ADU Permit Requirements in Bristol, WI

Bristol Kenosha County (not Bristol Dane County). On WI DSPS delegated-municipality list, entry 415. Village Administrator Randy Kerkman is the dept contact per DSPS. Kenosha County zoning excludes Bristol (village governs its own). Not shared with neighboring Salem Lakes village. Online portal: InspectWiz. WI enforces its own UDC for 1-2 family homes.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified May 28, 2026 · How we research →

Population: 5,000 Code: 2021 Verified: 2026-05-28 1 local rules

When you need a ADU permit

Required·Rule 1

An accessory dwelling unit (detached or attached in-law suite, basement apartment, garage conversion with kitchen) requires a full UDC building permit (SPS 321), trade permits for electrical (SPS 316), plumbing (SPS 382), and HVAC (SPS 323), and Village zoning approval. Wisconsin Act 67 of 2023 created limited statewide ADU pre-emption, but local zoning still controls placement and density. Confirm with Village of Bristol Zoning before designing. Fire separation between dwelling units per SPS 321.08 (attached ADUs). Kenosha County Division of Health POWTS capacity review if on septic.

Typical Timelineabout 4 weeks
SourceVillage of Bristol Zoning / WI UDC SPS 321; Wis. Act 67 (2023) · view source

ADU Permit Costs: Bristol vs. Nearby

CityEstimated Fee
Bristol N/A
Milwaukee $500 – $5,000
Madison $500 – $5,000
Green Bay $500 – $5,000

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Bristol permit costs →

Zoning Considerations

Zoning

ADU regulations vary dramatically by state and city. Many states (CA, OR, WA) have preemption laws that override local zoning restrictions. Check both state law and local zoning before designing.

Estimated Project Timeline

Here's a typical timeline for a adu project:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings (plan drawings required).
Week 2
Prepare permit documents
Contractor prepares site plan, construction drawings, and permit application. Gather required documents per your city's checklist.
Week 3
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Bristol's building department, apply online here.
Week 4-8
Plan review & approval
Typical processing time: about 4 weeks. Plan review examiner checks drawings for code compliance.
Week 9+
Construction & inspections
Post the permit card on site. Work begins. Schedule inspections at required stages (varies by project). Final inspection required before closing the permit.

Timeline is based on the typical about 4 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.

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Building Department Contact

NameVillage of Bristol Building Inspection Department
Address19801 83rd Street, Bristol, WI 53104
HoursMon-Fri 8am-4pm Village Hall; inspections Tue and Thu mornings, 24hr notice required

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the building department for current ADU permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller ADU projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.

Working without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.

Typical approval time for ADU permits is about 4 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.

Learn More About ADU Permits

Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.

Read ADU Guide →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-05-28. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.