Remodel Permits in Maple Bluff, WI: What Needs One

Do You Need a Permit in Maple Bluff?

Yes permit neededNo no permitDepends depends on the workAsk not published, call the office

Project	Permit	What the rule says
Kitchen remodel	Depends	The Village lists 'Kitchen Remodel' as needing a building permit but 'Cabinetry' as needing no permit, so a cabinets-only swap is permit-free while a kitchen remodel needs one. The permit application has separate electrical, plumbing and HVAC checkboxes for remodels. Permits: building, electrical, plumbing.(source)
Bathroom remodel	Depends	The Village says interior remodels require a building permit (no Building Board review), so a bathroom remodel needs one, with plumbing and electrical checked on the application. Village materials don't say whether swapping fixtures in place, with no other changes, needs a permit; ask the Building Inspector. Permits: building, plumbing, electrical.(source)
Finish a basement	Yes	Finishing a basement is an interior remodel, which the Village says requires a building permit but not Building Board review. Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work are checked off on the same application under 'Remodel'. Permits: building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC.(source)
Remove or move a wall	Yes	Moving or removing interior walls is an interior remodel, which needs a building permit (no Building Board review). Village materials don't distinguish load-bearing from non-load-bearing walls. Permits: building.(source)
Build or replace a deck	Yes	Decks need a building permit (fee $0.75/sq ft, $219 minimum on the 2025 schedule) plus design approval. Under the 2025 zoning code, detached decks at ground level go to the Zoning Administrator and elevated detached decks go to the Building Board. Deck replacements or enlargements of 100 sq ft or less that meet setbacks are 'minor changes' for the Zoning Administrator. An attached deck counts as part of the house for setbacks. No size or height exemption is published, and frost depth isn't stated. Permits: building, zoning.(source)
Replace deck boards or railings	Ask	Village materials don't address replacing deck boards or railings in kind. The zoning code treats deck 'replacements' of 100 sq ft or less as minor changes needing Zoning Administrator approval before a building permit, but doesn't define simple repairs. Ask the Building Inspector.
Replace windows, same size	Yes	'Identical Windows' are listed as needing a building permit but no Building Board approval. The zoning code also requires Zoning Administrator sign-off for window replacements of similar size and design (switching between single and divided panes goes to the Building Board). 2025 fee: $63. Permits: building, zoning.(source)
New or larger window (egress)	Yes	A new or enlarged window opening is a 'Window Modification', which the Village says requires Building Board or administrative approval before a building permit is issued. Permits: building, zoning.(source)
Replace exterior doors	Yes	Under the 2025 zoning code, replacing an exterior or garage door of similar size is a 'minor change' that the Zoning Administrator must approve before a building permit is issued. The Single-Stage design application lists doors under exterior remodeling. Permits: building, zoning.(source)
Re-roof	Yes	Roofs are listed under 'Permit Required'. A roof replacement with similar materials and minimal design or structural changes is a 'minor change' that the Zoning Administrator approves before the permit is issued; bigger changes go to the Building Board. 2025 fee: $63. Tear-off vs. overlay and sheathing aren't addressed. Permits: building, zoning.(source)
Replace siding	Yes	Siding needs Building Board or administrative approval plus a building permit. Replacement siding of similar design with minimal structural change is a Zoning Administrator 'minor change' (material changes are acceptable). 2025 fee: $63. Permits: building, zoning.(source)
New flooring	No	Flooring is listed under 'No Permit Required'.(source)
Replace a water heater	Ask	Water heaters aren't named in Village materials. The Building Board packet says 'mechanical installations' need a building permit, and the 2025 fee schedule lists a plumbing permit ($131, or $63 with no inspection), but neither says whether a like-for-like water heater swap is covered. Building Chapter 90 couldn't be checked because ecode360 is behind a bot check. Permits: plumbing.
Build a fence	Yes	Installing, extending, structurally altering or replacing a fence needs a building permit from the Building Inspector, plus design approval (Zoning Administrator if it meets the standards). Maximum height is 5 ft along and within 10 ft of the rear lot line and 4 ft everywhere else. Fences can't be chain link, woven wire, or PVC/vinyl/plastic (wood-look composite is allowed), must be no more than 60% opaque, set back at least 6 inches from side and rear lines, and not closer to the street than the house. Maintenance without extension or structural change needs no permit. 2025 fee: $63. Permits: building, zoning.(source)

Checked October 2026 against the Village of Maple Bluff sources listed below.

Who to Call

Village of Maple Bluff Building Board
Phone: 608-244-3048
Email: buildingboard@villageofmaplebluff.com
Permit office website

No online portal: email the General Building Permit Application with plans to the Building Board inbox and pay online. Anything that changes the outside of the house first needs design approval, from the Zoning Administrator for like-for-like changes or from the Building Board, which meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month with materials due 2 weeks ahead (3 for major changes). Inspections are done by General Engineering Company.

Permit Fees

From the Village's '2025 Fee Schedule' PDF (found in the Village media library, not linked from a current page; the Building Board packet says to ask the Building Inspector or Clerk for the current schedule). Residential: remodels and alterations $0.38/sq ft (minimum $188) plus mechanicals; plan review for additions/alterations/remodels $63; electrical (including service upgrade) $194; plumbing $131 ($63 with no inspection); HVAC $131 ($63 with no inspection); fences, patios, roof, siding and windows $63; decks $0.75/sq ft (minimum $219); additions $0.38/sq ft (minimum $250) plus mechanicals, plus $125 erosion control; raze/demo $125; state seal $40; early start $313. Work started without a permit is charged double inspection fees. Separately, design-review applicants agree to reimburse the Village's consultant costs.(fee schedule)

Worth Knowing in Maple Bluff

Design review comes before the permit for anything that changes the outside. Minor changes go to the Zoning Administrator. Everything else goes to the Building Board, which meets at 5:15 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, with complete materials due two weeks ahead (three weeks for major changes). The owner or a representative must present.(source)
The zoning code was fully rewritten and took effect June 12, 2025, with new fence, setback and design-review rules. The 2022 Building Board packet still on the site shows the old 6-ft fence limit, which the current 4/5-ft limits replace.(source)
Lakefront lots: Lake Mendota frontage brings special setbacks, view protection for neighbors, and shoreland/floodplain zoning (Chapter 226 floodplain rules and maps were recently updated). Site plans must show the shoreline, floodplains, wetlands, steep slopes and mature trees.(source)
Projects worth $50,000 or more on a home fed by overhead power or communication lines need a signed Agreement to Place Utility Wires Underground. Demolishing or removing 200 sq ft or more of a building also needs a demolition permit.(source)
Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Trailers or equipment may sit in the front yard or driveway no more than 10 days a year and dumpsters no more than 30 days a year without a $25 permit. Anything placed in the street or right-of-way needs a $25 street obstruction permit.(source)
Owners can pull a permit for their own owner-occupied home without a Dwelling Contractor certification by signing the cautionary statement. Contractors must hold the matching Wisconsin credential. Pre-1978 homes trigger the state lead-safe renovation rules for paint disturbance and window work.(source)
The owner or contractor is responsible for calling in all inspections.(source)

Other Towns

Sources

Permit rules and fees change. We checked each answer against the town's own website, code or fee schedule in October 2026 and linked the source. Confirm with the permit office before you start. This is a guide, not legal advice.