Confirm who handles each approval
Use the address check to identify the building office for this parcel. Zoning responsibility can vary by parcel.
Municipal permit guide
City of Racine, WI permit planning guide
Start with your property address to identify the offices, approvals, and project documents that apply in City of Racine, WI.
Local guidance available Reviewed July 20, 2026
Best first step
Find the approvals for your parcel, not just a generic form.
Start with the property address. GovCodex uses it to identify the parcel, zoning authority, overlays, and the mix of municipal, county, and state approvals that can apply.
Prefills City of Racine, WI Checks authority by address
What are you building?
Choose a common project or enter any description on the next screen.
Project preparation
Start with the project type
Use the project type and property address together before choosing a form or paying a fee.
Before you file
Check the parcel details
Use the address check to confirm the current local offices, forms, and requirements before filing.
Preparation library
Browse forms only when you need them
Search by project or approval. Official forms and adaptable state templates are labeled separately.
Showing forms that match your project search.
Building Permit Application
Use this as a preparation checklist, then confirm the current local filing form.
Checked Jul 20, 2026Source
Zoning Permit / Land Use Application
Use this as a preparation checklist, then confirm the current local filing form.
Checked Jul 20, 2026Source
Fence Permit Application
Use this as a preparation checklist, then confirm the current local filing form.
Checked Jul 20, 2026Source
Deck / Porch Permit Application
Use this as a preparation checklist, then confirm the current local filing form.
Checked Jul 20, 2026Source
Accessory Structure / Shed Permit Application
Use this as a preparation checklist, then confirm the current local filing form.
Checked Jul 20, 2026Source
Garage / Carport Permit Application
Use this as a preparation checklist, then confirm the current local filing form.
Checked Jul 20, 2026Source
Electrical Permit Application
Use this as a preparation checklist, then confirm the current local filing form.
Checked Jul 20, 2026Source
Plumbing Permit Application
Use this as a preparation checklist, then confirm the current local filing form.
Checked Jul 20, 2026Source
HVAC / Mechanical Permit Application
Use this as a preparation checklist, then confirm the current local filing form.
Checked Jul 20, 2026Source
Official references
Official sources for City of Racine, WI
Statewide sources describe the governing code regime. Locally verified sources identify the actual issuing office, form, or adopted schedule.
Reference excerpts
Source excerpts for City of Racine, WI
These excerpts provide context from official materials associated with this municipality.
City of Racine - Chapter 106 - WATERWAYS
No person shall damage or remove any portion of the improved shore protection of any navigable waters within the city. Any persons who damage a shore protection, upon conviction, shall be liable for the cost of repair resulting from such damage in addition to any penalty provided in section 1-15.(Code 1973, § 10.07.030)Cross reference— Shoreland and wetland regulations, § 114-916 et seq.
Sec. 106-1. - Damaging shore protection · p. 1 · Open sourceCity of Racine - Chapter 62 - HUMAN RELATIONS
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:Accommodation means and includes any room, apartment, house, building, or structure, any part of which is used for human habitation on a temporary or permanent basis. Accommodation does not include lodging for transient guests but requires an intent to return or an absence of an alternative place of residence.Aggrieved person means a person who claims to have been injured by discrimination or believes that he or she will be injured by discrimination that is about to occur.Bisexual means people who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to more than one sex, gender, or gender identity though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degreeCommission means the affirmative action and human rights commission.Commissioner means a member of the affirmative action and human rights commission.Community means a group of people, or a feeling of fellowship and membership with others, as a result of sharing common geographic boundaries, culture, language, or common attitudes
Sec. 62-26. - Definitions · p. 1 · Open sourceCity of Racine - Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
This Code of Ordinances may be known and cited as the Municipal Code of the City of Racine, Wisconsin.(Code 1973, § 1.01.010)State Law reference— Authorizing preparation and adoption of a Code of Ordinances, Wis. Stats. § 66.035.
Sec. 1-1. - Designation and citation of Code · p. 1 · Open sourceCity of Racine - Chapter 70 - PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES
(a)Any person charged with a violation of the offenses listed under subsection (b) of this section may pay the amount enumerated therein at the office of the municipal court in lieu of a court appearance. Persons wishing to contest charges contained in subsection (b) of this section may contact the office of the municipal court to arrange a court appearance date.(b)The following forfeitures for the offenses listed herein may be paid at the office of the municipal court:SectionNumberViolationForfeiture70-76Traffic violation/parking$ 15.0070-77Injury to animals/property300.0070-78Fires75.0070-80Fireworks50.0070-81Swimming prohibited40.0070-82Posted areas75.0070-83Camping, etc., permit150.0070-84Picnic permit75.0070-85Permit to sell merchandise/food100.0070-86Alcohol beverages100.0070-87Games in posted areas25.0070-88Golf in parks50.0070-89Glass and cans in parks50.0070-90No animals in parks50.0070-92Deposit of solid waste100.0070-101Closing hours of parks50.0070-102Zoological park violation100.0070-102(j)Bicycle/skateboard in park25.0070-103Bird sanctuary violation125.0070-104Vehicle parking prohibited15.0070-116Glass and cans on beaches50.0070-117Restricted boating at bathing beache
Sec. 70-1. - Violations; payment of forfeiture in lieu of court appearance · p. 1 · Open sourceCity of Racine - Chapter 110 - WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:Commodity in package form means a commodity put up or packaged in any manner in advance of sale in units suitable for either wholesale or retail sale, exclusive, however, of an auxiliary shipping container enclosing packages that individually conform to the requirements of this chapter. An individual item or lot of any commodity not in package form but on which there is marked a selling price based on an established price per unit of weight or measure shall be construed to be a commodity in package form.Construction of contracts. Fractional parts of any unit of weight or measure shall mean like fractional parts of the value of such unit as prescribed or defined in this section, and all contracts concerning the sale of commodities and services shall be construed in accordance with this requirement.Intrastate commerce means commerce or trade that is begun, carried on, and completed wholly within the state, and the phrase "introduced into intrastate commerce" shall be construed to define the time and
Sec. 110-1. - Definitions · p. 1 · Open sourceCity of Racine - Chapter 26 - CABLE COMMUNICATIONS
There is hereby created a renewal franchise for the construction and operation of a cable television system within the city. Such renewal franchise shall constitute a contract between the city and the grantee thereof, which franchise contract shall be as follows.(Ord. No. 6-96, pt. 1, 4-16-96)
Sec. 26-21. - Renewal created · p. 1 · Open sourceQuestions people ask
Racine permit FAQ
Where do I start for a project in City of Racine, WI?
Start with the property address. The parcel determines whether municipal, county, state, shoreland, floodplain, sanitary, transportation, or special-district approvals can apply.
Who handles building permits in Racine?
A building office is not listed here. Use the address check to confirm the issuing office before relying on a form.
Who handles zoning approval in City of Racine, WI?
Zoning administration may sit with the municipality or county. Confirm the parcel authority before relying on statewide guidance.
Are the fees and forms on this page final?
No. Adopted fees, application versions, issuing offices, and required attachments can change. Verify the current official source before filing or paying a fee.
Do not guess from the municipality name.
Check which permits apply