On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Eau Claire
Building permit generally needed whenever a building is built, reconstructed, improved, enlarged, altered, converted, repaired, moved, demolished, reroofed, or sided
Buildings and structures exempt from DSPS plan review per SPS 361.30
Minor alterations as determined by the local inspector
- Exempt Buildings and structures exempt from DSPS plan review per SPS 361.30
- Exempt Minor alterations as determined by the local inspector
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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 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.
- 02 Create or use the online permitting account, then apply for the permit and upload supporting documents.
- 03 Pay fees through the portal.
- 04 If inspection scheduling is needed, use the portal or e-inspection workflow as directed.
- 05 City inspectors conduct the inspection or approve e-inspections, then final sign-off is issued.
Source: Inspection Services Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Eau Claire building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Refer to the city fee schedule and building permit fee schedule
02
Plan check fee
Thin public data in the captured source set
03
Permit fee formula
Thin public data in the captured source set; the city directs users to its fee schedules
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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
Source: Inspection Services Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Eau Claire permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in Eau Claire, WI? ▸
Building permit fees in Eau Claire, WI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Eau Claire, WI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Eau Claire, WI, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Eau Claire, WI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Eau Claire, WI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Eau Claire, WI 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.
last verified April 2026
source Inspection Services Division ↗
entry id permits/wisconsin/chippewa/eau-claire
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspection Services Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.