Building Permits

Commercial Building Permits

Commercial projects tend to be complicated and often require several types of plans and permits. You may need to contact an architect or engineer to discuss your project prior to contacting the Code Enforcement Department. For all commercial building projects you will need to fill out the Plan Review Application.  

West Allis follows the State of Wisconsin’s Uniform Commercial Building Code, which adopts and modifies the 2015 version of the International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Fuel Gas Code, and the International Existing Building Code. Please see the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services website for more information and to find the Wisconsin code modifications.

Residential Building Permits

Building codes regulate almost every residential building project a property owner undertakes, and most projects require a building permit.  To find out if your project needs a permit refer to the Building Handout - Do I Need a Permit (PDF).

A homeowner who resides at the premises or a general contractor certified with the State of Wisconsin and representing the owner may take out a building permit. When a permit is issued, there will be one or more required inspections. Final inspections are made of all permits.

Refer to the Building Handouts for information on many common permits for one or two family residential properties, such as additions and remodeling projects (PDF), basement remodeling (PDF), decks (PDF), garages (PDF), swimming pools (PDF), sheds (PDF), fences (PDF) and other projects. Contact a building inspector for questions regarding building permits.

Building Permit Application