A Guide to Frequently Applied for Permits in the City of Kenosha

• What work requires a permit
• What to submit for permit approval
• Fees and related costs of permits
• Who to call for more information

Who Can Do the Work?

When considering a permit, you will need to determine who will do the work. In the City of Kenosha, various licenses are required to perform certain types of construction. This assures protection for the consumer, a minimal standard of safety for the public, and knowledge about code-complying installation of structural, plumbing, and electric.

A Wisconsin Department of Commerce Certification (proof of financial responsibility) is required for the following work:

• New one- and two-family dwellings
• Residential additions
• Residential alterations/repairs
• Residential garages
• Residential porches, decks

(The owner-occupant may perform the above-mentioned work without State Certification)

A Wisconsin-licensed Master Plumber is required for the following work for either residential or commercial applications:

• Sewer, water, and storm connections and installations (a State-licensed utility contractor can also do this work)
• Interior plumbing installations

A Wisconsin-licensed Master Electrician is required for the following work for either residential or commercial applications:

• Service installations or alterations
• Interior electric installations

(If the owner is also the occupant, he/she may perform interior electric work, not to include the electric service, upon passing an examination administered by the Department of Neighborhood Services and Inspections)

A Kenosha-licensed HVAC contractor is required for the following work for either residential or commercial applications:

• All heating, ventilating, and air conditioning installations

Plan Submittal

Most major projects require a plan submittal along with permit applications. Projects requiring plan review are:

• All commercial, multi-family, industrial, and institutional projects
• New one- and two-family dwellings
• Residential additions and alterations
• Swimming pools
• Plumbing (both site and interior)

Frequently Requested Permits

The following is a listing of the most frequently requested permits. Each listing contains information about what the applicant needs to submit to begin the process. There may be additional requirements for any of the listed permits depending upon specific circumstances. This information is intended to be used only as a guide and is not intended to be completely definitive.

Residential Permits

Fences:

• A drawing or site plan which indicates the proposed location of the fence on the property (front, side, rear yard, corner lot) and the proposed fence height
• Type of fence
• Indication of buildings on property
• Indication of all public street, private roads, or driveways adjacent to the property; and, vision clearance triangle area being maintained

Garages and Accessory Structures:

• A survey is required
• Size of garage/structure
• Setbacks from all property lines
• Indication of other buildings on site

Porches and Decks:

• Preferably a survey; if not, an adequately drawn site plan
• Size of deck/porch
• Setbacks from all property lines
• Details on guardrails, steps, etc.
• Indication of other buildings on property

Residential Addition:

• A survey is required
• Two complete sets of construction drawings
• Elevations
• Two sets of floor plans
• Setbacks from all property lines
• Completed additional applications for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and erosion control permits, signed by the respective contractors

New One- and Two-family Construction:

• Three certified surveys (showing building location)
• Two complete sets of construction plans
• Two sets of heat loss calculations
• Two erosion control drawings
• Certificate of compliance
• Signed driveway/sidewalk form
• Tree permit if lot is in excess of 20,000 square feet
• Cost of construction
• Completed permit applications for sewer, plumbing, heating, electric, and erosion control signed by the respective contractors
per square foot of gross floor area

Residential Alterations:

• Two sets of construction drawings
• Two sets of floor plans
• Window and door dimensions
• Cost of construction
• Completed additional applications for plumbing, electric, and HVAC permits signed by the respective contractors

Commercial, Institutional, Multifamily, and Industrial Permits

New buildings under 50,000 cubic feet (including additions)

• Two complete sets of construction drawings including specifications, structural calculations, heat loss calculations, illumination plans
• Two certified surveys
• Two erosion control plans
• One erosion control application
• Cost of construction

Alterations under 10,000 square feet:

• Two complete sets of construction drawings including specifications, calculations, illumination plans and heat loss calculations
• Cost of construction

Note: New buildings or additions which exceed 50,000 cubic feet, and alterations to buildings which exceed 10,000 square feet of area are required to be submitted to and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce prior to submitting locally for a permit.

Erosion Control Permit:

• Cost of site erosion control
• Total ground area to be disturbed
• State whether excavating, trenching, or grading
• Erosion control plan

Sign Permit

Signs play a key role in defining the aesthetics of a city. A Sign Permit is the regulatory method used to ensure that signs in the City of Kenosha will help preserve and improve the appearance of the City and to help people find what they need without difficulty or confusion.

A Sign Permit is required from the City for almost any sign placed on property. Exempt signs do not require a permit however, must conform with the Sign Ordinance in terms of maximum size and location.

The Department of Neighborhood Services is responsible for facilitating sign information and permit approvals.

Sign Permits

The Sign code is specified in Chapter 15 of the City of Kenosha Code of General Ordinances.

Do's and Don'ts

• Do contact the Department of Neighborhood Services and Inspections before you invest in a sign to ensure that it complies with the Sign Ordinance and that required permits are obtained.
• Don't do short-term fixes. A good design and quality fabrication will save costs in the long-term.
• Do integrate signage into the building's facade.
• Don't use excessive signage. It is distracting and conveys a dilapidated image associated with your business.

General Code of Ordinances, Chapter XV, Sign Ordinance

Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy from the Zoning Administrator shall be required as a condition of any person occupying:

• A building which has been the subject of new construction or erection.
• A building which has been moved to another foundation on the same or any other parcel of property.
• A building which has been the subject of an expansion, addition, alteration, or reconstruction.
• A building or portion thereof located in the B-1, B-2, or B-3 Business District, or in the M-1, M-2 Manufacturing District, or IP, Institutional Park District, which is not used for residential purposes, and is subject to a new occupancy, whether owner or tenant.
• A parcel of land, unimproved by a building, which is used for a business or manufacturing purpose.
• A residential building used for a Home Occupation under Section 3.03E of the Zoning Ordinance.
• A building which has been vacant and unoccupied for more than ninety (90) days.
• A building subject to a business license under Chapters 10, 12, and 13 of the Code of General Ordinances.

Prohibition

It shall be unlawful for any person to occupy a building, parcel of land, or portion thereof without:

• Having first obtained a Certificate of Occupancy where required, except where having obtained a temporary Certificate of Occupancy which has not expired or been terminated.

Other conditions that must be met include:

1. the project has been completed in accordance with an approved developer's agreement and site plan, and complies with all ordinance and construction plan requirements; and,
2. required fiscal arrangements have been made.

A temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued for a term of up to eight (8) months if certain conditions and standards are satisfied.

Informational brochures are available at the Department of Neighborhood Services and Inspections by call (262) 653-4263.

Permit Fee Schedule

Effective January 1, 2005
City Ordinance: 9.08 Permit Fees

Appeals

Appeals of building code interpretations and variances may be filed with the State Department of Commerce, Buildings and Safety Division.

Zoning variances and interpretations may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as sign exceptions and interpretations.

Zoning Board of Appeals