Building Inspection

The City of Waupaca Inspection Department is the single point of contact for 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 codes, and the City of Waupaca Zoning Code. Staff also issues building and zoning permits.

Building Permit Application Portal

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Permits are required for residential, commercial, and industrial projects for all of the following:

New construction
Remodeling/additions
Accessory Buildings (shed, garage)
Fences
Solar Panels, Generators, EV Chargers
Signs and Murals
Change of Businesses
Re-roofing and Re-siding
Decks (new builds, railing replacement, framing alterations, step alterations/replacement)
Pools (in-ground pools and seasonal)
Razing/moving structures
Electrical (minor and major repairs, switches, outlets, wiring)
Plumbing (new fixtures, new piping, tub replacement, water & waste line replacement)
HVAC (new/replacement AC, new/replacement furnace, in-floor heat, wiring upgrades to support new units)
Window and doors (new and same size replacements)
Sewer/Water laterals (repairs) installation included with permit
Underground storage tank removal

Permits are NOT required for:

Any cosmetic improvements to interior or exterior such as:
- Storm door replacement
- Temporary signs (15 days before an event and 3 days after)
- Pools that are smaller than 15 feet in dimension AND 24 inches in height
- Flooring
- Painting/staining
- Snow fencing (from Nov. 1 to April 1)
- Deck floorboard replacement
- Minor Maintenance and Repair of:
  - Plumbing (replacement of existing sink, toilet, faucet or trap)
  - HVAC (changing floor registers, window AC units, portable heaters)
  - Electrical (replacement of light fixtures)
  - Construction (the Building Inspector may grant a waiver for work under $2,500 of combined materials and market-rate labor costs)

Building Permit & Inspection FAQ

What types of activities do I need a building permit for?

New construction, addition, remodeling interior and/or exterior, plumbing, electrical, re-roofing, residing, windows, a new shed or garage, deck, swimming pool, fence, replacing or installing a furnace and/or central air conditioning, just to name a few.

Ok, what don’t I need a permit for?

Interior and exterior painting, floor coverings, landscaping work, cement walks and new gutters and downspouts for example.

Do I need a building permit to replace my windows?

Yes

Why would I need a building permit to reduce the size of my windows?

The State of Wisconsin minimum housing code requires that a habitable room have 8% of natural light.

Where can I obtain a copy of the State of WI building code book?

For new construction of a home or commercial building – doing electrical or plumbing work, you would need to contact Document Sales.

Do I need a building permit for a patio?

If the patio is in the same elevation of the grade, no. But if you raise the patio above grade, then it is considered a deck and building permits are required for decks.

What State of Wisconsin codes does the Building Department enforce?

Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) for one- and two-family residential projects – Chapters SPS 320 to 325 and 327. Chapter SPS 360, “Erosion Control, Sediment Control and Storm Water Management,” Chapters SPS 361 through 366, “Commercial Building Code,” and Chapters SPS 375 through 379, “Buildings Constructed Prior To 1914,” of the Wisconsin Administrative Code for residential projects with 3+ units and all commercial projects. SPS 316 for all residential and commercial electrical projects.

Can I as the homeowner pull my own building permit?

Homeowners can pull their own building permits, but they must first read and sign a Cautionary Statement prior to the issuance of the building permit.

Building Contractors pulling permits for work being done on one and two family homes are required to have both a State of WI Dwelling Contractor Certification and Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification

Heating Contractors pulling permits need to have a HVAC Contractor Certification.

Electrical Contractors pulling permits need to have a State of WI Master Electrician Certification and possibly a Electrical Contractors Certification.

Plumbing Contractors pulling permits need to have a Master Plumber Credential.

Why do I need a Building Permit?

Inspections help protect your health and safety to ensure home improvement projects are completed to the minimum standards of the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC).

The City of Waupaca has adopted the UDC as part of the City Building Code. Not only new homes or home additions require compliance with the UDC specifications, but also ANY alteration to a structure, including such things as new partition walls, water heaters, furnaces and ventilation, as well as decks and porches, electric services and wiring, and remodeling projects.

Call the Building Inspector BEFORE you start your project to determine if permits are required. A building Permit is the only way the Building Inspector knows that inspections will be required for a home improvement project. Permit fees double if you or your contractor starts without a permit.

How long is my Building Permit good for?

All permits are good for a period of one year. If projects are not started within 6 months, they are considered void. If your project takes longer than a year it could be extended for an additional year for a small fee. Commercial permits would require an extension from the state for approved plans.

Why do I need inspections if my contractor is licensed by the State?

Inspections help ensure that the work has been completed in conformance with the safety and building codes, and the work or installation meets the minimum requirements of the Uniform Dwelling code. It doesn’t hurt to have a second pair of eyes inspect the work to help protect you, your family, and your property investment.

How much do Building Permits cost?

Building Permit fees vary based upon the complexity of the project and the number of inspections required. Your fee will be determined by the Building Department.

If you start working without a Building Permit, fees double.

Can’t I do my own building, electric, or plumbing work without a Permit?

NO – The City of Waupaca Building Code requires that you must obtain a permit for building, electric and plumbing projects and inspections are required. However, you may not need a licensed plumber as long as you OWN and RESIDE in the property. A licensed electrician IS required to do all electrical work in the City of Waupaca.

However, if you own a rental house and you do not reside in the property, per the State Uniform Dwelling Code the work must be performed by a licensed company or individual.

What is a Zoning Permit?

A Zoning Permit is similar to a Building Permit, except that a Zoning Permit is issued to ensure your project is in compliance with the Zoning Code. The most frequent type of Zoning Permit is for Yard setbacks for decks, room additions, and garages. Zoning Permits are also required for fences, signs and swimming pools.

How long does it take to obtain a Building Permit?

The Building Inspector is allowed 10 days to process an application, but generally it takes only a day or two.

Fire District Regulations

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Building Inspection

Building Permit & Inspection FAQ

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