The third of a three-part series on city of Marshfield permits

By Dick Pokorny

Marshfield Building Services Supervisor

The first two articles I wrote dealt with when someone needs a permit for doing construction or a land use project and who should take out any needed permits. This third installment deals with what you need in order to obtain a permit.

Please note that this series contains general information and is primarily for one- or two-family houses. Individual permits may need more or less depending upon what is being contemplated. Commercial construction work is best left to the professionals as there are many more rules involved. Typically, there is a lot more information needed and more plan approval time needed by staff.

If you or your contractor needs one of the dreaded permits (it’s not that bad), someone has to supply us with enough information so we can determine code compliance. Local codes try to cover all possibilities for changes to properties.

Most municipal building codes are based upon state or federal rules. In most cases the information required is straightforward, and the majority of the information needed will be supplied on the permit application form or perhaps with one or two additional pages. If more information is needed, city staff is more than happy to help you.

Nonstructural changes such as replacement of doors, windows, soffit, fascia, roofing, siding, or inside cabinetry with no changes in walls simply need the proper building permit application filled out and signed.

Persons who want to build a deck, an addition, a detached garage, or shed need more than a simple permit application as do people considering inside remodeling by adding or changing walls, doors, or steps. The city has to review the project’s compliance with the building codes.

If it is an exterior deck or addition work, where exactly is this change taking place on the property in relation to existing structures and lot lines? Where the proposed construction will go on the property is put on a site plan. A site plan is an aerial view of the property showing structures and how close every structure is to lot lines. The construction plan details how the project will be completed.

Site plans for all decks, additions, sheds, garages, signs, or fences are reviewed by Zoning Administrator Sam Schroeder. He determines how big you can build something, how close to other buildings or lot lines you can be, or if the land use — such as home occupations — allows for the proposed project. If you have questions on this, you may reach him at 715-486-2077 or by email at [email protected].

For the construction plan we need details such as, but not limited to, what boards or supports are used and where or what size concrete will hold something up. This information is available from designers, lumberyards, home improvement centers, and big box stores. They can help you develop a plan with the needed information.

A small garden-type shed does not need a construction plan but would need a site plan. If it is 12’ x 12’ or less in any or both of these dimensions, building services exempts needing a building plan.

If you have questions please contact building services at 715-486-2016 or via the city’s website, ci.marshfield.wi.us. Our permit applications and other related forms are found online at ci.marshfield.wi.us/residents/permits/index.php.