Building Permits are required for:

Constructing any new residential or commercial building.

An addition or change to the exterior of your building. Examples include:

Re-roofing
Re-siding
Replacing windows
Installing a fence
Installing or altering a driveway
Installing a swimming pool, whirlpool or hot tub
Building any accessory structure (garage or shed)
Any type of electrical, heating or plumbing work
Adding a screened porch or deck

An addition or change to the interior of your building. Examples include:

Hot tub or whirlpool installation
Finishing an unfinished basement
Bathroom or kitchen remodeling and/or alterations
Installation of wood stoves and fireplaces
Replacement of a furnace or central air conditioner
Replacement of water heaters and water softeners
Any type of electrical, heating or plumbing work

Building Permits are not required for:

Installing storm windows and screens
Making minor repairs
Changing flooring, carpet, inlaid tile or wood
Installing private sidewalks on your property
Replacing a front door or garage door
Patios: cement, rock, brick

Village Ordinances and State Statutes require building permits. If you do not get a building permit prior to starting work, the Village can double the fees, stop work, and fine you for every day the work is not in compliance. The permits and follow-up inspections help protect you by ensuring that the work is up to code and safe.

During construction of your project, on-site inspections will be conducted to check that approved materials are used and the work meets code requirements. Any work or materials that are not up to code will need to be corrected and re-inspected. Inspections guard the safety of the occupants and the investment in your property.

If you are unsure of whether your project requires a building permit, please call the Community Development Department at (608)838-3154 or stop by our office located in the Municipal Center, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

Formal Application                      Fee Schedule

What is needed to complete your permit:

1. Two (2) sets of plans, 1 signed by the developer if required by restrictive covenant.
2. Two (2) copies of site plans, if needed.
3. Energy worksheet, if needed.
4. Erosion control plan, if needed. (Include site plan with erosion control plan drawn on it.)
5. A check/cash for permit fees. (Sorry, we do not accept credit cards.)
Items 1 thru 5 (if needed) must be submitted before any work is started.

Inspections:

Include all this information when requesting an inspection:
Permit Number
Street Address
Type of Inspection
Contact Person's Name
General Contractor's Name
Telephone Number(s)

Village Ordinances and State Statutes require that the project be inspected at different times throughout the construction process. The permit holder is responsible for contacting our office to schedule these inspections. Inspections may be requested: by phone ((608)838-3154), by fax ((608)838-3619), or by email (marty.pilger@mcfarland.wi.us).

For a water and sewer lateral inspection, please call the Public Works Department at (608)838-7287. Include the time that the work will be ready for inspection.

Inspection Check List:

Water and sewer lateral inspection
Building footings inspection
Building foundation inspection
Building drain tile inspection (if required)
Under basement floor plumbing inspection
Building electric service inspection
Building rough inspections:
  1. Framing
  2. Electrical
  3. HVAC
  4. Plumbing
  (Numbers 1-4 should be called in at the same time by the General Contractor)
Insulation inspection
Final Inspections for occupancy

Important Notes:

> Make sure all work is completed before contacting us for an inspection. A re-inspection fee will be charged if the inspector has to make a return visit.
> Electrical service inspections will not be done until the structure is roofed.
> Any failed inspection or minor correction on an inspection will require a re-inspection. Follow the same procedure for the re-inspect as you did scheduling the initial one. A re-inspection fee may be charged.
> Village of McFarland inspections do not relieve the contractor of code compliance concerning UDC applicable codes and ordinances.