Remodel Permits in Monona, WI: What Needs One

Do You Need a Permit in Monona?

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

Project	Permit	What the rule says
Kitchen remodel	Yes	Monona's permit packet lists kitchen remodeling and alterations as needing a building permit, and any electrical or plumbing work needs its own permit too. The city publishes no exemption for cabinet- or countertop-only jobs, so check with the inspector before skipping a permit. Permits: building, electrical, plumbing.(source)
Bathroom remodel	Yes	Bathroom remodels need a building permit. Any plumbing, electrical or ventilation work needs its own permit, and the city publishes no exemption for swapping fixtures in place. Permits: building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC.(source)
Finish a basement	Yes	Finishing an unfinished basement needs a building permit, plus electrical, plumbing and HVAC permits for that work. Permits: building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC.(source)
Remove or move a wall	Yes	Monona requires a permit for all remodeling and alterations, including interior changes, so removing or moving walls needs one. The city doesn't publish separate rules for load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. Permits: building.(source)
Build or replace a deck	Yes	New decks need a building permit, and the city publishes no size or height exemption. The Building Inspection page points deck builders to the state UDC deck guide (Appendix B commentary). The stormwater form attached to the permit application treats decks as impervious surface unless the owner proves otherwise, so you have to report the deck's area. Permits: building.(source)
Replace deck boards or railings	Ask	Monona's web pages and permit packet don't say whether replacing deck boards or railings in kind needs a permit. The building code (Chapter 175 on ecode360) was blocked by a bot check, so it couldn't be checked.
Replace windows, same size	Yes	Replacing windows needs a building permit. The city's list doesn't separate same-size replacements from other window work. Permits: building.(source)
New or larger window (egress)	Yes	Cutting a new or larger window opening changes the exterior and the structure, and Monona requires a building permit for any change to the exterior and any alteration. Even plain window replacement needs a permit. Permits: building.(source)
Replace exterior doors	Ask	Exterior door replacement isn't on Monona's permit list. The general rule covers 'any additions and/or changes to the exterior,' so ask the inspector. The code on ecode360 couldn't be checked.
Re-roof	Yes	Re-roofing needs a building permit. The city doesn't separate tear-off from overlay or say anything about replacing sheathing. Permits: building.(source)
Replace siding	Yes	Re-siding needs a building permit. Permits: building.(source)
New flooring	Ask	Flooring isn't on Monona's permit list, and the city doesn't say it's exempt. The general rule covers 'any additions or changes to the interior,' so ask the inspector. The code on ecode360 couldn't be checked.
Replace a water heater	Yes	Replacing a water heater needs a permit. Monona names it, along with furnaces, central air and water softeners. Permits: plumbing.(source)
Build a fence	Yes	Every fence on a residential lot needs a fence permit, which the Zoning Administrator and Building Inspector review together. Fences can be up to 6 ft in side and rear yards, and can't extend past the front of the house. Street-yard fences must be decorative natural material, at most 42 in tall and 6 in back from the property line. Shore-yard fences can be at most 42 in tall and 10 ft from the ordinary high-water mark. The fee is $100: $50 for zoning review and $50 for the building permit. Permits: zoning, building.(source)

Checked October 2026 against the City of Monona sources listed below.

Who to Call

City of Monona Building Inspection
Phone: 608-222-2525
Email: bldinspec@ci.monona.wi.us
Permit office website

Inspection is contracted to General Engineering Company. Apply on its online permit portal (the city's preferred route) or email a paper application. Inspections are requested from General Engineering at 608-745-4070.

Permit Fees

Monona doesn't publish a general residential fee schedule online. The inspector calculates fees from your application and plans, and the fence form says fees are set under code § 175-9 (on ecode360, which was blocked). The only published residential fee found is the fence permit: $50 zoning review plus $50 building permit, paid when the permit is issued. Card payments carry a 2.75% user fee.(fee schedule)

Worth Knowing in Monona

The permit application has a Stormwater Utility form for any project that changes impervious area. Decks count as impervious unless the owner can prove otherwise, so a new deck or addition can change your stormwater utility charge.(source)
Lakefront lots have shore-yard limits: fences max 42 in tall and at least 10 ft from the ordinary high-water mark, and only boathouses, boat shelters, landings and piers are allowed as accessory structures in the shore yard.(source)
The city has a separate Erosion Control and Stormwater Management permit application. It asks for new impervious area, total soil disturbance, and whether any digging goes below elevation 847.7 ft.(source)
A separate zoning permit is required for any construction, substantial relocation or substantial enlargement of a structure.(source)
The building inspector holds walk-in office hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 to 10 a.m., at City Hall, or you can call 608-222-2525 for an appointment.(source)
Work in the city right-of-way (driveway aprons, sidewalks, curb) needs a separate Public Works right-of-way permit. Only the water utility may turn curb stops on or off, with 48 hours' notice.(source)
The application lists contractor license fields for a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier, Master Electrician, and Plumbing and HVAC contractors. Owners applying for a construction permit sign the state's cautionary statement about hiring uninsured contractors (Wis. Stat. 101.65(1r)).(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.