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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When are burning permits required?

It is safest to burn when the humidity and wind speeds are down, and when the ground is snow covered. Hours when burning is allowed is from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. If your brush pile has the potential to produce a large quantity of smoke, it's best to let your Sheriff Department and Fire Department know. This cuts down on unnecessary fire department and DNR fire response calls.
Sheriff Department West Precinct: 267-4936
Black Earth Fire District Non-Emergency: 767-3949
Cross Plains-Berry Fire District Non-Emergency: 798-3241


From January 1st - May 31st burning permits are required if the ground is not snow covered for all outside burning. Burn barrell permits are a separate permit and are nenewed annually. All burning permits are free and are available from the town office, 9046 State Road 19, 767-4152 or our local fire warden, Mike Diebold, 4972 Brewery Road; 798-3000 or Town Chair, Anthony Varda, 9332 Spring Valley Road, Mazomanie, 798-9999.

Please remember to have fire fighting tools available when burning. Shovels, rakes and water are a good idea. Don't burn if the winds are stronger than 8 miles an hour, and watch the weather for wind switches. Keep the size of your pile small if possible. If the piles is too large, consider making a separate fire and adding material a little at a time. Fires can holdover in stumps and roots and can be rekindled weeks or even months later. Please make sure your fire is competely out before leaving it. Never leave your fire unattended. Remember that you are responsible for the costs and demages if your fire gets away.

If you have any questions regarding burning, location of Emergency Fire Wardens, or permit information call the DNR Fire Control office in Poynette at (608) 635-8121.

When do I need a building permit?

The construction which shall require a building permit includes, but is not limited to:
1. *New buildings including detached structures (decks) and accessory buildings over 32
square feet in floor area
2. *A
dditions that increase the physical dimensions of a building including decks
3. Alterations to the building structure
4. Alteration of plumbing, HVAC or electrical systems
5. *Agricultural buildings.
*Neds Dane County Zoning Permit (608) 266-9083

The following construction activities shall not require a building permit:
1. Re-siding, re-roofing and finishing of interior surfaces, replacement of windows, installation of cabinetry and minor repairs. Nothwithstanding this section, however a permit accompanied by structural load-bearing calculations shall be required for re-roofing a building if the proposed re-roofing would constitute a third or more layer of roofing.
2. Normal repairs and replacements of HVAC, plumbing and electrical equipment or systems such as replacing switches, receptacles, light fixtures, dimmers, furnace, air conditioning, garbage disposal, water heater and water softener.
3. Construction of accessory buildings of less than 32 square feet in floor area and not served by any utility (excluding telephones).

The Town contracts with Independent Inspections to provide these services to its residents. The Independent Inspections representative who has been working with our town for many years is Dean Eppler. Before you excavate or start remodeling, contact Dean.

Dean can be reached at 608-576-6370 or 1-800-422-5220. He holds office hours at the Town Hall, 9046 State Road 19, from 10:30 – 11:30 am on Fridays.


Town of Berry's Building Code Ordinance & Guidelines

How do I obtain an absentee ballot?

There are two ways of obtaining an absentee ballot. You can either request an application form from the town clerk or download one from the website. Or you can send a letter to the town clerk which must include the following information, date of the election, name and legal voting address, address to send the ballot to if different from the legal voting address, and signature. Application forms are to be sent to the following address, Town of Berry, 9046 State Road 19, Mazomanie, WI 53560.

When will I receive my property tax bill?

Tax bills are sent out to all property owners in December. Please notify the Town Treasurer of address changes at 767-4152 or email the Town at twnberry@chorus.net.

How do I obtain a dog license?

You can request a dog license application by calling the Town Treasurer at 767-4152 or email the town at twnberry@chorus.net. When making a request please include your name and address. Dog license fees are $12.50 for spayed and neutered dogs, $17.50 for dogs that are not spayed or neutered, and $42 for a kennel license.

When is garbage picked up?

Garbage is picked up weekly, recyclables every other week.

Clean sweep/ hazardous materials disposal

Dispose of unwanted or damaged paints, varnishes, finish removers, kerosene, driveway sealant and other chemicals and solvents at Clean Sweep and Product Exchange, which is held at Dane Co. Highway Garage 2302 Fish Hatchery Rd., Madison. For info. (dates, times, etc.) there are brochures at the Berry Town Hall, or call theINFO-LINE at 294-5366, or visit the website:www.co.dane.wi.us