Washburn County, WI — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 5

§ 01

Permit authority

Washburn County Zoning Division

Street address

P.O. Box 506, 10 Fourth Avenue, Shell Lake, WI 54871

Phone

(715) 468-4690

zoning@co.washburn.wi.us

Coverage

County zoning covers unincorporated areas within 1,000 feet of navigable water or within 300 feet of navigable rivers, streams, or creeks, plus towns that have adopted county zoning. County administers land use, shoreland, floodplain, sanitary, subdivision, and related permits.

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Washburn County

All structures, private onsite wastewater systems, grading and filling in shorelands, and development of lots under county ordinance.

Required documents

Land use permit application, site plan or plot plan, sanitary information where applicable, contractor licensing information, and building details. County and city forms also ask for insurance and license numbers when contractors are used.

Building code: Wisconsin SPS 321 Uniform Dwelling Code for one and two family dwellings, as referenced by county zoning.
Contractor requirements: County notes builders and contractors must be licensed when reviewed by the UDC inspector.

§ 03

Fee schedule

Washburn County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$150.00 for decks, stairs, pathways, walkways, patios, retaining walls, fire pits, or other structures

Permit fee formula

Fees are activity-based, not a single formula. Examples include dwelling or principal dwelling $300, accessory building $250, commercial/industrial $500, shoreland grading $300, and more.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

Typical sequence: County land use approval first, then UDC building permit inspection and issuance by the township-hired inspector.

Sanitary return inspection and same day inspection fees are published by the county. UDC inspectors verify contractors, county permits, and SPS 321 compliance.

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Washburn County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Washburn County, WI? ▸

All structures, private onsite wastewater systems, grading and filling in shorelands, and development of lots under county ordinance.

02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Washburn County, WI? ▸

Building permit fees in unincorporated Washburn County, WI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $150.00 for decks, stairs, pathways, walkways, patios, retaining walls, fire pits, or other structures. Fees are calculated as: Fees are activity-based, not a single formula. Examples include dwelling or principal dwelling $300, accessory building $250, commercial/industrial $500, shoreland grading $300, and more..

last verified April 2026 source Washburn County Zoning Division ↗ entry id permits/wisconsin/washburn/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Washburn County Zoning Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Unincorporated Washburn County