Building Permits and Inspections

The City’s Building Inspection Department is responsible for issuing permits, conducting inspections, enforcing the zoning code, and providing staff support to the City Plan Commission. The goal of the Department is to provide professional and cost-effective inspection services that will ensure that our homes and businesses are constructed correctly and with quality materials in order to preserve public safety and neighborhood property values. The City contracts with Kunkel Engineering Group to provide Building Inspection services.  There is no expense to the City for building inspection services because the fee paid to the firm is 80 percent of the revenues collected. The City pays them no other fee and keeps the remaining 20 percent of the revenues.

A building permit is needed for a variety of building projects. Some examples of projects that would need a building permit are:

  • Building an addition on your house or garage
  • Building a garage
  • Building a deck
  • New electrical wiring or service upgrade
  • Installing a new furnace or A/C
  • Remodeling your house
  • Installing new siding, soffit or fascia
  • Installing new windows and/or doors in your house
  • New plumbing including water heaters
  • Changing the pitch of your roof or reroofing
  • Installing a fence

The City contracts with Kunkel Engineering for building and inspection services. Matthew Kelly serves as the primary point of contact for the City. His office hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00am-11:30am at City Hall. He can also be reached by phone at (920)763-4018 or by email  mkelly [at] geo-logic.com (mkelly[at]geo-logic[dot]com) . John Lust is also a point of contact for the City.  He can be reached by phone at (920)210-6351 or by jlust [at] geo-logic.com (email).

Please check with the building inspector or City Hall if you are unsure whether you need a building permit. Building permits must be obtained before starting your project or the fees will be doubled. Please allow up to 10 days for permit review. Permits are non-refundable.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection can be reached toll free at 1-800-422-7128.

A zoning variance can be applied for at City Hall. An application for appeal may be made when it is claimed that the true intent of the code cannot be met, such as an unnecessary hardship. All appeals shall be accompanied by supporting data.

An unnecessary hardship means that no feasible use cam be made of the property without the granting of the variance, that the hardship is something unique to this property and not the owner of the property, that the hardship is not self-created, and the hardship is not economic.

When applying for a variance from the City of Clintonville a fee of $125.00 is required to be submitted with the application and supporting data. Any questions should go to the Zoning Administrator (715) 823-7601.

When applying for a Zoning Amendment from the City of Clintonville, a fee of $200.00 is required to be submitted with the application and supporting data. Any questions should go to the Zoning Administrator (715) 823-7601.

A permit is required prior to beginning any new construction, repairs, additions, alterations, and demolitions, including the installation of new heating equipment, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures, garages, porches, fences, decks, pools, signs. A permit is also required to change use of a building or portion thereof, replace or move walls, doors, columns, and beams. Changes to required exits or means of providing natural light and ventilation (including windows) require a permit.

Certain small projects may be allowed without a permit provided the information is recorded and approval given by the building inspector. Questions about when a permit is needed should be directed to the building inspector, located at City Hall, or at 920-210-6351

Inspections for the following must be made BEFORE proceeding to the next phase:

  • Footings (forms in place, prior to pouring concrete).
  • Foundation (drain tile and stone in place, insulation if required, prior to back fill).
  • Underfloor plumbing (piping installed, and on test).
  • Basement floor (vapor barrier, drain tile, and sump crock in place, prior to pouring concrete).
  • Rough construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (work completed prior to insulation).
  • Electrical services.
  • Insulation (insulation and vapor barrier installed, before drywall).
  • Final inspection (all phases and trades completed, prior to occupancy).

The property owner is responsible for ensuring that a permit is obtained prior to work being started. Contractors can also apply and obtain permits on behalf of the property owner. Under no circumstances can construction or demolition start prior to obtaining the building permit and posting the placard in a front window or door visible from the road.

The permit and inspection process give you, your neighbors, and the City assurance that specific standards are met when expanding, altering, or repairing your property by complying with State Codes, Local Codes and Zoning Requirements. These standards are based on well-established health, safety, and environmental considerations intended to protect the integrity of the building, the safety of its inhabitants, and the welfare of the public. Projects not completed according to code can affect your homes insurability and potential sale.

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