Washburn, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All City of Washburn permits, land use, code enforcement, and related approvals

Department

Zoning Administration Office, Ordinances, Zoning Administration & Code Enforcement

Address

119 Washington Avenue, Washburn, WI 54891

Phone

715-373-6160

Website

https://www.cityofwashburnwi.gov/zoning-administration-code-enforcement

Application Process

1. Use the relevant permit form from the permits page.
2. Submit the form to the Zoning Administration Office.
3. City staff review for ordinance compliance and fee collection.
4. Obtain any extra approvals or attend public meetings when required, such as for conditional uses or site plan review.
5. For commercial buildings, secure any state-approved plans before a building permit is issued.

Source: Zoning Administration Office, Ordinances, Zoning Administration & Code Enforcement

General Requirements

Construction/demolition, driveway, sidewalk, right-of-way, sign, short-term rental, fill/change in topography, and other land use permits as listed by ordinance

Required Documents

• Permit-specific forms
• Site plans for many zoning matters
• Contractor information
• Other supporting documents as required by the permit type

Permit validity

Operator/bartender license valid up to two years, expiring June 30; other permit expiration details were not uniformly published on the main page.

Building code

City code has Chapter 152 Building Construction and Chapter 500 Zoning; city recent ordinance no. 406 streamlined permits and delegated building inspection to Bayfield County

Contractor requirements

City form asks for contractor business name and state license number if applicable; commercial buildings may need DSPS-approved plans before city permit issuance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Examples from fee schedule include $0 for fences, $25 for general zoning permit, $50 minimum in several building-related categories, and $100+ for some permits

Plan check fee

Site plan review and/or architectural review $50; conditional use/special use permit $150; planned development step fees also published

Permit fee formula

Examples include additions/accessory structures under 300 sq ft at $50 plus $0.05 per sq ft; over 300 sq ft minimum $50 plus $0.10 per sq ft; swimming pools $50; sign permits $15 plus $2 per sq ft; fill permit $100 plus actual cost

Reinspection fee

Re-inspection fee/additional site visit $50

Penalty (no permit)

Failure to obtain permit before construction may trigger double permit fee for owner and a $452.50 citation for the contractor on first offense

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences
• Some minor categories in the fee schedule that are zero-fee rather than no-permit

Important: Some zero-fee items still require review; there is no consolidated exemption page.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Use the appropriate permit form, obtain any required city approvals, then proceed with construction.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City code has Chapter 152 Building Construction and Chapter 500 Zoning; city recent ordinance no. 406 streamlined permits and delegated building inspection to Bayfield County
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Forms page
• Planning and development
• FAQ on commercial permits
• License lookup guide: Wisconsin Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Wisconsin Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Wisconsin hub: Wisconsin Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Washburn Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Washburn, WI?

Construction/demolition, driveway, sidewalk, right-of-way, sign, short-term rental, fill/change in topography, and other land use permits as listed by ordinance

How much does a building permit cost in Washburn, WI?

The minimum permit fee is Examples from fee schedule include $0 for fences, $25 for general zoning permit, $50 minimum in several building-related categories, and $100+ for some permits. Fees are calculated as: Examples include additions/accessory structures under 300 sq ft at $50 plus $0.05 per sq ft; over 300 sq ft minimum $50 plus $0.10 per sq ft; swimming pools $50; sign permits $15 plus $2 per sq ft; fill permit $100 plus actual cost. Plan check fee: Site plan review and/or architectural review $50; conditional use/special use permit $150; planned development step fees also published.

How do I apply for a building permit in Washburn, WI?

1. Use the relevant permit form from the permits page. 2. Submit the form to the Zoning Administration Office. 3. City staff review for ordinance compliance and fee collection. 4. Obtain any extra approvals or attend public meetings when required, such as for conditional uses or site plan review. 5. For commercial buildings, secure any state-approved plans before a building permit is issued.

What work is exempt from building permits in Washburn, WI?

The following work is generally exempt: Fences; Some minor categories in the fee schedule that are zero-fee rather than no-permit. Note: Some zero-fee items still require review; there is no consolidated exemption page.

Other cities in Bayfield County