Grant County, WI Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Scope matters here. The permit described on this page comes from Chapter 316, Shoreland Zoning, so it applies in the shorelands of unincorporated Grant County defined in § 316-5: land within 1,000 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of navigable lakes, ponds or flowages, and within 300 feet of navigable rivers or streams, or to the landward side of the floodplain, whichever distance is greater. Cities and villages such as Platteville, Lancaster and Boscobel run their own permit systems.

When a permit is required: § 316-53(A) says that, except where another section of the chapter specifically exempts certain types of development, a permit shall be obtained from the Zoning Administrator or Board of Adjustment/Committee before any new development. Section 316-7 adds that buildings and other structures shall require a permit unless otherwise expressly excluded by a provision of the chapter, and that property owners, builders and contractors are responsible for compliance. Section 316-52 directs the Zoning Administrator to maintain a system of permits for new construction, development, reconstruction, structural alteration or moving of buildings and structures.

What the application needs: the applicant files with the Zoning Administrator on county forms. The form asks for the name and address of the applicant and owner, a legal description and the type of proposed use, and a to-scale site plan showing the lot dimensions and all existing and proposed structures and impervious surfaces relative to lot lines, the center line of abutting highways and the ordinary high-water mark. It also asks for the location of any private water supply or sewage system, mitigation plans when required, payment of the fee, and any additional information the Zoning Administrator requires.

Timing and closeout: under § 316-53(C), zoning permits expire 12 months from the date issued if no substantial work has commenced. Under § 316-53(D), no land or building can be occupied or used until the Zoning Administrator issues a certificate of compliance. The certificate application is filed concurrently with the zoning permit application, and the certificate is issued within 10 days after notification that the work is complete, if everything conforms. Section 316-57 lets the County Board set permit and certificate fees by resolution.