Neenah Building Permits: Roofs, Decks, Fences and Driveways

Neenah permit needs for five common projects

The City of Neenah publishes a list of common improvements that need permits, and it is not all-inclusive.^[2] Here is how your five jobs sit against it.

Roof replacement

The city's own words: "Cosmetic work or repair work such as re-roofing, re-siding, kitchen cabinet replacement etc. may not require a permit unless the work involves structural items or plumbing or electrical system."^[2]

If your roof job touches rafters, vents with wiring, or anything similar, call 920-886-6130 before you sign a contract.^[2] For cost context, see the roof replacement cost guide.

Deck and fence

The city lists "Decks (over 24"" and "Fences (replacement or new)" among the common improvements needing permits.^[2] The deck trigger is more than 24 inches above grade or more than 24 square feet.

A low, small platform may fall under it, so measure first. The state-level deck details are in the Wisconsin deck code guide.

Driveway, flatwork and basement waterproofing

The city's list names parking lots but not residential driveways, patios or sidewalks. It names foundation repair or replacement, but not waterproofing, drain tile or sump work.

For both jobs, check with the city through its Inspections page before work starts. If you need a pro for either, see Badger Flatwork or Badger Basements.

Permit fees in Neenah

No fee for these five jobs appears on the city pages read. Check the city's fee schedule, or ask the office.

The city's Permits, Forms, Applications & Fees page points applicants to its online permit portal. It also links the current Permit and Assessment Fee Schedule and the Planning and Zoning Fee Schedule.^[9] For new one- and two-family homes, the city says fees are based on square footage.^[10]

Ask whether a second approval stacks on top of the building permit.

Ask too who applies, who books inspections and who pays the fee, so the answer is in writing before work begins.

Neenah application office and inspecting body

The office is the City of Neenah Division of Community Development: Inspections. Its page is at ci.neenah.wi.us/departments/inspections.^[1] You can reach it at (920) 886-6130 or inspections@ci.neenah.wi.us.^[10]

For the application itself, the city directs you to its online permit portal.^[9] The city also advises property owners to call Community Development staff to verify which approvals and permits are required before preparing plans and submitting building or site-work permits.^[11]

These rules are for the City of Neenah. Check that your address is in the city and not in the Town of Neenah or another municipality, since each office sets its own rules.

Our permit table for Wisconsin cities lets you compare cities, including Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. Neenah sits in what we group as the Fox Valley, which is our own navigation label and not an official boundary.

Snow load and footing rules in Winnebago County

Two state rules apply on top of the city's.

Roof snow load

Winnebago County is listed as Zone 2 (30 psf) under SPS 321.02 and Figure 321.02. Zone 1 is 40 psf.^[3] The zone line touches the county's northwest corner, at the Waupaca and Outagamie County borders.

Ask the county or municipal building inspector which zone your lot is in before designing a roof or addition. The snow load by county page has the full list.

Footing depth

Wisconsin has one frost rule for the whole state. 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.^[4]

Footings may not be placed on frozen material.^[4]

There is no county frost-depth table, and a local inspector can ask for more. Ask the building inspector if your site is unusual. More detail is in the 48-inch footing rule guide.

Permit holder qualifications

For a one- or two-family dwelling, a person who obtains a building permit must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification (or a Restricted certification) through a certificate of financial responsibility.^[5][6] That requires a bond of at least $25,000 or general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence.^[5]

The certificate is valid for one year.^[5]

The business must also hold, or employ, a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.^[7][8] Qualifiers renew with 12 hours of department-approved continuing education.^[7] The city's plan submittal sheet for new homes also calls for this certification information.^[10]

Two paths follow from that:

• Hiring out: ask for the contractor's Dwelling Contractor and Qualifier credentials and verify them with the DSPS license lookup guide.
• Doing it yourself: an owner who lives or will live in the dwelling and applies for a permit to do work on it is exempt.^[6]

This credential is a permit-pulling credential, not a trade license.^[5] The full rules are on the Dwelling Contractor license page.

Side by side

Who pulls the permit

Hiring out

• Contractor holds Dwelling Contractor certification
• Business has a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier
• Verify credentials before signing

vs

Doing it yourself

• Owner lives or will live in the dwelling
• Owner applies for the permit
• Exempt from the certification

The City of Neenah Inspections office has the final word on any permit question.

Quick answers

Does a roof replacement need a permit in Neenah?

It may not, unless the work involves structural items or the plumbing or electrical system. Call 920-886-6130 to confirm.

When does a deck need a permit?

The city lists decks over 24 inches above grade or over 24 square feet.

Where do I apply for a permit?

Use the city's online permit portal, and call Community Development staff first to verify which approvals are required.

Can a homeowner pull their own permit?

An owner who lives or will live in the dwelling and applies for a permit to do work on it is exempt from the certification.