Building/Zoning
Why do I need a Building Permit?
Inspections help protect your health and safety to ensure home improvement projects are completed to the minimum standards of the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC).
The City of Merrill has adopted the UDC as part of the City Building Code. Not only new homes or home additions require compliance with the UDC specifications, but also ANY alteration to a structure, including such things as new partition walls, water heaters, furnaces and ventilation, as well as decks and porches, electric services and wiring, and remodeling projects.
Call the Building Inspector BEFORE you start your project to determine if permits are required. A building Permit is the only way the Building Inspector knows that inspections will be required for a home improvement project. Permit fees double if you or your contractor starts without a permit.
Why do I need inspections if my contractor is licensed by the State?
Inspections help ensure that the work has been completed in conformance with the safety and building codes, and the work or installation meets the minimum requirements of the Uniform Dwelling code. It doesn’t hurt to have a second pair of eyes inspect the work to help protect you, your family, and your property investment.
How much do Building Permits cost?
Building Permit fees vary based upon the complexity of the project and the number of inspections required. See the Building Permit Fees Schedule on the Building Department Web Page. Your fee, though, will be determined by the Building Department.
If you start working without a Building Permit, fees double.
If I get a Building Permit, won't my taxes go up?
MAYBE - Remember the new bathroom or deck will increase the value of your home when completed and taxes are based upon assessed value. But, not all new projects increase the assessed value simply because many projects only maintain your property’s value. New additions or garages, though, will have a greater impact on your assessed value than siding or windows or a new roof.
But think about it - If you let the condition of your house start looking rundown, whether inside or out, the actual value will go down, your assessed value will go down, and if you want to sell, your asking price will go down to match the condition of the property.
Keeping up appearances with new siding, or roofing, energy efficient fixtures and mechanicals, and keeping your property up to current standards and codes, not only helps preserve your value, but also the values in your neighborhood.
Can I do my own electric or plumbing work without a Building Permit?
NO – The City of Merrill Building Code requires that you must obtain a Building Permit for electric and plumbing projects and inspections are required. However, you may not need a licensed electrician or plumber as long as you OWN and RESIDE in the property.
But, if you own a rental house, but you do not reside in the property, per the State Uniform Dwelling Code, the work must be performed by a licensed company or individual.
What is a Zoning Permit?
A Zoning Permit is similar to a Building Permit, except that a Zoning Permit is issued to ensure your project is in compliance with the Zoning Code. The most frequent type of Zoning Permit is for Yard setbacks for decks, room additions, and garages. Zoning Permits are also required fences, signs and swimming pools. Call the Zoning Administrator at 715-536-4880 before you start your project.
Will the City locate my property corners?
The City of Merrill does not assist private property owners in locating property irons, surveying private property, or locating property lines between properties. A property corner, property corner monument (iron), or property line can ONLY be determined or verified by a survey performed by a Licensed Land Surveyor.
Can you tell me the size & dimensions of my lot and the Zoning District I am in?
YES – Contact the Zoning Administrator at (715) 536-4880 for specific information.
How long does it take to obtain a Building Permit?
The Building Inspector is allowed 10 days to process an application, but generally it takes only a day or two.