Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a Building permit?
A Building permit is required by Municipal Code Chapter 14.02 (1) anytime a building is erected, altered, or repaired. If the repair costs less than $200, the permit may be waived by the Building Inspector.

Do I need building plans?
Yes! Building plans must be prepared by either the owner/applicant or a professional employed by him. Those plans should show clearly the extent of the project and any pertinent information or dimensions needed to effectively evaluate the proposed project. If the total project cost does not exceed $2000, the Building Inspector may choose to waive the required plans. Projects limited to roofing, siding, or window replacement that do not involve any alterations to the existing building, do not require plans.

What do I need to obtain a Building permit?
A permit application must be filled out and plans submitted for review. Building plans consist of foundation and floor plans elevations, and any required details. The plans must show in detail the extent of the project including a description of proposed work, use of spaces, exiting, details if structural changes are planned, and proposed electrical, plumbing, and/or HVAC work. If the project is a building addition, deck, or garage, a site plan must also be submitted in addition to building plans, showing location of all property lines, distance of any buildings to those property lines, and location of all existing and proposed structures such as house, garage, fences, sheds, etc. It must include existing and proposed setbacks, location of any utilities, gas, water, and electric lines and any easements on the property. Required erosion control measures including silt fence, gravel driveway, and location of excavation piles must also be shown on the site plan. Erosion control is viewed very seriously by the State of Wisconsin, Dane County, and by the Village of Mount Horeb. Erosion control measures must be clearly shown and maintained for the duration of the project.

What other types of permits may be required?
The Village of Mount Horeb issues permits for new houses, building additions, building alterations, repairs, including roofing, siding, and any mechanical repairs such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Permits are also issued for construction of decks, fences, garages and sheds, and landscaping structures such as gazebos and flag poles.

Business owners must be aware that permits are issued for signs prior to installation and that signs must meet specific guidelines for the location and zoning district. Also, permitted signs do not include flags, banners, or balloons, or any type of waving, rotating, or flashing attention getters unless specifically approved by the Plan Commission for a given event.

New businesses or businesses that have moved should also be aware that the Village issues Zoning permits prior to opening the business. The Zoning permit gives the Village the opportunity to review the proposed business for conformance with the given Zoning District. No fees are collected for Zoning permits.

How much do permits cost?
Permit fees vary. A basic fee schedule is shown below:
New construction & bldg additions:

$ 0.24 residential (1-4 units)
$ 0.30 residential (5+ units and all others)
per sq ft for all floors, garage and decks

Small bldg additions:
$35 for permit plus $30 for each inspection required

Bldg alterations:
$35 for permit plus $30 for each inspection required

Garages, decks:
$65 ($30 for additional inspections if required)

Sheds, fences, roofing, siding, misc. repairs:
$35 ($30 for additional inspections if required)

Signs: $35 ($30 for additional inspections if required)

Reinspection: $30 for violations or work not complete

Where do I go to obtain a building permit?
The Building Inspector's office is located on the second floor of the Mt. Horeb Municipal Building in the rear of the building. The office is open from 8:00 A.M. until 4:30 P.M., Monday thru Friday. Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. every day. Other times are by appointment.

Electric/Water Superintendent
Dave Herfel    
437-3300

Sewer Superintendent
Mike Goltz    
437-3101

The Village of Mount Horeb provides electricity to the village of Mount Horeb and to small portions of nearby townships. The Village provides water and sewer services primarily to residents in the village. All utilities are owned and operated by the Village of Mount Horeb, with the Mount Horeb Utility Commission providing overall direction for their operation.

Natural Gas - Madison Gas and Electric
Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) provides natural gas to residents of the Mount Horeb area. Rate information is available from the MGE office in Madison, and bills can be paid at the AMCORE Bank or by mail.

Telephone - Mount Horeb Telephone Company
The Mount Horeb Telephone Company, a locally owned company, provides telephone services to residents of the Mount Horeb area.

Utilities
Natural gas supplier: Madison Gas & Electric
Electric power supplier:  Mount Horeb Electric Utility
Telephone Company:  Mount Horeb Telephone Company
Public Water Supplier:  Mount Horeb Water Utility
Number of Municipal Wells: 3
Water pumping capacity: 1,800 gals. /min.
Water storage: in excess of 800,000 gallons
Average annual water used: 525,000 gals. /day
Total water hardness: 353 parts/million
Wastewater treatment:  Mount Horeb Sewer Utility
Sewer Capacity: 504,000 gal/day
Storm Sewer: Yes
Solid Waste Disposal: Yes, by contractor Waste Management not in Mount Horeb
Comprehensive recycling program: Yes

Village Engineer
Greg Held     
833-7373