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1. Why do I need a permit?

The Planning and Development Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of Building, Heating, Plumbing, Electrical, Zoning, and Housing Codes. The primary purpose of these codes is to safeguard life. The second purpose is to protect property and generally preserve and enhance the values of property in the Village of Shorewood. To determine if you need a permit for your project, view the Village Guide to Permits (PDF).

2. When do I need a building permit?

Building permits are required for construction of any new building, an addition to an existing building, and for alterations and remodeling involving structural changes. Permits are also required for, but not limited to:

Accessory buildings

Decks

Driveways

Fences

Garages

Re-roofing

Re-siding

Swimming pools

3. Who is responsible for obtaining permits?

It is common for contractors to obtain permits. However, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to make sure that the required permits are obtained. It is always a good idea to check with the Planning and Development Department about required permits before hiring a contractor or starting a project.

4. Can I do my own electrical and plumbing work?

There are some instances in which a homeowner can do electrical and plumbing work. Please call the Planning and Development Department at 414-847-2640 to determine what you can do as a homeowner.

5. Can you recommend a contractor?

We cannot recommend contractors, but we are happy to give a number of resources and information for homeowners and business owners to find contracting or remodeling services in the State of Wisconsin. For more information and sources, check out the Contracting and Remodeling Services page.

6. What if obtaining a permit was part of my contract and the contractor neglected to do so?

Homeowners should always find out which permits are required before hiring a contractor to do work on their home and then request a copy of the permit before allowing the contractor to start work. It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure all required permits have been obtained.

If you have questions about this, please contact the Planning and Development Department at 414-847-2640. We will help with obtaining the required permits, but we cannot intervene in contract issues between the contractor and the homeowner.

7. Are short-term rentals, such as Airbnb or Vrbo, permitted in the Village of Shorewood?

Permitted and prohibited uses are defined within the Village of Shorewood Code's Zoning Chapter 535.  Per 535-26E(3)m "tourist homes" are defined as a prohibited home occupation in the Village's R-1 through R-7 residential districts.  Wisconsin's State Statutes limit the enforcement of this prohibition if the dwelling unit is rented out for seven consecutive days or longer. [66.1014(2)a] If a dwelling unit is being rented out for short-term rental purposes in compliance with Village Code and State Statutes, a lodging facility license shall be obtained from the North Shore Health Department.