FAQs • Whitewater, WI • CivicEngage

Do I need a permit for a shed or detached garage?: Yes, you need to fill out a permit form and provide the city with a complete plan showing the lot, the house on the lot, the location of the shed or garage on the lot along with all other structures on the lot and the set backs from the lot lines and the home (minimum 5 feet from the side and rear lot lines and 10 feet from the home) (section 14.04, section 19).

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Neighborhood Services

1. Do I need a building permit to add a deck to my house?: Yes, you need to fill out a permit form and provide the city with a complete plan showing the lot, house on the lot, the deck on the house and lot, the setbacks from the lot lines and the side view of the deck showing the height and railing type that maybe needed (10 feet from the side lot line and 15 feet from the rear lot line) (section 14.04, section 19).

2. Do I need a permit for a shed or detached garage?: Yes, you need to fill out a permit form and provide the city with a complete plan showing the lot, the house on the lot, the location of the shed or garage on the lot along with all other structures on the lot and the set backs from the lot lines and the home (minimum 5 feet from the side and rear lot lines and 10 feet from the home) (section 14.04, section 19).

3. Do I need a permit for new siding or replacement windows?: No, as long as you are not closing up existing windows or doors with the new siding or that you are not increasing or decreasing the size of the windows with the new windows. If you are, then you will need to fill out a permit form and turn in a drawing showing the side elevation of home and the area that you are changing along with the floor plan of the area being worked on. (section 14.04)

4. Do I need a permit for new cabinets or replacing drywall?: Yes, you will need to fill out a building permit and turn in a floor plan showing the area to be worked on. (section 14.04)

5. Who has to remove the snow and/or ice off the sidewalk in front of my house?: If you rent you will need to check your lease and if you’re the home owner you and/or the renter need to completely clean all snow and ice from your sidewalk by 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. For safety this means that any amount of snow or ice on your sidewalk must be completely clean including any dusting or drifting that may happen. (section 12.20)

6. When do I have to cut my grass?: Grass length should not exceed 7 inches in height. It must be cut if it exceeds this height. (section 7.22)

7. How many non-family household members can I have in a single family house?: If you are in an R-1 or R-2 Zoning districts anywhere in the city you can only have 3 unrelated non-family household members. If you are in the R-3 Zoning anywhere in the city you cannot have more than 5 unrelated non-family household members. (section 19.09.520)

8. How do I make a complaint about code violations?: Clink on this link Violation Complaint Form or select Submit a Request on the web site main page. We do require a name and phone number for follow-up information, but you can request to remain anonymous.