Building Permits

Per Chapter 07-01.07 of the Rockland Code of Ordinances

1. The owner of any building or structure in the town who constructs, installs, remodels, reconstructs, enlarges, alters, removes, or demolishes any building or structure within the town shall seek and obtain from the Town a building permit prior to commencing, or causing the commencement of, any construction, installation, remodeling reconstruction, enlargement, altering, removing, or demolishing of any building.
2. Any structural changes or major changes to mechanical systems that involve extensions shall require permits.

A building permit for the Town of Rockland may be obtained from Bob Gerbers, Building Inspector. He can be reached at (920) 655-8602 for an appointment.

Please note that if the property in question is within 1000 feet of a lake or within 300 feet of a river or stream, a Shoreland Permit must be obtained first from Brown County. Contact the Brown County Planning Office at 920-448-6480 or get additional information at www.co.brown.wi.us.

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WHY DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. A building permit provides the means for Building Officials to reduce the potential hazards of unsafe construction and therefore ensuring the public health, safety and welfare.  If you can walk in it, you need a permit.

Apply for a permit prior to the start of any construction or remodeling work. Building permit application and plan check provide the means for Building Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used.

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WHICH CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS NEED BUILDING PERMITS?
Some examples of required building permits are:

• New Commercial Residential or Farm Buildings
• Additions
• Renovations
• Demolitions
• Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical systems
• Barns & Milking Parlors
• Sheds & Garages
• Ponds
• Pools
• Signs
• Fences
• Decks

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WHO IS ALLOWED TO ACQUIRE A BUILDING PERMIT?
Only the owner, owner's licensed contractor or owner's authorized agent.

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THE PERMIT PROCESS

• VISIT OR CALL THE BUILDING INSPECTOR:
  Set up an appointment to meet with Bob Gerbers, Building Inspector, at (920) 655-8602. Depending upon the project, you may also require input and approval from the Town’s Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, Town Board, Brown County Zoning or the Department of Natural Resources.

 

• SUBMIT THE APPLICATION:
  When you meet with the Building Inspector, you will need to know - who will do the work, scope of the work, location of work, and how the work will be done. Sketches, drawings, plans or other documentation of the proposed work have to be submitted for review depending on the size and scope of the project.

 

• MEET WITH BUILDING INSPECTOR TO REVIEW APPLICATION
  You, or most likely your builder, will meet with the Building Inspector to review the application and plans and to review which contractors will be providing such services. You will need submit the required fees payable to the Town of Rockland at this time. Please see Town of Rockland’s Miscellaneous Fee Schedule & Building Permit & Developer Deposit Schedule

 

• RECEIVE YOUR PERMIT:
  The building permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. Keep a copy of the approved set of plans and job card at the site for the inspector to use during inspections. Changes should be brought to the Building Inspector attention immediately. Changes will generally require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.

 

• ARRANGE INSPECTIONS:
  Each major phase of construction must be inspected to make sure work conforms to the Code and approved plans. The person responsible for the construction project should request the inspections. A twenty-four hour advance notice is required. If Inspector finds that some work does not conform to the Code, the Inspector will advise (and provide a written notice) that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious and presents a safety hazard, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before work is allowed to resume

 

• FINAL INSPECTION:
  If there are no items to be resolved after work has been completed, the Inspector will sign off the permit. The permit, along with other construction documents will be placed in the permanent address file for your property in the Town Clerk’s office. After all other agency inspections and clearances are completed, the utilities to your building are released and a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, if applicable.