West Allis, WI Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Permits Required. Unless a permit is specifically not required through this Code, no building or structure, or any components of said building or structure, shall be constructed, altered, moved, demolished, erected, installed, enlarged, removed, converted, repaired, or undergo a change of occupancy without first obtaining a permit to do such from the Code Enforcement Department. No Permit Required. The following work does not require a building permit. Repairs. No permit is required for repairs and minor alterations that do not change the occupancy, life safety, area, structural strength, fire protection, egress or exiting system, lights or ventilation of the building. Exterior Site Improvements. No permit is required for retaining walls less than five (5) feet in height or walks, driveways, stoops, outdoor patio areas and/or other similar improvements constructed of concrete, brick, or other hard surfaces within three (3) feet of grade. Window Replacement and Awnings. For residential one- or two-family use properties, no permit is required to replace existing windows of the same dimension in the original opening, and no permit is required for awnings supported by an exterior wall. Siding and Roofing. For residential one- and two-family use properties, no permit is required to install or replace nonstructural siding or roofing materials, including underlayment, on an existing dwelling or accessory building or structure.