Department of Neighborhood Services
Public Information (Brochures)
The following is a list of items available for download from the internet. Due to the complexity of certain forms, not all permits, brochures, applications or documents are available. If you have questions, call the corresponding section for help. See the DNS PHONE Directory for a listing of all sections. All documents will require ADOBE ACROBAT PDF plug in.
Citywide Building Related Contacts
CONTACTS FOR BUILDING OWNERS (DNS-105).PDF We still make house calls! An overview brochure containing many of the common contact numbers for issues related to buildings. Topics include permits, new construction, complaints, litter, noise, abandoned autos, animals, and just about anything related to neighborhoods. Produced by DNS, but contains related information for many other City departments.
Festivals and Event Planners Code Check List (DNS-140).PDF Thinking of hosting a festival or an event that will use a tent or serve food? Here is a list of the top ten most common code violations that can delay or prevent your event from opening on time. Use this handy list to prevent costly delays and protect your patrons from possible harm. This should be the first document you read after you come up with the name and date of your event!
CODE COMPLIANCE (DNS-160b)v30.PDF Brochure- In January of 2003 the City of Milwaukee discontinued interior Code Compliance inspections. Now only an exterior inspection is required for non-owner occupied 1 & 2-family dwellings. Also all OWNER occupied 1 & 2-family property located in one of six code compliance areas. This brochure contains all the rules about the program and the maps for the special areas. See also: Code Compliance Application under the FORMS section.
BARRIERS ON COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS PDF- Owners of commercial buildings who place barriers in front of their business must adhere to specific limits and rules regarding their use. This brochure covers most of the basics and makes owners aware of issues they must address when using such devices.
HOW TO BUILD STEPS BROCHURE (DNS-107).PDF-Answers to common problems for building stairs to porches and how to DO-IT-YOURSELF with step by step instructions.
OCCUPANCY BROCHURE.PDF-If you are opening a business, changing an occupancy or changing use, you may need an occupancy inspection. Check this brochure to find out what has to happen BEFORE you open for business.
POLITICAL SIGN PERMITS.PDF - Any candidate seeking office should know about the limitations to sign placement, size and construction. This flyer outlines the most common violations and how to get the proper permit.
SIGNS ON BUILDINGS-PDF- Every business owner needs to know what kind of signs can be used. Rules regulate the size, number and location. Also the amount of window space painted window signs can occupy is regulated. This brochure covers the fundamentals and provides a good overview of the regulations controlling sign use.
TENT PERMIT BROCHURE.PDF-Answers to common questions about requirements for tents, fire protection, anchoring and exits.
TAVERN AND BAR CAPACITY INFO SHEET DNS-146.PDF- Want to avoid becoming the next "Coconut Grove" or "Rhode Island" Bar fire headline. Then read this informative flyer on steps to take before your begin each business day. Recommended reading for both nightclub owners and operators.
APARTMENT LIFE-KEEPING IT LEGAL. PDF- You have your first apartment. While you enjoy your new freedom, you have a new responsibility as well. This brochure helps you understand your responsibility, rights and ways to avoid losing your lease. Written mostly to aid students and young renters in campus areas.
COMMON FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS BROCHURE.PDF-A guide to help determine if the building could pass a common fire code inspection.
INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS (DNS-143).PDF-The City of Milwaukee recently adopted the code requirements in the International Fire Code. As a result, many of the old signage requirements are now defined under a new code. This brochure is a summary of the most important requirements that all commercial and business occupancies should be aware of.
JUNK COLLECTOR RULES BROCHURE (Requisitos Establecidos para Vehículos Recolectores de Chatarra)(DNS-165).PDF Thinking about setting up a business as a junk collector? Learn the rules and regulations before you begin. Find out what activities are regulated and what forms are needed to start work in this business. Be sure to check with the property owner if the building or property is leased. (See forms for Home Occupation and Owner's Consent form if operating out of a residence.
GRAFFITI REMOVAL TECHNIQUES (DNS-190).PDF-A guide to the types of graffiti, how to remove it and a rating of the various products used in the process. Advice from the Milwaukee Christian Center Neighborhood Improvement Program which has had considerable experience in graffiti removal. (See Residential Section for more advice on improving neighborhoods.) SPANISH VERSION DNS-190
TELEPHONE CONTACTS FOR GRAFFITI REMOVAL (DNS-192).PDF- Have you seen graffiti on a mailbox, dumpster or utility pole? Here are some valuable numbers to call to get it removed. SPANISH VERSION DNS-192
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS.PDF-A guide to help determine the required signage for storage of flammable, reactive, unstable, and biological hazardous materials.
SECURITY DEADBOLT BROCHURE (DNS-150).PDF-A guide to help determine the security needs of most residential and apartment unit dwellings. Advice about type, construction, function and placement.
SMOKE ALARM BROCHURE V8.PDF-State law now requires at least ONE Alarm for each floor including the basement and/or within 6 ft of every sleeping area. Here's a guide for 1 & 2 family homes. Also, effective September 2005 ALL Alarms within 20 feet of a primary cooking appliance are required to be a "hush" type meaning capable of resetting without removing the battery. (Printable version NOTE:Requires LEGAL SIZE paper!)
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANS (DNS-141).PDF - Are you prepared for an emergency that will require the evacuation of your building? Are you required to file a plan? How often must you drill? Answer to these and many other related questions are available in this brochure.
RESIDENTIAL BOARD-UP CODE DNS-29A.PDF- If you own a residential property that is boarded and vacant for more than six months, you need to know about this ordinance. It contains details on how to proceed with taking the boards off, listing it for sale, obtaining a permit to rehab it, or demolishing it.
ACTION FOR ANIMAL BITES (DNS-344).PDF-A guide to help determine the best course of action after an animal bite. Test your knowledge of rabies and how to avoid a greater risk of becoming infected.
ANIMALS-PROBLEMS OR PLEASURE (DNS-345).PDF You own a cat or dog...do you know what the rules say? This brochure contains valuable information about licensing, leashing, and maintenance requirements related to most domestic animals. If you want to be legal, you'll want to read this brochure or give it to someone who has a pet.
NOISE COMPLAINTS (DNS-120).PDF- What can citizens do about noise in their neighborhoods? What actions will DNS take? What rights do tenants and landlords have with regards to unwanted noise. This brochure answers the most common questions and alerts owners how to avoid costly penalties.
DEALING WITH NUISANCE VEHICLES (DNS-14).PDF- A comprehensive guide to identifying the criteria that make a nuisance vehicle, the process of removing them, and common questions and answers about vehicle storage, parking and numbers allowed.
PITTBULL AND ROTTWEILER DOG ORDINANCE (DNS-360).PDF-Answers for owners of Rottweilers and Pit Bulls in the City of Milwaukee. Caging requirements, handler's minimum age, fencing and kenneling requirements, general licensing requirements.
PROBLEMS WITH PIGEONS? (DNS-305).PDF A review of what problems pigeons create, how they breed, roost and spread other potential problems. Contains diagrams on how to protect your property from the birds, locate bird feeders, and how to minimize their negative impact. Also included is the code about creating harborages for nuisance animals.
TIRE HAULER AND WASTE TIRE GENERATORS (DNS-115) .PDF An overview of the regulations and permits required for the handling of tires. Haulers, automotive, garage, and tire stores should know all of these regulations and processes.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT LITTER (DNS-127) A guide to identifying litter types and which City agency can respond. Tips for citizens to work with officials to keeping their neighborhoods clean. Deals with all kinds of junk...nuisance vehicles, garbage, litter, trash, waste tires, etc. Includes information on how Community Groups can participate with a Community Contact Letter. Neighbors can use the letter to contact and reinspect problem properties that if go unchanged, DNS will issue formal clean-up orders on.
SO YOU WANT TO BE A LANDLORD (DNS-114) .PDF - Learn the fine points of what's all involved in becoming a landlord or owning property in the City of Milwaukee. Tips on dealing with tenants, leases, the eviction process, Zoning codes, Exterior maintenance, property management, appeal rights, Certificate of Code Compliance, Property Recording, reinspection fees, taxroll charges, fire inspections, licenses to sell, and more.
LANDLORD TRAINING BROCHURE (DNS-200).PDF-Explanation of what will be covered in class including the 100 page free manual "How to Keep Illegal Activity Out of Your Property". If you haven't taken the landlord training class, you are putting your property and assets at risk. Enroll today!
TENANT RESPONSIBILITY GUIDE (DNS-192) .PDF- A Spanish/English version of the primary responsibilities of tenants and the items under their control. Includes garage, pests, noise, and fire safety. A must have for every landlord to give to each new or existing tenant.
RECOMMENDED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (DNS-400)v14.PDF-Here's a top 10 list from the police and building inspection about the most common items they are called for and the landlord potentially may have to pay for! Learn the right way to deal with noise, litter, crime, and other serious issues that threaten the loss of the property. Tips on screening, leases, student renters, contacting community groups and dealing with complaints from neighbors.
MILWAUKEE'S CHRONIC NUISANCE PROPERTY ORDINANCE (DNS-130).PDF-It's too late. You've got a ticket and your property is the target of angry neighbors and public agencies. What are your rights? What should you do? How to neighbors call in a complaint on such a property? How many complaints trigger a response? How much is the fine? Could I lose the property? Answer to these and more in this brochure. A listing of processes used to control property with a chronic occurrence of crime, neglect and repeated calls for intervention by City services. Advice for owners, neighbors and tenants about how this ordinance can impact them. It is a must have for every Landlord in Milwaukee. Also a good reference for any community group dealing with a problem property.
DON'T RENT TROUBLE (DNS-113).PDF STOP! Don't rent that apartment until you have read this brochure. Learn what to look for in an apartment before the headaches and disappointment begin. What should work? What must the landlord disclose? What are my rights if something goes wrong? Who to a call to make a complaint?
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY (DNS-117).PDF You are a landlord and you are ready to rent. This is a must read brochure if you want to protect your property from destructive tenants. It explains the information you need to complete at the time of the lease to effectively prosecute those tenants who cause damage to your property. If done correctly it may help the Milwaukee Police and the City Attorney's office to assist you in bringing charges against those who ruin your property in a criminal matter. Learn all the tips to preventing future damage as well. (Printable version for folding)
Plumbing Section
CROSS CONNECTIONS AND BACK FLOW BROCHURE (DNS-666.PDF) Learn how a garden hose can be the source of deadly contamination. Cross Connections can also contaminate household drinking water. Commercial buildings will soon be inspected for cross connections. Find out what actions to take to avoid problems.