City Building Permits

Hayward, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Wisconsin Sawyer County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Hayward

Department
City of Hayward Public Works / City Hall permit processing, with inspections by Boss Inspection, Inc.
Address
15889 W 3rd St., Hayward, WI 54843
Phone
715-634-2311 for City Hall; 715-634-4612 for Public Works

Online Permit Portal

Platform: Public website with downloadable PDF and Word forms • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Complete the City of Hayward Land Use/Building Permit Application.
  2. Confirm whether the project also needs a Uniform Dwelling Code permit.
  3. Submit permit paperwork through the city process and coordinate with Boss Inspection, Inc. for UDC-related work.
  4. City review is reflected on the application form with office fields for date received, planning commission review, and fee collection.
  5. Construction may begin only after required permits are issued.

Source: City of Hayward Public Works / City Hall permit processing, with inspections by Boss Inspection, Inc.

General Requirements

The city form is used for new construction, additions, garages, fences, and accessory buildings for residential and commercial property. The form also requires permits for electrical, plumbing, and erosion control selections as applicable.

Required Documents

  • Application, site address, setbacks, parcel number, zoning, lot size, construction type, construction cost, and site plan.
Building code
The city states a Uniform Dwelling Code permit is required for all new one- and two-family dwellings, manufactured homes, recreational dwellings, foundations for dwelling units, all additions, building alterations over $1,000,000, and garages or accessory buildings over 500 square feet. The city form also references Ordinance #471.
Owner-builder
The form allows an owner or owner agent and includes an owner signature and permission to inspect.
Contractor requirements
The form asks for building contractor, electrical contractor, plumbing contractor, and DHS lead renovator information. The page notes electrical contractor city license and DHS lead renovator for renovations to structures built prior to 1978.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50 for some miscellaneous items, with other permits higher
Plan check fee
Not separately published on the reviewed fee sheet
Permit fee formula
Multiple categories use flat fee plus cost-based formulas, commonly $5 per $1,000 of construction cost

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • From the city permit form:
  • Restoration or repair of an installation to its previous code-compliant condition as determined by the building inspector
  • Re-siding
  • Re-roofing
  • Finishing of interior surfaces
  • Installation of cabinetry, doors, and windows

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Permit application, city review, UDC coordination if applicable, then inspections

The fee schedule includes after-the-fact double penalty treatment for work started without the permit

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Hayward Public Works / City Hall permit processing, with inspections by Boss Inspection, Inc. before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Hayward, WI?
The city form is used for new construction, additions, garages, fences, and accessory buildings for residential and commercial property. The form also requires permits for electrical, plumbing, and erosion control selections as applicable.
How much does a building permit cost in Hayward, WI?
The minimum permit fee is $50 for some miscellaneous items, with other permits higher. Fees are calculated as: Multiple categories use flat fee plus cost-based formulas, commonly $5 per $1,000 of construction cost. Plan check fee: Not separately published on the reviewed fee sheet.
How do I apply for a building permit in Hayward, WI?
1. Complete the City of Hayward Land Use/Building Permit Application. 2. Confirm whether the project also needs a Uniform Dwelling Code permit. 3. Submit permit paperwork through the city process and coordinate with Boss Inspection, Inc. for UDC-related work. 4. City review is reflected on the application form with office fields for date received, planning commission review, and fee collection. 5. Construction may begin only after required permits are issued.
What work is exempt from building permits in Hayward, WI?
The following work is generally exempt: From the city permit form:; Restoration or repair of an installation to its previous code-compliant condition as determined by the building inspector; Re-siding; Re-roofing; Finishing of interior surfaces; Installation of cabinetry, doors, and windows.

Need help with your project?

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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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