Permits
Applying for a Permit
To apply for a permit, please visit the Department of Community Development, located on the second floor of City Hall:
3805 S. Casper Drive, New Berlin, WI 53151
You may apply for a permit on Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Inspectors are available at our front counter from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm on weekdays.
Items Requiring Permits
Permits are required for many types of construction projects within the City of New Berlin. The following list includes items that typically require permits within the Building and Inspection Department. Please contact City Staff to check if a permit is required for a specific project or type of work.
| Items Requiring Permits | Building | Electrical | Plumbing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory Building, greater than 144 square feet (Accessory Building, Detached Garage, Gazebo, Permanent Greenhouse, Pavilion, Playhouse, Pole Barn, Pool House) | Yes | Yes | -- |
| Shed, 144 square feet or less (Gazebo, Permanent Greenhouse, Pavilion, Playhouse, Pool House, Tool Shed) | Yes | -- | -- |
| Additions & Alterations (Interior or Exterior) | Yes | Yes | * |
| Air Conditioner (New or Replacement) | Yes | Yes | -- |
| Decks (Attached or Detached) | Yes | -- | -- |
| Dishwashers & Garbage Disposals | -- | Yes | Yes |
| Fire Places and Burning Stoves | Yes | -- | -- |
| Furnaces (New or Replacement) | Yes | Yes | -- |
| Generators | Yes | Yes | -- |
| Hot Tubs | Yes | Yes | -- |
| Kitchen Remodel | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New Home | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing Fixtures (Tubs, WC, Showers, Sinks, Water Softeners, Reverse Osmosis) | -- | -- | Yes |
| Pools (Above Ground or In Ground) | Yes | Yes | -- |
| Post Lights | -- | Yes | -- |
| Razing of Structure | Yes | -- | Yes |
| Rec Rooms | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Service Upgrade | -- | Yes | -- |
| Sewer & Water Conversion | -- | -- | Yes |
| Solar Panels | Yes | Yes | |
| Spas | -- | Yes | -- |
| Structural Alterations | Yes | -- | -- |
| Under Floor Drain | - | -- | Yes |
| Water Heaters, Gas or Electric | -- | Yes | Yes |
*Depending on the type of addition or alteration, a plumbing permit may be needed.
Applications
- Building Permit
- Electrical Permit
- Grading and Erosion Control Permit
- HVAC Permit
- Miscellaneous Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Shed Permit
- Final Grading Letter
Engineering Department Permit (Culverts, Curb and Ditch, Driveway Approach, Grading and Erosion Control)
Planning/Zoning Permits (Fence, Home Occupation, Retaining Wall)
Project Guidelines
These guidelines are not to be considered as complete or all inclusive. The items listed are a guide to help in planning your project.
- Accessory Buildings
- Curb and Ditch
- Decks
- Egress Windows
- Electrical Wiring in Residential Dwellings
- Fences
- Generators
- Grading and Erosion Control
- Hot Tubs
- Pools
- Post Lights
- Recreation Rooms
- Residential Additions & Alterations
- Retaining Walls
- Sheds
Application Requirements
Processing & Approval
The building permit review process can take up to 10 business days. After the application is processed, you will be notified if the permit has been approved or denied.
Picking up a Permit
Permits can be picked up on Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. At this time, you will review the permit conditions and sign the permit forms. After you pay the applicable fees to the cashier, you will receive your paperwork and permit.