By Audrey Posten

The city of Guttenberg is reminding residents that building permits are required before beginning projects on their properties.

City manager Jamie Blume said structures have recently been built without following the proper process.

“We’ve had a few areas where people have built, either not realizing or thinking the other party had already obtained permits that were needed. Depending on where others are coming from, some cities require that the contractor gets the permits. We require that the property owner does because, ultimately, it’s your property, and we’re not going to let someone else say ‘we’re going to do this on your property’ without you signing off on paper,” Blume explained. “I’m not saying that we don’t know a lot of contractors complete the form and the property owner signs it, but they are involved, and they are ultimately responsible.”

Some structures built without receiving a permit first have also been non-compliant, and according to Blume, “it’s creating a lot more hassle, a lot more paperwork.”

If someone chats with her before starting a project, Blume can spot potential issues and advise the property owner on the boards they may need to work with if a variance or special exception is necessary.

For example, “If they want to build closer than what the setback allows for, they do have to meet with the zoning board of adjustment to request a variance. That process can take a month or more to get everything set up and in place. That’s another area where it’s nice to chat with people ahead of time and give them that heads up—what it would take to be able to build what they want,” she said.

The city of Guttenberg requires a building permit for bringing a structure onto your property, additions, decks/patios and exterior changes to a structure.

“Like, if you change a window from a flat window to a bay window, that would change the outside dimensions of your structure. That requires a building permit,” Blume said.

There is a no-fee concrete permit for driveways and sidewalks—anything considered “flat work.” Permitting allows public works to review the project and assure it won’t create a drainage issue for the property owner or their neighbors.

In some areas, like downtown, driveways are limited to a certain width.

“If you have a driveway that’s going onto a city street, that’s going to have a curb cut. That would impact how water flows when we have rain and storm water. So the guys want to limit that impact and reduce problems,” Blume said.

To apply for a permit, contact the city office for an application. The application must be completely filled out and signed. Also include the fee and a drawing of the project that includes the distance of the proposed addition to your property lines. The fees vary and are based on proposed additions.

Applications are reviewed at the city office.

If you’re unsure whether your project requires a permit, please contact the city office before starting any work.

Blume said non-permitted projects have largely been spotted by city officials, or even neighbors or community members, curious about the work as they drive or walk by. To limit questions, anyone issued a permit is given a bright yellow paper to display.

“We tell them to hang it in a window or somewhere that can be seen from the street. If you have a bare lot and there’s really no place to hang it, we have, for some people, laminated that and said, ‘Put it on a post in the front yard so people know you have a permit,’” Blume said. “Some people forget and don’t hang those up. But if it’s hung up, that makes it very plain and simple.”

The city warns that starting a project without a permit can result in fines.

“Right now, our code allows for, if somebody builds without a permit, any fees can be doubled,” Blume said. “Council is going to be discussing possibly making the fines even more at the next meeting.”

Once issued, building permits are good for two years, but construction must begin within six months of issuance.

“So if I were to approve one today, [the project] would have to be completed by October 2028,” Blume said.

This allows property owners to prepare in advance and be ready when contractors are available. It helps the process run smoothly for the city as well.

“We can have everything taken care of and all the issues ironed out before they start,” Blume said. “We’re just trying to avoid problems.”