Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No, all electrical work must be preformed with a licensed electrician who is registered through the State of Wisconsin.
Yes, a homeowner may do his or her own plumbing for renovations and additions as long as he or she currently owns and occupies the residence where the work is done. Homeowners may not do their own plumbing on the construction of a new house or exterior plumbing. Exterior work must be preformed by a licensed Master Plumber, Master Plumber-Restricted or Utility Contractor licensed through the State of Wisconsin. New Home and Commercial plumbing must be done by a licensed Master Plumber through the State of Wisconsin.
A roofing permit is not required unless there are structural changes. Note: If more than (2) layers of shingles are to be installed, structural calculations are required. If structural changes are needed, Architectural Board approval is required.
Yes a permit is required to re-side a house. Applicants may be required to go before the City of Mequon's Architectural Review Board prior to the building permit being issued. Check with the Inspections Department for clarification. If the house is located in a Homeowners' Association, written approval will need to be submitted with the building permit application.
Yes, a building permit is required for new and replacement windows and doors. Staff will conduct a review prior to the building permit being issued. The following are required for a complete submittal:
- Building permit application
- Pictures of all house elevations and any other outbuildings located on the property
- Specifications, window schedule or copy of the contract that shows what type of windows or doors will be installed.
Major changes may have to go through the Architectural Board so please check with the Inspections Department for clarification.
Fence permits are required in the City of Mequon no matter what the height is.
Go to Inspection Resources Page for application information.
The following is a partial list of items that require permits:
- Agricultural buildings – new construction, additions & renovations
- Commercial buildings – new construction, additions & renovations - At this time all commercial properties must submit to the State for Plan Review first. Call 262-236-2924 with questions.
- Industrial buildings – new construction, additions & renovations - At this time all commercial properties must submit to the State for Plan Review first. Call 262-236-2924 with questions.
- Residential buildings – new construction, additions & renovations which include but not limited to: Basement Finish, Bathrooms, Kitchen, Laundry Rooms, Structural Changes. Call 262-236-2924 with questions.
- Multi-family – new construction, additions & renovations which include but not limited to: Basement Finish, Bathrooms, Kitchen, Laundry Rooms, Structural Changes. Call 262-236-2924 with questions.
- Communication antennas
- Decks & Gazebos
- Fences
- Fire or Water damage repair
- Foundation repair
- Garages
- Heating & air conditioning systems
- Moving buildings
- Razing buildings
- Interior Demolition (residential & commercial)
- Roofing - (See FAQ question for clarification)
- Sheds
- Siding
- Solar Panels
- Swimming pools
- Under ground storage tank installation & removal
- Windows
Still not sure if a permit is needed? Call the Inspections Department for clarification - 262-236-2924.
A homeowner, plumber or HVAC contractor is required to submit a permit to install an interior (stove, fireplace, dryer) or exterior (fire pit, grill) gas line. The installer must follow the code under NFPA 54, 2015, which is adopted in the Uniform Dwelling Code and the manufactures installation guidelines.
The City of Mequon has several different zoning districts. You can find information on the website under the City of Mequon's Ordinance, Chapter 58, Division 2 - Planning and Development Regulations or by calling 262-236-2925 for residential properties and 262-236-2904 for commercial properties.
Whenever your project requires a change to the exterior of the building, it must go before the Board. That includes all new construction and additions. It also may include siding, door and window changes. Items that do not require Board approval are all interior work, decks, gazebos under 150 square feet and sheds under 150 square feet.
Driveway culverts must be installed by the Department of Public Works. Please call 262-236-2913 for a culvert permit and with any questions.
Section 10-55(a) Text Amendment for Survey's
(a) Survey. Any building permit application that involves a new building or structure or exterior changes to the size of a building or structure shall be required to submit a plat of survey. The survey shall be prepared and certified by a surveyor registered by the state. The survey shall provide, at a minimum, the following information and is subject to verification:
(1) Legal description and drawing showing the boundaries of the property and size of the premises, giving the subdivision name, lot and block number if located in an approved subdivision.
(2) Location and size of all existing and proposed structures, including septic systems and wells, and structures and wells on adjacent lots located within 50 feet.
(3) Dimensions of the lot.
(4) Dimensions showing all setbacks of existing and proposed buildings on the lot.
(5) Drainage easements and public utility easements in existence on the property.
(6) Watercourses or existing drainage ditches.
(7) Seal and signature of the surveyor.
(8) Date of survey.
Some surveys may require additional information based on the unique characteristics of the property and project as determined by the Community Development Director or designee.
In lieu of a new survey, an existing survey that is accurate to the number and size of existing buildings and structures, easements or other legal encumbrance, and matches the current lot configuration may be allowed on a case-by-case basis for residential projects as determined by the Community Development Director or designee. Residential projects that meet the following conditions are not eligible for an exemption of submitting a new survey:
(1) New home construction projects.
(2) Projects that are in proximity to an existing wetland.
(3) The property contains frontage on the Lake Michigan bluff or other topographic areas with slopes that are equal to or greater than 12 percent. (4) The property is located within the 100-yr floodplain.
(5) Other projects where it is difficult to ascertain from the current survey, compliance with all setbacks, offsets, and other technical requirements.
A Architectural Board Packet is available under the Inspections Resource Page. The meetings are on the second Monday of every month. The deadline to get on the agenda is Monday at noon, three weeks prior to the meeting date.
Contact Information
To schedule inspections,
please call Central Scheduling
at: (262) 236-2930
Greg Golden,
Inspections Supervisor
(262) 236-2921
ggolden@ci.mequon.wi.us
Andy Wagner, Building Inspector
(262) 236-2925
awagner@ci.mequon.wi.us
Chris Butschke,
Building/Plumbing Inspector
(262) 236-2922
cbutschke@ci.mequon.wi.us
Karen Heil, Permit Coordinator
(262) 236-2924
kheil@ci.mequon.wi.us
Kristine Hoeft,
Administrative Assistant
(262) 236-2926
khoeft@ci.mequon.wi.us
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