Permit requirements in New Berlin, project by project
The city's permit page says permits are required for many types of construction projects within New Berlin.[2] Here is what its pages say for each job.
| Job | Permit needed? | What the city states | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof replacement | Check with the city | Not named in the city's permit table | Check with New Berlin |
| Driveway and flatwork | Depends | Engineering Department permits cover culverts, curb and ditch, driveway approach, grading and erosion control | City page names it, no trigger stated |
| Deck | Yes | "Decks (Attached or Detached) Yes" | City page says yes |
| Basement waterproofing | Check with the city | Only an "Under Floor Drain" plumbing permit is listed | Check with New Berlin |
| Fence | Depends | Listed under Planning/Zoning Permits | City page names it, no trigger stated |
Roof replacement and basement waterproofing
The city's permit table does not list roofing or re-roofing. It describes its list as typical rather than complete, with a request to contact staff.[2] Waterproofing as a job is not named either.
Check with the city before you sign a start date, and ask for the answer in writing. For roofing background, see Roofing in Wisconsin.
Driveway, flatwork and fences
For driveways, the Engineering Department issues permits for culverts, curb and ditch, driveway approach, grading and erosion control.[2] The page does not say when a permit is needed for a driveway slab, patio or sidewalk. Contact city staff.
Fences appear under "Planning/Zoning Permits (Fence, Home Occupation, Retaining Wall)."[2] The page names the job but does not say when a permit is required.
Ask the city, and ask for zoning review specifically.
Decks
Attached or detached, a deck is marked "Yes" in the building column.[2] The city's deck handout adds that properties with septic systems need location approval from Waukesha County Environmental Resources before the permit can be issued. Zoning setbacks and plan reviews apply too.[9]
Our Wisconsin deck code guide covers the construction side.
How do you find the fee for a New Berlin permit?
No fee for these five jobs was published on the permit pages read. Check the city's fee schedule or ask the office.
The city publishes a Wisconsin Uniform Building Code schedule of permit fees. It includes minimum permit fees, plan-examination fees and separate listed charges for decks and swimming pools.[10]
Confirm any job-specific amount against the current schedule or with Building Permits & Inspections.
Have this ready when you call:
- Your property address
- The project type and scope (tear-off or overlay, size, materials)
- Whether you or a contractor will do the work
- Whether the home is a one- or two-family dwelling
Where to apply and who does inspections in New Berlin
The office is Community Development: Building Permits & Inspections, and its page is at newberlinwi.gov.[1] Start there. Then use the permit table for the list of items requiring permits.[2]
The permit table tells you to contact staff to check a specific project.[2] That is the safest route for anything the table leaves open.
Confirm with the city permit office whether a permit is needed, rather than taking a contractor's word for it.
State snow load and footing rules for Waukesha County
These are state rules, not city rules. They apply on top of whatever New Berlin decides about a permit.
Roof snow load
Waukesha County is in Zone 2 under SPS 321.02(1)(b)2 and Figure 321.02, which sets 30 psf. Zone 1 is 40 psf.[3] The county is not on a zone line.
See roof snow load by county for the full list.
Footing depth
Wisconsin has one statewide frost rule, with no county table. Under SPS 321.16(1)(a), 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]
A local inspector can ask for more, so ask the building inspector if your site is unusual. The frost depth guide explains the rule further.
Eligibility to pull the permit
For a one- or two-family dwelling, the person who obtains the 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 holder must also hold, or employ, a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.[7][8] The Qualifier renews with 12 hours of approved continuing education. Four of those hours cover construction laws and codes, contracts, liability and risk management.[7]
An owner who lives or will live in the dwelling and applies for a permit to do work on it is exempt.[6] Confirm your situation with the city.
Side by side
Who pulls the permit
Hired contractor
- Dwelling Contractor certification
- Bond of at least $25,000 or insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence
- Holds or employs a Qualifier
Owner-occupant
- Lives or will live in the dwelling
- Exempt when applying for own work
- Confirm with the city
To check a contractor, use the DSPS license lookup guide, and read more on the Dwelling Contractor license.
If you need a pro, Badger Flatwork lists concrete and flatwork contractors, and Badger Basements lists basement waterproofing contractors, both statewide.
New Berlin sits in the Southeast region, our own grouping for navigation and not an official boundary. Compare other cities in the permit table, including neighboring Waukesha and Brookfield.
Rules and fees change, and the city or the building inspector has the final word.
Quick answers
Does a deck need a permit in New Berlin?
Yes. The city's permit table marks attached and detached decks as requiring a permit.
Is a roof replacement listed in the permit table?
No. Roofing is not listed, so check with the city and ask for the answer in writing.
How deep must footings be in Waukesha County?
Below frost penetration or at least 48 inches below adjacent grade, whichever is deeper.
Can an owner pull their own permit?
An owner who lives or will live in the dwelling is exempt from the contractor certification, but confirm with the city.
Sources
- City of New Berlin. "New Berlin building permits and inspections." https://www.newberlinwi.gov/97/Building-Permits-Inspections. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of New Berlin. "New Berlin: building permit rules (city page)." https://www.newberlinwi.gov/193/Permits. 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 New Berlin. "Decks 2025." https://www.newberlinwi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6868/Deck?bidId=. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of New Berlin. "Wisconsin Uniform Building Code Schedule of Permit Fees." https://www.newberlinwi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18741/WI-Uniform-Building-Code-Schedule-of-Permit-Fees. Accessed October 17, 2026.