Milton, WI Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Under Milton Code of Ordinances Sec. 10-51, no building or part of a building may be erected in the city, or ground broken for one, until a permit is obtained from the building inspector by the owner or authorized agent. The definition of "building" sweeps broadly: it covers enlargement, alteration, heating or ventilation work, air conditioning installation, moving or demolishing, and anything affecting the fire hazard or safety of a structure. The application (Sec. 10-52) must be in writing on a city form and state the owner's name and address, the legal description of the land, and any other information the building inspector requires.

Sec. 10-53 requires two complete sets of plans and specifications, including a plot plan showing the building's location relative to streets, alleys, lot lines and adjoining buildings, with plans stamped for compliance with the state building code. The building inspector may waive plan filing for minor work (Sec. 10-54) and may authorize minor repairs without a permit if they do not change occupancy, area, structural strength, fire protection, exits, lights or ventilation (Sec. 10-56). Once plans are approved, the inspector stamps and issues the permit, which must be displayed at the job site (Sec.

10-55); altering approved plans afterward requires the inspector's written consent. Sec. 10-31 sets the enforcement teeth: failing to obtain a required permit before starting work results in double fees for each permit needed. Inspections follow at footing/foundation, rough (general construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation) and final stages under Sec. 10-58, with the inspector required to respond to an inspection request within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) or construction may proceed. No building may be occupied until an occupancy certificate issues under Sec. 10-59 following a final inspection finding no code violations affecting health and safety.