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Village of Brown Deer, Wisconsin
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
4800 West Green Brook Drive
Brown Deer, WI 53223
(414)371-3030 / FAX (414)371-3045
GENERAL
OVERVIEW
Welcome The Inspection Division provides a number of diversified services
to the Village, its citizens, and businesses. Our goal is to provide a safe living and
working environment, through inspections, that assures building code compliance and
provide zoning enforcement to maintain the Village’s property values.
The Village is comprised of single family dwellings,
apartment complexes, condominium complexes, two business parks, an industrial park,
shopping centers and many other businesses and food establishments. Our concerns are with
the life safety issues that present themselves during various construction activities that
take place in the homes and businesses in the Village by adopting and implementing the
State of Wisconsin building, plumbing, and electrical codes, as well as our own building,
occupancy, sign, housing and zoning codes. Permits are issued to keep track of the work
that is being done and to ensure that it is inspected and meets the minimum standards of
the codes. Permit fees pay for the inspections and record keeping functions of the
department.
This department administers a Compliance Inspection Program for all
single-family and two-family dwellings that change ownership. The program is designed to
monitor the general upkeep, prevent the deterioration of buildings, and protect and secure
the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Brown Deer.
Our own Village buildings must also be maintained at the highest
level possible for the greatest value of the tax dollar. This department directs the
everyday maintenance and custodial operations as well as long-term capital building
improvements and major repairs. Well-maintained public buildings provide good working
conditions for the Village of Brown Deer staff and a pleasant environment for our citizens
to conduct their business while visiting these facilities.
This department also provides staff support to the Building Board
and Board of Appeals.
The following pages have been included to provide citizens,
contractors and local businesses with up to date information about our department, permit
requirements, permit fees, inspection information and more. We hope this information will
be helpful to you.
STAFF:
- Building/Plumbing Inspector: Robert Premo
- Department Secretary/Permit Clerk: Betty Bennett
- Electrical Inspector: Richard Hensch (Part-Time)
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SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
BUILDING
PERMIT FEES
The Application for Building Permit is available
on-line - click here*. You can fill in
the Application for Building Permit by clicking or tabbing to the different fields on the
form, then print off a copy for the Building Inspection Department. You should then contact the Department to find out if any plans or documentation is
required to be submitted along with the Application, as well as to determine the
appropriate fee for your permit. Click here* to
view the permit fee schedule. You may also visit the
Building Inspection Department to pick up an application. *To download and print
a copy, you must use the Adobe Acrobat Reader program. If it is
not already installed on your computer, please first visit the Adobe Web site to
download your free Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will only need to do this one time. Then you
will be able to view and print other forms on this website, at your own convenience.
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CERTIFICATE
OF COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
- History: Adopted by Village Ordinance on September 9, 1976. It was
revised March 19, 1990.
Purpose: In order to prevent the
development of hazardous conditions, prevent the deterioration of buildings and protect
and secure the health, safety and welfare of those living in the Village, it is necessary
that buildings in the Village be kept in a reasonable state of maintenance and repair.
When is a Certificate of Compliance Needed?
Whenever there is a proposed change of ownership of any single family or two family
residence in the Village of Brown Deer, a Certificate of Compliance inspection by the
Building Inspector is required before the title to the property will be allowed to
transfer.
Application Process and Procedures:
It is recommended that the application be submitted, along with the required
application fee,
at the time, or shortly after, the property is listed. This will enable the seller to
schedule the appointment with the Building Inspector and have time to correct any
violations which may exist before closing on the property. The Certificate of Compliance
is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Applications are available at the
Building Inspection Office during regular office hours, or available online by clicking here. You can fill in the Application by clicking
or tabbing to the different fields on the form, then print off a copy for the Building
Inspection Department. (To download and print a copy of the application, you must use the Adobe Acrobat Reader program. If it is not already
installed on your computer, please first visit the Adobe Web site to
download your free Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will only need to do this one time. Then you
will be able to view and print other forms on this website, at your own convenience.)
Regulations Enforced: Following is a
description of the various regulations enforced and required in order to receive a
Certificate. If an inspection by the Building Inspector discloses non-compliance
with any of the codes and/or ordinances, the Building Inspector will issue a letter of
non-compliance specifying the items in non-compliance and allowing (30) days for
compliance to be achieved. When a subsequent inspection discloses compliance, the
Certificate of Compliance will be issued.
- Brown Deer Building Code - Any improvements that have
been made to the property must be authorized by a Building Permit and meet the minimum
requirements of the Brown Deer Building Code.
- Brown Deer Plumbing Code - Any plumbing that is added
or replaced must be authorized by a Plumbing Permit and meet the minimum requirements of
the Wisconsin State Plumbing Code.
- Brown Deer Electrical Code - Any electrical wiring
that is added or changed must be authorized by an Electrical Permit and meet the minimum
requirements of the State and National Electrical Codes.
- Brown Deer Housing Code - All dwellings and
outbuildings must be kept in a reasonable state of maintenance and repair, interior and
exterior.
- Fire Prevention Code - A minimum of one battery
operated, U.L. approved, smoke detector is required on each level of a dwelling unit,
including the basement.
- Well Abandonment - Wells must be operational for
exterior use only or properly abandoned in accordance with Department of Natural Resource
regulations.
- Swimming Pools/Spas - Must be authorized by a permit
and installed according to the regulations set forth in the Swimming Pool Ordinance.
- Building Address I.D. - Conforming address numbers
are required. The numerals shall be black on a white background, not less than 2-1/2"
high and visible from the street.
- Sump Pump - A properly working sump pump is required
and shall not discharge into the sanitary sewer system.
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DIGGERS HOTLINE
- If you are doing any digging in Wisconsin,
state law requires you to notify Diggers Hotline of your intent to work, and to allow for
3 working days prior notice before digging. Diggers Hotline is open 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, 365 days a year!
- If you should need to notify Diggers Hotline
of your intent to dig, call:
Milwaukee Area (414) 259-1181
Toll Free (800) 242-8511
Hearing Impaired (TDD) (800) 542-2289
- Diggers Hotline is available over the
internet at www.diggershotline.com.
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ELECTRICAL
LICENSE INFORMATION
Electrical contractors operating in the Village of Brown Deer
are required to obtain an electrical license, and to renew the license annually. The Application for Electrical License is available at the Building Inspection Department or available on-line by clicking here*. You can fill in the Application by
clicking or tabbing to the different fields on the form, then print off a copy for the
Building Inspection Department. Please contact the
Building Inspection Department for additional details.
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ELECTRICAL
PERMIT FEES
The Application for Electrical Permit is available
on-line - click here*. You can fill in
the Application by clicking or tabbing to the different fields on the form, then print off
a copy for the Building Inspection Department. You should then contact
the Department to find out if any plans or documentation is required to be submitted along
with the Application, as well as to determine the appropriate fee for your permit.
Click here* to view the permit fee schedule. You
may also visit the Building Inspection Department to pick up an
application. *To download and print a copy, you must
use the Adobe Acrobat Reader program. If it is not already installed on your computer,
please first visit the Adobe Web site to
download your free Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will only need to do this one time. Then you
will be able to view and print other forms on this website, at your own convenience.
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FENCE GUIDELINES
- Definitions:
- Fence - A structure or wall which is a barrier and
used as a boundary or means of protection, confinement or screening.
- Fence, Open - A fence, including gates, which has,
for each one foot wide segment extending over the entire length and height of the fence,
50% of the surface area in open spaces which afford a direct view through the fence, such
as chain link and wooden open weave, picket or lattice fences.
- Fence, Solid - A fence, including gates, which
conceals from view from adjoining properties, streets or alleys, activities conducted
behind it such as stockade, dog ear or shadow box fences.
- The following fences and uses are permitted and may be
located in the interior side yards and rear yards:
- Fence, Open - Not more than five (5') feet in height,
except in Business and Manufacturing Zoning Districts such fences may be higher and in
Manufacturing Districts open fences may be located in the front yard.
- Fence, Solid - Not more than six (6') feet in height
in Business and Residential Zoning Districts, not more than eight (8') feet in
Manufacturing Zoning Districts.
- No barbed wire, chicken wire or electrically charged fences
shall be allowed except that in Business and Manufacturing Zoning Districts barbed wire
may be allowed on the top of a fence six (6') feet or more in height.
- All perimeter or border fences within five (5') feet of a
lot line shall be constructed with the finished or decorative side facing the adjacent or
abutting properties.
- Fences may be installed in all yards except front yards and
side yards adjoining a street. Generally, this means that fences may not be constructed in
front of your home or if located on a corner, fences may not be constructed in the side
yard of your home that adjoins the street.
- Permit Required:No fence shall be constructed within the Village of
Brown Deer without first obtaining a permit from the Building Inspection Department. No
fee shall be charged for such permit.
- Your fence location and construction details must be
confirmed with the Building Inspection Department before the fence may be constructed.
Indicate on a copy of your plat survey where the proposed fencing will be located.
Bring information about your choice of fencing when you apply for your permit, i.e.
type, height, etc.
Fence Applications are available at the Inspection Office during regular business hours.
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HOME
OCCUPATION GUIDELINES
- See Occupancy Permit Requirements below.
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HVAC PERMIT FEES
Click here for a
listing of the requirements, procedures, and fees needed to apply for an HVAC permit.
The HVAC Permit is available on-line - click here*.
You can fill in the Permit by clicking or tabbing to the different fields on the form,
then print off a copy for the Building Inspection Department. You should then contact the Department to find out if any plans or documentation is
required to be submitted along with the Application, as well as to determine the
appropriate fee for your permit. The permit fee schedule is included on the permit
application. You may also visit the Building Inspection
Department to pick up an application. *To download and print a copy, you must use the Adobe Acrobat Reader program. If it is not already
installed on your computer, please first visit the Adobe Web site to
download your free Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will only need to do this one time. Then you
will be able to view and print other forms on this website, at your own convenience.
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OCCUPANCY
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
- Occupancy Permits are required when any business or occupation is
carried out by an immediate family member living in a residential property in the Village.
Below is a list of requirements that are designated by the Village Zoning
Code regarding Home Occupations.
ZONING CODE - CHAPTER III, Section 3-3.01 Home
OccupationsA. Permitted home occupations in
all residential districts shall be any business or occupation carried on by a member of
the immediate family residing within the dwelling in connection with which:
- The home occupation is incidental and secondary to the use of the
dwelling for dwelling purposes and does not occupy more than one-fourth (25%) of the floor
area of a story, cellar or accessory structure;
- There are no signs, display or activity that will indicate from the
exterior that the building is being used, in part, for any purpose other than that of a
dwelling, except one sign, not more than one square foot in area, as regulated in Section
8;
- There are no commodities sold, or services rendered that require
receipt or deliver of merchandise, goods or equipment by other than a passenger motor
vehicle or by U.S. letter carrier mail service;
- There is no person other than one additional member of the immediate
family residing on the premises employed or otherwise engaged in the home occupation;
- All activity, including storage, is conducted completely within the
dwelling unit, attached garage or detached garage;
- There are no special structural alterations, or construction features
to the dwelling, attached garage or detached garage nor the installation of special
equipment attached to walls, floors or ceilings;
- There is no perceptible noise, odor, smoke, electrical interference
or vibration emanating from the structure;
- There is no more than one customer or client on the premises at the
same time; and
- There is no activity between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
B. The only modification to the standards in A above shall be those
specified as conditional permitted uses within the regulations of a residential district.
Please write a letter stating the type of business, hours of
operation and a brief description of the business. Note in the letter that you have read
the Zoning Code regulations pertaining to home occupations and that you agree to abide by
these regulations. The letter may be dropped off or sent to:
Village of Brown Deer
Building Inspection Department
4800 W. Green Brook Drive
Brown Deer, WI 53223
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PERMITS
REQUIRED FOR...
- Below is a list of some things that you do
require a permit...
Building Permit
Remodel the basement (rec. room, office, playroom, etc.)
Construct a storage shed
Construct a garage
Apply siding and/or trim
Roofing
Construct a deck
Install a swimming pool (above ground or in-ground) or hot tub
Erect a fence
Install windows if the size of the opening will be changed
Install a patio door
Electrical Permit
Remodeling work of any kind where outlets or lighting is added or changed
Upgrade electrical service
Wire garage door opener
Add 220 amp outlets
Change electrical box from fuses to circuit breakers
Wire central air conditioning and/or furnace even if replacing units
Wiring for swimming pool/hot tub
Plumbing Permit
Install new fixtures
Replace old fixtures
Install dishwasher
Install water heater
H.V.A.C. Permit
Install new or replacement furnace and/or air conditioning
Install space heater
Install fireplace or wood burning stove
This is not a complete list but covers the most
common permits required. A good rule of thumb is to contact
the Building Inspection Department before starting any project and ask about permits. A
common problem is when Village residents hire contractors to perform improvements and the
contractors neglect to obtain the proper permits and, in some cases fail to perform the
work properly. To prevent this problem from occurring on your project, the following is
recommended:
- That you have an understanding with the contractor, in
writing, who is responsible for obtaining the permit.
- That you withhold a mutually agreed upon percentage of the
contract until the work is satisfactorily completed, inspected and approved by the
Inspection Department.
Plumbers must be licensed by the State of
Wisconsin and electricians must be licensed by the Village of Brown Deer
in order to legally perform plumbing or electrical work on your property.
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PLUMBING
PERMIT FEES
The Application for Plumbing Permit is available
on-line - click here*. You can fill in the
Application by clicking or tabbing to the different fields on the form, then print off a
copy for the Building Inspection Department. You should then contact
the Department to find out if any plans or documentation is required to be submitted along
with the Application, as well as to determine the appropriate fee for your permit.
Click here to view the permit fee schedule. Contact the Building Inspection Department for plumbing permit fee
information.
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REQUIREMENTS
FOR NEW HOME PERMIT
- Information not currently available on-line.
Contact the Building Inspection Department
for additional information.
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SIGN
PERMIT GUIDELINES
- Permits are required for parties wishing to put up various types of
signs in the Village. A permit application is available from the Building Inspection
Department, or available on-line by clicking here.
You can fill in the Application by clicking or
tabbing to the different fields on the form, then print off a copy for the Building
Inspection Department. You should then contact the
Department to find out if any plans or documentation is required to be submitted along
with the Application, as well as to determine the appropriate fee for your permit.
The Applicant is required to comply with applicable requirements of the Wisconsin
Administrative Code, the Rules of the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations,
and the Graphic Ordinance of the Village of Brown Deer. Signs may be subject to the
review and approval of the Building Board. Landscaping features may be reviewed and
required by the Village Beautification Committee. *To download and print a copy, you must use the Adobe Acrobat Reader program. If it is not already
installed on your computer, please first visit the Adobe Web site to
download your free Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will only need to do this one time. Then you
will be able to view and print other forms on this website, at your own convenience.
Garage/Rummage/Political Signs - There are
state laws and village ordinances governing the posting of advertisements and signs.
Wisconsin state law, Statute 84.30, prohibits the posting of advertisements along the side
and in the median of state highways that receive any type of federal funding, such as West
Brown Deer Road and North Green Bay Roads. However, signs can be posted on private
property alongside those roads, with the permission of the owner of the property.
Village Ordinances in VL1-12 (Regulation of signs on utility poles and political signs)
prohibits putting signs on any utility poles without written permission of the utility
pole owner. This information must then be filed with the Village Clerk. Utility companies
normally do not grant permission for such postings. Political signs posted in
accordance with the laws and ordinances previously mentioned, but can only be posted from
forty-five days prior to an election to thirty days after an election. The Police
or Public Works Departments, at the direction of the Village Manager, could potentially
remove any signs found in violation of Village Ordinances and the sign owner is possibly
subject to a fine.
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SPECIAL
APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR...
Information not currently available on-line. Contact the Building Inspection Department for additional
information.
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STORAGE
SHED GUIDELINES
- A storage shed may be constructed in the interior side or
rear yard of any residential zoning district provided the following criteria is met:
- A Building Permit is required. Fee - $50.00
- A plan, scaled no smaller than 1/4" = 1', or
manufacturer’s specifications must be submitted with application for permit. Location
must be indicated on a copy of the certified survey.
- Construction must be according to the manufacturer’s
specifications in the event a kit is being used or meet the minimum standards of the Brown
Deer Building Code.
- Maximum size - 144 sq. ft., 15' high
- Minimum distance from other buildings, i.e. house, garage -
10'
- Minimum distance from lot line - 5'
- Sheds may not be constructed within any easement. (See plat
survey to determine if you have an easement.)
- The storage shed must be constructed on a floating or footed
slab of reinforced concrete not less than 4" in thickness, or a treated wood floor
system. Dirt, gravel or sand floor is not permitted.
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SWIMMING
POOL GUIDELINES
- The regulations for swimming pools and spa installations is outlined
in Article 6, Chapter IX of the Brown Deer Village Code, which is available by clicking here.
(To
download and print a copy of the application, you must use the
Adobe Acrobat Reader program. If it is not already installed on your computer, please
first visit the Adobe
Web site to download your free Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will only need to do
this one time. Then you will be able to view and print other forms on this website, at
your own convenience.)
To download a copy of the Application for Permit to Install
Swimming Pool, click here. (To download and
print a copy of the application, you must use the Adobe Acrobat
Reader program. If it is not already installed on your computer, please first visit the Adobe Web site to
download your free Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will only need to do this one time. Then you
will be able to view and print other forms on this website, at your own convenience.)
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