Quick Information
Find the need to know information in the section below. Keep scrolling for more detailed information on the building permit process.
Residential Modifications
The Town requires a building permit for any work that affects the type of occupancy, structure area, structural strength, natural light requirements, or exits from a building. Permits are also required for building demolition, new accessory buildings, decks, porches, and most electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.
Application Submission
Mail or In Person
Town of Algoma
15 N Oakwood Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54904
When emailing your permit, you can request a secure link for an online credit card payment OR notify us how we should expect payment to arrive (mail, drop off, etc.).
New Residential Construction (One- and Two-Family Dwellings)
Residential Modifications
Planning a home improvement project? Before you begin, check whether you need a permit. Depending on the type and scope of work, you may need permits from the Town of Algoma, Winnebago County, or both.
1. Winnebago County Permits
The Winnebago County Planning & Zoning Department issues the following:
- Zoning permits
- Erosion Control/Stormwater permits
- Temporary Use permits
- Sanitary permits
You’ll likely need a County permit if your project includes any of the following:
- External additions or alterations to a structure, including decks, porches, dormers or roof alterations, lean-tos, etc.
- Accessory buildings (garages, sheds, etc.)
- Above-ground swimming pools
- Fences
- Land-disturbing construction activity
- Land redevelopment activities
- New land development
If you are in a shoreland area, you may also need a County permit for:
- Fill
- Patios (concrete, brick, or paver blocks)
- Sidewalks or driveways within 75 feet of the ordinary high water mark
Please Note: These lists are not all inclusive. Always check directly with the County if you’re unsure about your project’s county-level permit requirements.
Contact Information
Winnebago County Planning & Zoning
112 Otter Ave, 3rd Floor
Oshkosh, WI 54901
2. Town of Algoma Building Permit
The Town requires a building permit for any work that affects:
- Occupancy type
- Building area
- Structural elements
- Natural light or ventilation
- Egress or exits
You’ll also need a permit for new accessory buildings, decks, porches, and most electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work.
Project Examples
These lists are designed to cover some of the most common scenarios, but are not all-inclusive. Please contact the Town Hall with any questions about permit requirements for your specific project.
Town Permit Required
- Additions
- Remodels (including basements and attics)
- Changes to the size or location of doors and windows
- Foundation work
- Accessory buildings (garages, sheds, etc.)
- Decks and porches
- Solar energy systems
- Generators
- Most electrical work, including service changes, relocations, etc.
- Most plumbing work, including water distribution systems and drain & vent pipes
- Most HVAC work
- Building demolitions (razes)
No Town Permit Needed
- Roofing repair or replacement
- Siding replacement
- Window or door replacements (with no change to size or location)
- Wind energy systems
- Replacing existing electrical fixtures with the same type of fixture
- Replacing plumbing fixtures that do not involve relocating water, drain, or vent pipes
- Pre-fabbed sheds under 250 sq ft
-
Swimming pools*
- This applies to the pool ONLY; any deck, electrical, or plumbing work related to the pool WILL require a building permit from the Town
- Fences
- Most minor cosmetic updates (e.g., flooring, cabinets, etc.)
Permit Process
If a building permit is required for your project, you must wait for it to be issued (i.e., you receive the building permit card) before starting any work. Starting early will result in penalties, which could include:
- Doubled permit fees
- Work stoppage orders
- Removal or uncovering of completed work
What Do I Submit?
To apply for a building permit, submit the following items to the Town:
- Copies of other required permits (i.e., zoning permit, erosion control permit, sanitary permit, etc.)
- A complete, signed Town of Algoma building permit application
- Project plans, maps, or diagrams (if applicable)
- Permit fee payment
Please Note: Your application will not be reviewed by an inspector until all required items have been submitted to the Town.
How Much Will It Cost?
Fees vary by trade type and project scope. Please refer to our fee schedule, under the Residential Modifications section. Contact the Town Hall with any questions.
How Do I Pay?
By Mail
Send a check* to:
Town of Algoma
15 N Oakwood Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54904
In Person
Drop off a check*, cash, or make a card payment** at the Town Hall during office hours:
15 N Oakwood Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54904
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 1 PM |
Online
Send an email to permits@townofalgoma.org requesting a secure online payment link to pay by debit or credit card.**
*Make checks payable to the Town of Algoma
**Please note that card payments are subject to a non-refundable processing fee charged by the payment processor.
How Can I Submit My Application?
All application materials need to be submitted directly to the Town of Algoma.
Mail or In Person
Town of Algoma
15 N Oakwood Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54904
When emailing your application, please notify us how we should expect payment (mail, drop off) OR request a link to pay online by card.
When Can I Start Work?
Work on your project can begin AFTER your application has been approved and the permit issued. The Town will supply the permit card to you based on the option you select on your building permit application.
How Do I Schedule Inspections?
The Town contracts with McMahon Associates for building inspections. When we supply you with your permit card, we will also include the contact information for inspection scheduling.
New Residential Construction (One- and Two-Family Dwellings)
Download the New Home Construction Packet for application requirements, fee information, and a step-by-step overview of the permitting process. Please note that the Town of Algoma must receive all required materials and the permit fee before your application will be reviewed by a building inspector.
Reminder: Do not begin any work until your building permit has been approved and issued. Starting early may result in penalties, including:
- Doubling your permit fee
- Work stoppage orders
- Removal of completed work
The Town of Algoma is _not_ a delegated agent for any commercial building plan reviews, permitting, or inspections; instead you will coordinate directly with the State. You will also want to check with other local entities that may have their own permits or requirements for your commercial project:
-
State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
- Plan Review
-
Permit and Inspection District Maps and Contacts
- Refer to the section labeled DSPS District Maps for Non-Delegated Municipalities
- Winnebago County Planning and Zoning
- Algoma Sanitary District
- Work in the Town Right-of-Way
- Town of Algoma Planning Commission
Driveway/Culvert/Work in Right-of-Way Permit
A work in right-of-way permit is required for:
- Hot mix asphalt paving of an existing driveway approach
- Replacement or extension of an existing culvert
- Temporary driveway culverts
-
New residential* or commercial driveway or field access
- *This excludes driveways being put in as part of a new home construction. For new residential construction, the driveway/culvert will be included with your building permit and a separate right-of-way permit is not needed.
- Construction/Work in right-of-way
Driveway work outside of the right-of-way (i.e., the portion that starts after the asphalted area of your driveway apron/culvert) does NOT require a Town permit. However, if your property is in a shoreland area please contact Winnebago County Planning & Zoning as one may be required from them.
Guidelines
Permit Process
What Do I Submit?
To apply for a right-of-way permit, submit the following items to the Town:
- A complete, signed Town of Algoma Driveway, Culvert, and Work Within Right-of-Way Permit application
- A description of the proposed work
- Maps, drawings, or project plans (if applicable)
- Permit fee payment
Please note: Applications/permits are only valid for one access point (e.g., one driveway connection).
How Much Will It Cost?
Fees vary by the type of work to be done in the right-of-way. Please refer to your application for the appropriate fee amount.
Please note: Fees listed apply per access point.
How Do I Pay?
By Mail
Send a check* to:
Town of Algoma
15 N Oakwood Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54904
In Person
Drop off a check*, cash, or make a card payment** at the Town Hall during office hours:
15 N Oakwood Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54904
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 1 PM |
Online
Send an email to townoffice@townofalgoma.org requesting a secure online payment link to pay by debit or credit card.**
*Make checks payable to the Town of Algoma
**Please note that card payments are subject to a non-refundable processing fee charged by the payment processor.
How Can I Submit My Application?
All application materials should be submitted directly to the Town of Algoma.
ApplicationMail or In Person
Town of Algoma
15 N Oakwood Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54904
When emailing your application, please notify us how we should expect payment (mail, drop off) OR request a link to pay online by card.
When Can I Start Work?
Work on your project can begin only AFTER your application has been reviewed and approved. TWe’ll notify you of your application’s status using the contact information provided on it.
Including your email address is the fastest way to receive updates.
Does The Job Need To Be Inspected?
TOnce the work is complete, the Town’s Public Works Department will inspect the job. Instructions for notifying them will be included with your permit approval.