How much does a building permit cost in Eau Claire, WI?

The minimum permit fee is Refer to the city fee schedule and building permit fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Thin public data in the captured source set; the city directs users to its fee schedules. Plan check fee: Thin public data in the captured source set.

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

1. Confirm whether the project requires building, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, sign, or moving permit review, and whether plan review is delegated to the city or must go to DSPS. 2. Create or use the online permitting account, then apply for the permit and upload supporting documents. 3. Pay fees through the portal. 4. If inspection scheduling is needed, use the portal or e-inspection workflow as directed. 5. City inspectors conduct the inspection or approve e-inspections, then final sign-off is issued.

What work is exempt from building permits in Eau Claire, WI?

The following work is generally exempt: Buildings and structures exempt from DSPS plan review per SPS 361.30; Minor alterations as determined by the local inspector.

City Building Permits

Eau Claire, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Wisconsin Chippewa County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Eau Claire; only the northern portion lies in Chippewa County, but the city permit authority is citywide

Department: Inspection Services Division
Address: 203 S. Farwell St, P.O. Box 5148, Eau Claire, WI 54702-5148
Phone: 715-839-4947
Email: inspections@eauclairewi.gov
Website: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/our-divisions/inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open Evolv / Infovision

Platform: Evolv / Infovision • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm whether the project requires building, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, sign, or moving permit review, and whether plan review is delegated to the city or must go to DSPS.
Create or use the online permitting account, then apply for the permit and upload supporting documents.
Pay fees through the portal.
If inspection scheduling is needed, use the portal or e-inspection workflow as directed.
City inspectors conduct the inspection or approve e-inspections, then final sign-off is issued.

Source: Inspection Services Division

General Requirements

Building permit generally needed whenever a building is built, reconstructed, improved, enlarged, altered, converted, repaired, moved, demolished, reroofed, or sided

Required Documents

Online application
Supporting plan review documents
Deck framing plan for deck projects
Cautionary statement for owner applicants
Other project-specific uploads

Building code: Building/HVAC SPS 320-325; Electrical SPS 316; commercial building/HVAC uses 2021 IBC, IECC, IMC, IFGC, and IEBC per SPS 361-366 for the adopted scopes
Owner-builder: Residential owners may obtain building permits for work on their own house or accessory buildings; homeowners must obtain electrical, heating, or plumbing permits for work they do themselves
Contractor requirements: Contractors must be state certified for permits; licensed contractors must do trade work on non-owner-occupied buildings

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Refer to the city fee schedule and building permit fee schedule
Plan check fee: Thin public data in the captured source set
Permit fee formula: Thin public data in the captured source set; the city directs users to its fee schedules

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Buildings and structures exempt from DSPS plan review per SPS 361.30
Minor alterations as determined by the local inspector

Inspections

How to Schedule

Online permit software (online)

Scheduling deadline: Inspection requests must be made 24 hours in advance and no later than 3 pm; voicemail and email are not accepted for inspection requests
Inspection hours: Inspection office hours Monday 7:30 am to 6:00 pm; Tuesday through Thursday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm; Friday through Sunday closed

Typical inspection sequence: Apply, pay, upload plans, schedule inspection, complete field inspection or e-inspection if requested

Inspection requests must be made 24 hours in advance and no later than 3 pm; voicemail and email are not accepted for inspection requests

Additional Resources

Building code: Building/HVAC SPS 320-325; Electrical SPS 316; commercial building/HVAC uses 2021 IBC, IECC, IMC, IFGC, and IEBC per SPS 361-366 for the adopted scopes
Zoning information: View zoning info
Applications
When Is a Permit Required
License lookup guide: Wisconsin Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Wisconsin Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Wisconsin hub: Wisconsin Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Inspection Services Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eau Claire Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Eau Claire, WI?: Building permit generally needed whenever a building is built, reconstructed, improved, enlarged, altered, converted, repaired, moved, demolished, reroofed, or sided
How much does a building permit cost in Eau Claire, WI?: The minimum permit fee is Refer to the city fee schedule and building permit fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Thin public data in the captured source set; the city directs users to its fee schedules. Plan check fee: Thin public data in the captured source set.
How do I apply for a building permit in Eau Claire, WI?: 1. Confirm whether the project requires building, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, sign, or moving permit review, and whether plan review is delegated to the city or must go to DSPS. 2. Create or use the online permitting account, then apply for the permit and upload supporting documents. 3. Pay fees through the portal. 4. If inspection scheduling is needed, use the portal or e-inspection workflow as directed. 5. City inspectors conduct the inspection or approve e-inspections, then final sign-off is issued.
What work is exempt from building permits in Eau Claire, WI?: The following work is generally exempt: Buildings and structures exempt from DSPS plan review per SPS 361.30; Minor alterations as determined by the local inspector.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Eau Claire, WI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Online permit software. Inspection requests must be made 24 hours in advance and no later than 3 pm; voicemail and email are not accepted for inspection requests.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Eau Claire can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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