Before You Build in Burlington, WI: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)
Everything you need to know before starting a home improvement project
Building a fence, installing a pool, or adding a shed? Each project has its own set of local permits and rules in Burlington. This guide consolidates fence, pool, ADU, shed, fire pit, and landscaping regulations into one checklist so you know what to expect before you start.
Quick Permit Checklist
At-a-glance overview of permit categories in Burlington. Click any card for details.
Fences & Walls
2 rules on file
Swimming Pools
3 rules on file
ADUs & Granny Flats
1 rule on file
Sheds & Outbuildings
1 rule on file
Fire Pits & Outdoor Structures
1 rule on file
Landscaping & Tree Removal
No specific rules found
Fences & Walls
Some RestrictionsHeight limits, materials, permits, and shared fence rules.
Height Limits
Some RestrictionsBurlington Code Chapter 315 (Zoning) caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards. Front (street) yard fences are limited to 4 feet if at least 80% open or 3 feet if less open. Decorative walls cannot exceed 12 feet and decorative fences cannot exceed 10 feet. A fence permit from the Building Inspector is required citywide.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsWI Stat. §90.02 to 90.14 provides line fence cost-sharing for rural/agricultural land. Urban residential fences: each owner responsible for their own.
Swimming Pools
Heavy RestrictionsPool permits, safety fencing, and drainage requirements.
Pool Permits
Some RestrictionsBurlington requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. WI Uniform Dwelling Code governs. Inspections required.
Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsBurlington requires pool barriers to prevent unsupervised child access. Minimum 48-inch height. Self-closing, self-latching gates. WI Stat. §145.17.
Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsBurlington enforces pool safety requirements including anti-entrapment drain covers (VGB Act), barriers, and depth markers. WI Stat. §145.17 governs.
ADUs & Granny Flats
Some RestrictionsAccessory dwelling unit rules and garage conversion permits.
ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsBurlington regulates accessory uses, buildings and dwellings through Chapter 315 (Zoning) of the City of Burlington Code, originally adopted by the Common Council on January 5, 1988. Detached accessory structures may not occupy more than 20% of the existing rear yard in residential districts (50% in B-1, B-2, B-2A, B-3, I-1, M-1 through M-4, nonresidential PUD, and Q-1), must be set back at least 3 feet from any lot line and 10 feet from any alley line, and may not exceed the height of the principal structure or 25 feet, whichever is less. Burlington derives its zoning authority from Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23. Building and zoning permits are issued by the City of Burlington Building & Zoning Department.
Sheds & Outbuildings
Some RestrictionsShed permits, setback limits, and outbuilding size rules.
Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsBurlington regulates sheds as accessory structures under Chapter 315 (Zoning) of the City Code. Sheds are permitted in residential districts in the rear yard only, must sit at least three feet from any lot line and ten feet from any alley line, and are sized according to lot area: 720 sf maximum on lots up to 10,000 sf, scaling up to 900 sf on lots of 40,000 sf or more. Combined accessory footprints may not cover more than 20% of the required rear yard.
Fire Pits & Outdoor Structures
Some RestrictionsFire pit placement, outdoor burning restrictions, and permits.
Outdoor Burning
Some RestrictionsBurlington regulates outdoor burning within city limits. Open burning prohibited except in approved fire pits. DNR notification required for larger burns outside city limits.
Landscaping & Tree Removal
Tree removal permits, heritage tree protections, and water rules.
No specific landscaping & tree removal rules found for Burlington. Check with your local building department for current requirements.
General Permit Tips
When do you typically need a permit?
Most cities require permits for structural work, including fences over a certain height, pools, ADUs, and sheds above a size threshold. Even projects that seem minor can trigger permit requirements, so it is always best to check first.
How to apply for a building permit
Visit your local building department or their website. Most jurisdictions accept online applications. You will typically need a site plan, project description, and may need contractor information. Processing times vary from same-day for simple projects to several weeks for larger builds.
Common permit violations to avoid
Building without a permit, exceeding approved dimensions, and ignoring setback requirements are the most common violations. Penalties can include fines, required removal of the structure, and complications when selling your home.
Permit Guides for Nearby Cities
Looking for rules beyond permits? View all ordinances we track for Burlington.