Community & Economic Development

Grow & Expand Your Home or Business

Learn more about Waupaca’s Zoning Code

Keep our community great!

Videos and instructions on utilizing our online application and permit system.

Moving Waupaca Forward

Contact Us

Location: 111 S. Main Street, Waupaca, WI 54981
Main Phone: 715.258.4404
Fax: 715.258.4426
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm
Email: cedinfo@waupacawi.gov

Mission Statement

The purpose of the City of Waupaca Community and Economic Development Department is to encourage development that reflects, preserves, and enhances Waupaca’s unique culture and historic character and results in economic vitality, diversification of the community’s tax base, and improved sustainability and quality of life for its residents and the surrounding area.

Elisabeth Racine

Position: Residential Building Inspector
Phone Number: 920-266-9611
Email Address: elisabeth.racine@waupacawi.gov

Emma Anderson

Position: Intern
Phone Number: 715-258-4404
Email Address: emma.anderson@waupacawi.gov

Jane Drager

Position: Commercial Building Inspector
Phone Number: 715-942-9908
Email Address: jane.drager@waupacawi.gov

Julianna Stohs

Position: Community & Economic Development Director
Phone Number: 715-942-9912
Email Address: julianna.stohs@waupacawi.gov

Ronda Rollins

Position: Community Development Specialist/GIS
Phone Number: 715-942-9910
Email Address: ronda.rollins@waupacawi.gov

Department Services

The City of Waupaca’s Community & Economic Development Department is charged with building inspection, code enforcement, planning, zoning, administration of the city’s GIS mapping system, and working with residents and businesses on future developments in the city.

Before starting any building, construction, or remodeling project, check with the Community & Economic Development Department for advice on needed permits. Many projects in the city require permits. Each property falls under a zoning classification with stipulations on what is allowed or not allowed on a particular property. City staff is happy to assist before a project starts to ensure the process goes quickly and smoothly.

Planning & Zoning

Responsible for developing and updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan and assisting in preparation of other plans affecting Waupaca. These plans and ordinances are the means through which the City of Waupaca carries out its policies and regulations regarding land use and the physical development of the community.

Building Inspection & Code Compliance

The source of contact for people and businesses needing permits to construct or remodel buildings in the City of Waupaca. Staff reviews and performs field inspections of building plans to ensure they comply with the City of Waupaca Building Code, State of Wisconsin Building Code, and the City of Waupaca Zoning Code. (See Code Compliance). Staff is also responsible for enforcing public nuisance and related ordinances in a manner that is beneficial to the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Economic Development

Locate or expand your business in Waupaca. Learn more about the Waupaca area and available resources.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

The Geographic Information System (GIS) Division is responsible for automating Land Information for the City of Waupaca. Land Information is data that can be spatially referenced, such as parcels, streets, business locations, utilities, etc…

Property Assessment

The Property Assessment division is responsible for placing and maintaining equitable market value property assessments on all real and personal property. The assessor does not create this value, but rather interprets what is happening in the marketplace.  The work is performed by professional assessors that are knowledgeable and well-versed in standard appraisal practices.

Historic Preservation

The Historic Preservation Commission’s purpose is to recognize, preserve and enhance areas, sites and structures that contribute to Waupaca’s unique and distinctive environment. The Commission is made up of seven members appointed by the Mayor subject to confirmation by the Common Council. The Historic Preservation Commission meets monthly or more often if necessary.