County Building Permits
Sawyer County, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sawyer County, Wisconsin. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated Sawyer County; county zoning applies countywide outside incorporated city and village limits
- Department
- Sawyer County Zoning and Conservation
- Address
- Sawyer County Courthouse, 10610 Main Street, Hayward, WI 54843
- Phone
- 715-634-4866
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CivicPlus document and forms pages • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Determine whether the work needs a land use permit, grading permit, sanitary permit, fire number, or other county approval.
- Confirm floodplain, wetland, shoreland, driveway, and road authority issues before starting.
- Complete the Land Use Application and include a plot map, setbacks, fees, and dwelling layout if applicable.
- County zoning reviews the application.
- If the project also needs UDC inspection, coordinate with the assigned UDC inspector after county land use approval.
- Do not begin construction until the permit is processed and approved, with fees and paperwork received.
General Requirements
Sawyer County says a Land Use Permit is required for any new or replacement structure being built, assembled, or placed on land for long-term or temporary use.
Required Documents
- Application, plot map or site plan, setbacks, associated fees, and general layout for dwellings. Additional information may be requested.
- Contractor requirements
- Sanitary permits must be applied for by a Wisconsin licensed plumber. UDC inspectors and licensed service providers are listed by county.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Not separately published on the county fee schedule reviewed
- Permit fee formula
- Several permit types use flat fees plus $5 per $1,000 of construction cost.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Related county guidance does say leveling and prep can occur before permit issuance, but no pouring of cement or structural work may begin.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- UDC inspection is coordinated with the township or village's designated UDC inspector after county land use permit issua (contact)
Typical inspection sequence: County land use permit first, then UDC inspection if applicable, then any township or village requirements
Additional Resources
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Applications and permits
- LUP guidelines
- UDC inspectors
- 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 Sawyer County Zoning and Conservation before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sawyer County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Sawyer County, WI?
- Sawyer County says a Land Use Permit is required for any new or replacement structure being built, assembled, or placed on land for long-term or temporary use.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Sawyer County, WI?
- Fees are calculated as: Several permit types use flat fees plus $5 per $1,000 of construction cost.. Plan check fee: Not separately published on the county fee schedule reviewed.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sawyer County, WI?
- 1. Determine whether the work needs a land use permit, grading permit, sanitary permit, fire number, or other county approval. 2. Confirm floodplain, wetland, shoreland, driveway, and road authority issues before starting. 3. Complete the Land Use Application and include a plot map, setbacks, fees, and dwelling layout if applicable. 4. County zoning reviews the application. 5. If the project also needs UDC inspection, coordinate with the assigned UDC inspector after county land use approval. 6. Do not begin construction until the permit is processed and approved, with fees and paperwork received.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Sawyer County, WI?
- The following work is generally exempt: Related county guidance does say leveling and prep can occur before permit issuance, but no pouring of cement or structural work may begin..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Sawyer County, WI?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: UDC inspection is coordinated with the township or village's designated UDC inspector after county land use permit issua.
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