Blog
Insights on building permits, zoning, and municipal compliance
Do I Need a Permit for a Fence in Rochester, MN?
Rochester, MN exempts fences 6 feet or less from a building permit if they don't block sightlines, but the Unified Development Code still caps front-yard height, bans chain link there, and limits corner-lot visibility.
Do I Need a Permit for a Fence in Rockford, IL?
Rockford, IL requires a permit for almost every fence — new, replaced, or repaired with new posts — regardless of height. Here's how height limits, materials, and corner-lot rules work under Article 55.
Do I Need a Permit for a Fence in St. Paul?
Saint Paul's DSI requires a fence plan review and permit for every fence, with no minimum-height exemption. Here's how height caps by yard, corner-lot rules, and fees work.
Do I Need a Permit for a Fence in Waukesha?
Waukesha does not require a fence permit, but every fence must follow Municipal Code Section 22.58: a 6-foot height cap (3 feet in vision triangles), no fencing in the required front yard, and no barbed wire or electric fencing in residential zones.
Do I Need a Permit for a Garage in Green Bay?
Yes — new detached garages, garage additions, and carports all need a City of Green Bay building permit. Here's who issues it, what the setbacks and fees are, and how to apply.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Chicago?
Chicago exempts small tool sheds from a building permit under a specific height and footprint test, but the exemption doesn't waive zoning's accessory-structure height and coverage limits.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Madison, WI?
Madison exempts sheds 150 sq ft or smaller from a building permit only if unheated and 10+ feet from any dwelling. Larger, heated, or closer sheds need a permit, plus zoning setbacks and a 1,000 sq ft accessory-building cap always apply.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Milwaukee?
In Milwaukee, sheds 150 sq. ft. or smaller set at least 3 feet from every property line don't need a building permit — but zoning, setback, and construction rules still apply. Here's how DNS enforces it.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis exempts one-story sheds under 200 square feet from a building permit, but zoning rules on footprint, height, and setbacks apply to every shed regardless of size.
Duluth Building Permit Guide (2025-2026)
How to get a building permit in Duluth, Minnesota: which department issues permits, what's exempt, zoning setbacks under the Unified Development Chapter, fees, contractor rules, and inspections.
DuPage County Unincorporated Building Permits
DuPage County's Building & Zoning Department only issues permits in unincorporated territory — its 39 municipalities run their own. Here's how to tell which applies, and what codes, fees, and inspections govern unincorporated projects.
Eau Claire Building Permit Guide (2025–2026)
How building permits actually work in Eau Claire, WI: which city division issues them, what's exempt, how the Evolve online portal works, zoning under the new Land Development Ordinance, and what a permit costs.