If you intend to complete any home, building, or construction project on your Town of Algoma property, you’ll likely need to pull at least one permit. This page covers WHO issues permits, WHAT permits they issue, and WHEN they are required.
1. Sanitary Permits
When required, a sanitary permit must be obtained before applying for any other permits.
Who
The Algoma Sanitary District
For residents located in Algoma Sanitary District #1.
Winnebago County
For residents NOT located in the Algoma Sanitary District.
What
Sanitary permits for sewer or septic system work.
When
Algoma Sanitary District – Sanitary Sewer Permits
The Algoma Sanitary District will issue a Sanitary Sewer permit if the property is in Algoma Sanitary District #1 and the job involves work to a sewer lateral, including the original installation or disconnection of a lateral.
Winnebago County – Sanitary Permits
Winnebago County will issue a Sanitary permit if the property is not in the Algoma Sanitary District and the job involves a septic system.
2. Winnebago County Permits
For any construction project, the best practice is to check with the Winnebago County Zoning Office for county permit requirements based on your property location and project scope.
Who
What
The county issues:
- Zoning permits
- Erosion Control/Stormwater permits
- Temporary Use permits
- Sanitary permits
When
This list contains some general examples but is not all-inclusive for when a county permit is required.
- Land disturbing construction activity
- New land development
- Land redevelopment activities
- External additions or alterations to a structure (including decks, dormers or roof alterations, lean-tos, replacement porches, etc.)
- Accessory buildings
- Pools
- Fences
-
In shoreland areas:
- Fill
- Patios (concrete, brick, or paver blocks)
- Sidewalks or driveways within 75 feet of the ordinary high water mark
3. State of Wisconsin Permit
State permits are required only for new home construction
(One- and Two-Family Dwellings)
Who
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
What
Online Building Permit System for State of Wisconsin building permits. Complete guidelines and application materials are available on their website.
When
A state building permit is required for new construction of one- or two-family dwellings; this permit must be applied for online.
The Town will not issue any of its permits until AFTER a successful online application is complete with DSPS.
The Town will not accept printed (hand-written or typed) state permit applications.
4. Town of Algoma Permits
Who
Town of Algoma
Town staff handles permit applications and payments and maintains Town property records.
Call
Mailing Address
Please remit checks to:
Town of Algoma
15 N Oakwood Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54904
McMahon
McMahon is responsible for approving permits and completing necessary inspections on behalf of the Town. Schedule all building inspections directly with McMahon. Please schedule at least 48 hours in advance.
What
The Town of Algoma issues:
- Building permits (for new and existing buildings)
- Driveway, culvert, and work within right-of-way permits
- Occupancy permits
When
Driveway, Culvert, and Work Within Right-of-Way Permit
The Town requires a Driveway, Culvert, Work Within Right-of-Way permit for all new driveways, culvert replacement or extensions, temporary culverts, asphalt paving of existing driveway approaches, and any other work occurring in the Town right-of-way (i.e., utility work).
Application
Signed, completed applications should be submitted, with payment, to the Town Hall. Applications are accepted in person during office hours, in the outdoor dropbox, or through the mail. If paid for online, please include a copy of your receipt with your application.
Building Permit
The Town requires a building permit when more than $1,000 in work will be done to an existing building or for any work that will affect the type of occupancy, structure area, structural strength, natural light requirements, or exits from a building. The Town also requires a permit for new accessory buildings and most electrical and plumbing work.
Please note: This building permit does NOT apply to new home construction. See the New Construction Building Permit section for new one- and two-family dwellings.
Application
Signed, completed applications should be submitted, with payment, to the Town Hall. Applications are accepted in person during office hours, in the outdoor dropbox, or through the mail. If paid for online, please include a copy of your receipt with your application.
New Construction Building Permit
The Town will not issue its new construction building permit until after sanitary, county, and state permits are obtained.
The Town requires a building permit for new construction of one- and two-family dwellings. However, this permit application is not the same as the one found above and will be completed in the office with you at the time of payment.
Occupancy Permit
Occupancy permits are required only for new home construction
(One- and Two-Family Dwellings)
An occupancy permit is required BEFORE moving into and living in any structure. Failure to possess a signed occupancy permit before moving in will result in forfeiture of the occupancy certificate fee deposit. This permit is issued by the Town’s building inspector only AFTER the final inspection is complete and there are no health or safety violations.
Project Examples
See the lists below for some common examples of when a Town permit is or is not required.
Town Permit(s) Required
- New constructions
- New driveways
- Culverts (temporary or permanent) and asphalt aprons
- Solar energy systems
- Home additions
- Home remodels, including (but not limited to) basements and attics
- Decks
- Accessory buildings (garages, sheds, etc.)
- Generators
- Replacement doors and windows
- Most electrical work
- Most plumbing work, including water distribution systems and drain and vent pipes
- Demolition of structures
- Work done in the right-of-way
- Other minor projects valued at $1,000 or more
No Town Permit Required*
- Roofing repair or replacement
- Wind energy systems
- Fences
- Replacing existing electrical fixtures with the same type of fixture
- Replacing plumbing fixtures that do not involve relocating water, drain, or vent pipes
- Replacing a water heater
*This list applies only for Town of Algoma Permits.
You may still be required to obtain a permit through other entities such as Winnebago County.