Planning, Zoning, and Building Department

Permits and Applications

Building and Zoning Permit
A permit is required for most construction activities.  No building is to be constructed, reconstructed, remodeled, erected, altered, enlarged, repaired, moved or demolished, or have ground broken up for construction without a building permit issued by the City.  A permit is also required for installation of perimeter fencing.
Building and Zoning Permit Fee:  $50 + $.02 per square foot, plus a $25 fee per inspection. For each category of construction involved (plumbing, heating, and electrical) another $.02 per square foot is added. For example, an addition to a house will have plumbing, heating, and electrical needs, resulting in a total of $50 + $.08 per square foot.  Fence Permit Fee: $25 + $.02 per linear foot of fence installed.  Demolition Permit Fee: $25 per structure razed.  Moving Permit Fee: $25 per structure moved.

Building and Zoning Permit Application

Airport Zoning Permit
A permit is required for any proposed structure 35 feet or higher within 3 miles of the airport.
Airport Zoning Permit Fee: $25
Airport Zoning Permit Application
Sign Permit
A permit is required for installation of most signs.
Sign Permit Fee: $25 + $.02 per square foot of sign face.  No fee is charged for temporary event signs and banners.
Sign Permit Application

Rezoning
All land in the City is designated to one of ten zoning districts.  There are also two floodplain overlay districts. Certain land uses are allowed in each district, and the regulations governing each district vary.  The process of changing a parcel’s zoning is called a rezoning.  A rezoning petition is evaluated based upon the proposed zone’s compatibility with existing zoning districts and surrounding uses, consistency with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and potential impacts of the proposed zoning district.
Rezoning Petition Fee: $75.
Rezoning Petition
Conditional Use Permit
The City Zoning Code allows certain land uses in each zoning district.  Conditional uses are also listed for each district. A conditional use allows a landowner to put a property to a use which the ordinance expressly permits when specified standards are met.
Conditional Use Permit Fee: $50.
Conditional Use Permit Application
Variance
A variance is a relaxation of the terms or requirements of the Zoning Code.  A variance cannot relax the list of permitted and conditional land uses within a zoning district. A variance may be granted when conditions are unique to the property and not the result of the applicant’s actions.
Variance Application Fee: $50.
Variance Application

FEES
For a complete fee schedule, click here

Permit Penalty
If a project is started without a permit, permit fees are tripled.


DOWNTOWN PLAN
The Prairie du Chien Downtown Plan is now available online


COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The City’s  Comprehensive Plan is available online.


WATERFRONT PLAN
The City’s Waterfront Plan (2009) can be accessed here.


HOUSING STUDY
The City’s Housing Study (2009) can be accessed here.