Before You Build in De Pere, 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 De Pere. 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 De Pere. 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 RestrictionsDe Pere Municipal Code section 54-7 caps residential fences at 3 feet in front yards and corner side yards within the building setback, 4 feet for see-through styles on non-corner lots, and 6 feet on side and rear boundary lines. Commercial and industrial fences may reach 8 feet, and a building permit from the Building Inspector is required before installation.
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 RestrictionsDe Pere requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. WI Uniform Dwelling Code governs. Inspections required.
Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsDe Pere requires pool barriers to prevent unsupervised child access. Minimum 48-inch height. Self-closing, self-latching gates. WI Stat. §145.17.
Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsDe Pere 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 RestrictionsDe Pere regulates accessory dwellings under Chapter 14 (Zoning Ordinance) of the Municipal Code, which was comprehensively rewritten in 2022 and became effective January 1, 2023. Under the rewritten ordinance, backyard cottages and secondary suites are permitted uses in residential districts. Detached accessory buildings generally must be located in the rear yard, conform to prescribed zoning setbacks, sit at least 5 feet from any other building, occupy no more than 50% of the required rear yard, and not exceed 850 square feet total. The Planning & Zoning Division administers Chapter 14 under the city zoning authority of Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23.
Sheds & Outbuildings
Some RestrictionsShed permits, setback limits, and outbuilding size rules.
Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsDe Pere regulates sheds and other detached accessory buildings under Chapter 14 (Zoning Ordinance), which was rewritten effective January 1, 2023. A shed must be located in the rear yard, conform to the prescribed zoning district setbacks from property lines, sit at least 5 feet from any other building or structure, occupy no more than 50 percent of the required rear yard, and not exceed 850 square feet in total area. Building permits are administered by the De Pere Building Inspection Department.
Fire Pits & Outdoor Structures
Some RestrictionsFire pit placement, outdoor burning restrictions, and permits.
Outdoor Burning
Some RestrictionsOutdoor burning regulated by WI DNR and local ordinance. De Pere may prohibit most open burning. Garbage burning always illegal. DNR permits required in protection areas.
Landscaping & Tree Removal
Tree removal permits, heritage tree protections, and water rules.
No specific landscaping & tree removal rules found for De Pere. 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 De Pere.