

For any other residential projects including alterations, additions, garages, sheds, fences, pool, hot tubs and decks, please use this application:  Building Permit Application for residential alterations, garages, sheds, fences, pools, hot tubs and decks (see Cautionary Statement - Wetlands Notice - SWEC).   

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 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. 

Building Permits applications are available online here, or at City Hall.

Work Requiring a Building Permit 

Permits and Inspections are required for the following; please note the list below is not a complete list. If you have any questions as to whether your project requires a permit, please call Building Inspection at 608-490-3100. 

• New Construction: Such as a house, garage, room addition, porch, deck, shed, fence, swimming pool, etc.

• Addition and/or alteration to existing structures: Such as remodeling, and some refinishing, finishing, etc. 

• Electrical service replacement or upgrade: Such as additions or alterations to existing electrical system

• Furnace or air conditioner installation or replacement

• Plumbing installations and repair work: Such as water heater installation or replacement

• Re-roofing: Including tear off or overlay

• Siding of existing structure

• Window or door installation or replacement 

• Demolition of existing structures

Fees & Processing

Please allow 3-7 business days to process your building permit application.  Keep in mind, processing times are subject to change 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 insure timely processing of your permit please complete and attach all necessary information. Fees are a minimum of $50.00 and 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.