Permit requirements by project in Manitowoc
The city's permit summary for one- and two-family dwellings is a simplified list, not a comprehensive one, but it answers three of your five jobs directly.[2] Use the current form from the city's site, since older downloads still circulate.
| Job | Permit needed? | City's stated conditions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof replacement | Yes | Replacing 25% or less needs no permit | Confirmed |
| Driveway and flatwork | Check with the city | None listed | Check with Manitowoc |
| Deck | Yes | Replacing only decking material needs no permit | Confirmed |
| Basement waterproofing | Check with the city | None listed | Check with Manitowoc |
| Fence | Yes | New or replacement of existing | Confirmed |
Roofs, decks and fences
The city's wording for roofing is "New or replacement roofing. Replace 25% or less no permit required."[2] A detached garage re-roof, size for size, also needs no permit.[2] For roofing, see our Wisconsin roofing guide.
For decks, the list reads "Deck, porch, ramp, step. New or replacement of existing. Replacing only decking material does not require a permit."[2]
Rebuilding the structure is a different matter from swapping boards. Our Wisconsin deck code guide covers the construction side.
Fences are listed as "Fence. New or replacement of existing."[2]
Driveways and basement waterproofing
The summary lists no driveway, patio or sidewalk item, so check with the city before you pour. The city sends applicants to its Engineering Department for new sidewalk and driveway permits.[12]
If you need a concrete pro, see Badger Flatwork.
The summary lists a sump pump (new, replacement or relocation) under electrical or plumbing work, but it does not mention waterproofing or drain tile.[2] Check with the city, and ask whether a sump circuit or plumbing change needs its own permit.
For a pro, see Badger Basements.
Finding the fee for a Manitowoc permit
The city's pages publish no fee tied to your five jobs by name, so check the city's fee schedule or ask the office. The published schedule is a Permit Fee Schedule that lists fees by work type. It directs applicants to Building Inspection for permit-fee information.[10]
Ask for the fee before you sign a contract, and ask whether plan review adds a charge.
Pro tip
Get the permit fee and any plan review charge in writing before you sign, so the contract price and the permit cost are clearly separate.
Call (920) 686-6940.[10]
Where to apply and who inspects in Manitowoc
Building Inspection handles permits at 900 Quay Street, Manitowoc. Owners can submit applications there or by email, and the office takes questions at (920) 686-6940.[11] The city's page is Manitowoc Building Inspection.[1]
Contractors and tradespeople working in the city must create a MyGov account and complete local contractor registration. The city says registration has no charge.[11]
Make sure your address is inside the City of Manitowoc. The Town of Manitowoc and other nearby towns publish their own rules, so advice that fits a town address may not fit a city one.
Call the office to confirm which rules apply to your lot.
The city and the building inspector have the final word on every job here.
Snow load and footing rules in Manitowoc County
Manitowoc County is in Zone 2 of the Uniform Dwelling Code roof map, a 30 psf roof snow load, and it is not on the zone line.[3] Zone 1 is 40 psf.[3] See the full snow load by county table.
Footings and foundations, including those for landings and stoops, go below the frost penetration level or at least 48 inches below adjacent grade, whichever is deeper. Footings may not be placed on frozen material.[4]
Wisconsin sets one statewide rule with no county frost table, and a local inspector can ask for more. Ask the building inspector what applies to your lot. More in our frost depth guide.
Who may pull the permit
For a one- or two-family dwelling, the person who obtains the building permit needs a Dwelling Contractor certification (or a Dwelling Contractor Restricted certification), held through a certificate of financial responsibility.[5][6] That person must also hold, or employ, a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.[7][8]
The Qualifier renews with 12 hours of approved continuing education, 4 of them on construction laws and codes, contracts, liability and risk management.[7] The certificate of financial responsibility is valid for one year.
It is a permit-pulling credential, not a trade license.[5]
Manitowoc states the same rule. A certified Dwelling Contractor and Qualifier must obtain the permit unless the work is on an existing one- or two-family dwelling occupied by the owner, who may then obtain the permit and perform the work.[9] Read more on the Dwelling Contractor license page.
Side by side
Who obtains the permit
Hired contractor
- Certified Dwelling Contractor
- Dwelling Contractor Qualifier held or employed
Owner-occupied existing home
- Owner may obtain the permit
- Owner may perform the work
Manitowoc sits in our Northeast & Lakeshore grouping, which is our own navigation label, not an official boundary. Compare other cities in the Wisconsin permit table, or see how Green Bay handles the same jobs.
Quick answers
Does a roof replacement need a Manitowoc permit?
Yes, but the city says replacing 25% or less needs no permit.
Does replacing deck boards need a permit?
No. Replacing only decking material does not require a permit.
Do driveways and basement waterproofing need a permit?
The city's summary does not list them, so check with the city before starting.
Can an owner pull their own permit?
Yes, for work on an existing one- or two-family dwelling the owner occupies.
Sources
- City of Manitowoc. "Manitowoc building permits and inspections." https://www.manitowoc.org/148/Building-Inspection. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Manitowoc. "Manitowoc: building permit rules (city page)." https://www.manitowoc.org/DocumentCenter/View/20982. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS 321.02 (roof snow load) and Figure 321.02." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20321.02. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "Wisconsin Administrative Code, SPS 321.16 (Footings and foundations)." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20321.16. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. "Dwelling Contractor (DC) (DSPS)." https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/dwelling-contractor-dc/. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "Wis. Stat. 101.654; SPS 305.31." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/101.654. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. "Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) (DSPS)." https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/dwelling-contractor-qualifier-dcq/. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "SPS 305.31(1)(b); Wis. Stat. 101.654(1m)." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20305.31. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Manitowoc Building Inspection. "PERMIT REQUIREMENTS." https://www.manitowoc.org/DocumentCenter/View/20982/permit-requirements-summary?bidId=. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Manitowoc Building Inspection, Division of Life Safety. "Permit Fee Schedule." https://www.manitowoc.org/DocumentCenter/View/19401/civic-plus-Permit-Fees. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Manitowoc. "Permits & Contractor Registration." https://www.manitowoc.org/2598/Permits-Contractor-Registration. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Manitowoc Engineering Department. "PERMITS & FORMS." https://www.manitowoc.org/389/Permits-Forms. Accessed October 17, 2026.