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

The following work is generally exempt: Re-siding; Re-roofing; Window replacement; Door replacement; Finishing interior surfaces; Cabinetry installation; Minor non-structural repairs; Major equipment replacement such as furnace, water heater, air conditioner; Normal repairs of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems such as switches, receptacles, fixtures, and dimmers; New detached accessory buildings and additions where electrical work is not involved. Note: The county specifically states it does not issue re-roofing or re-siding permits; those work types are considered exempt from county-issued permits.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Eau Claire County, WI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 715-839-2944. Requests are handled on the county schedule after notification; standard statutory targets are 2 business days and 5 business days for final inspections..

County Building Permits

Eau Claire County, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Wisconsin Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Eau Claire County

Department: Eau Claire County Department of Planning & Development, Land Use Controls Division
Address: Eau Claire County Government Center, Courthouse 3rd Floor, 721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 3344, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: 715-839-4741
Website: https://www.eauclairecounty.gov/our-government/departments-and-facilities/department-directory/planning-and-development

Online Permit Portal

Open Applications, Forms, and Guides

Platform: county online permit application • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Application Process

Start with the county building permit checklist and confirm whether the work needs a building permit, land use permit, erosion control permit, storm water permit, or more than one permit type.
Complete the online Building Permit Application and upload required plans and documents.
County review of completed applications occurs within 10 business days.
County schedules inspections after completion notification and notifies the owner; standard inspections are generally completed within 2 business days and final inspections within 5 business days.

Typical processing time: County reviews completed applications within 10 business days; inspections generally within 2 business days and finals within 5 business days after notification.

Source: Eau Claire County Department of Planning & Development, Land Use Controls Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new one- and two-family dwellings (including exit decks), additions that increase dwelling dimensions, alterations to dwelling structure/plumbing/heating/electrical, and electrical construction in detached residential, commercial, or agricultural structures.

Required Documents

Plans and application materials required by the county checklist

Building code: Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and Eau Claire County building/construction code administration

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Re-siding
Re-roofing
Window replacement
Door replacement
Finishing interior surfaces
Cabinetry installation
Minor non-structural repairs
Major equipment replacement such as furnace, water heater, air conditioner
Normal repairs of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems such as switches, receptacles, fixtures, and dimmers
New detached accessory buildings and additions where electrical work is not involved

Important: The county specifically states it does not issue re-roofing or re-siding permits; those work types are considered exempt from county-issued permits.

Inspections

How to Schedule

715-839-2944 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Requests are handled on the county schedule after notification; standard statutory targets are 2 business days and 5 business days for final inspections.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (in-person permit handling often listed as 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM)

Typical inspection sequence: Notify county after work readiness; inspections are completed by county staff after notification.

Additional Resources

Building code: Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and Eau Claire County building/construction code administration
Zoning information: View zoning info
Land Use Permits / Conditional Use Permits
Erosion Control and Storm Water Permitting
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 Eau Claire County Department of Planning & Development, Land Use Controls Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eau Claire County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Eau Claire County, WI?: Building permits are required for new one- and two-family dwellings (including exit decks), additions that increase dwelling dimensions, alterations to dwelling structure/plumbing/heating/electrical, and electrical construction in detached residential, commercial, or agricultural structures.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Eau Claire County, WI?: 1. Start with the county building permit checklist and confirm whether the work needs a building permit, land use permit, erosion control permit, storm water permit, or more than one permit type. 2. Complete the online Building Permit Application and upload required plans and documents. 3. County review of completed applications occurs within 10 business days. 4. County schedules inspections after completion notification and notifies the owner; standard inspections are generally completed within 2 business days and final inspections within 5 business days.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Eau Claire County, WI?: Typical processing time is County reviews completed applications within 10 business days; inspections generally within 2 business days and finals within 5 business days after notification..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Eau Claire County, WI?: The following work is generally exempt: Re-siding; Re-roofing; Window replacement; Door replacement; Finishing interior surfaces; Cabinetry installation; Minor non-structural repairs; Major equipment replacement such as furnace, water heater, air conditioner; Normal repairs of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems such as switches, receptacles, fixtures, and dimmers; New detached accessory buildings and additions where electrical work is not involved. Note: The county specifically states it does not issue re-roofing or re-siding permits; those work types are considered exempt from county-issued permits.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Eau Claire County, WI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 715-839-2944. Requests are handled on the county schedule after notification; standard statutory targets are 2 business days and 5 business days for final inspections..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Eau Claire County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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