How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Waushara County, WI?

The minimum permit fee is Residential new one and two-family construction minimum is $847.00 total fees with 10 percent; some other minimums are lower by permit type.. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction is $0.33 per sq. ft. minimum $847.00; additions and remodels use $0.33 per sq. ft. with minimums; commercial uses square-foot and linear-foot formulas by system.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review for new one and two-family dwellings is $94.00 per unit; residential remodel or addition plan review is $55.00; commercial plan review is $138.00 for items not subject to formal review..

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

The following work is generally exempt: County page does not publish a complete exempt-work list.; State UDC forms and county practice indicate minor repairs are exempt when they do not affect room arrangement, light, ventilation, exits, fire protection, or exterior appearance..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call the inspection office at 920-787-6510..

County Building Permits

Waushara County, WI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Wisconsin Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Waushara County, with county-administered UDC services across most towns and villages in the county

Department: Waushara County Zoning and Land Conservation, Building Code and Inspections
Address: Waushara County Government Center, 380 S. Townline Rd., Wautoma, WI 54982
Phone: 608-697-7773 for building inspector; 920-787-6510 for inspections
Email: building.inspector@wausharacountywi.gov
Website: https://www.co.waushara.wi.us/13661/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: GEC / Soliant FileMaker web form • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm the work is permit-regulated under county UDC and zoning rules.
Gather plans, contractor data, erosion control materials, and code calculations if required.
Submit the online permit application through the GEC portal.
County or inspector reviews the application and may request corrections or additional documents.
Pay the permit fee and receive issuance through the county process.
Schedule inspections with the county inspection office as work progresses.

General Requirements

County page states permits and inspections are required for all remodeling, additions, and new 1 or 2 family dwellings, as well as swimming pools and altered electrical services, except in the Town of Warren, Village of Wild Rose, and City of Wautoma.

Required Documents

County-linked forms and checklists include new home construction permit, building cross-sectional drawing, drain tile waiver, handrail shapes, one and two family home plan review process, utility and electric service areas, plan submittal checklist, and erosion control plan checklists.

Building code: Wisconsin UDC and state building codes. County page links Uniform Dwelling Codes and Commercial Building Codes; county processing uses DSPS state forms.
Owner-builder: Wisconsin UDC owner-occupant caution applies; county portal and forms reference the standard state UDC permit application and owner-occupant statement.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold appropriate Wisconsin credentials; the state form requires contractor, qualifier, plumber, electrician, and HVAC credentials where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Residential new one and two-family construction minimum is $847.00 total fees with 10 percent; some other minimums are lower by permit type.
Plan check fee: Residential plan review for new one and two-family dwellings is $94.00 per unit; residential remodel or addition plan review is $55.00; commercial plan review is $138.00 for items not subject to formal review.
Permit fee formula: Residential new construction is $0.33 per sq. ft. minimum $847.00; additions and remodels use $0.33 per sq. ft. with minimums; commercial uses square-foot and linear-foot formulas by system.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

County page does not publish a complete exempt-work list.
State UDC forms and county practice indicate minor repairs are exempt when they do not affect room arrangement, light, ventilation, exits, fire protection, or exterior appearance.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Call the inspection office at 920-787-6510. (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Apply, receive review and issuance, then call for inspections during construction milestones.

Double fees apply when work starts without a permit. County fee schedule also charges for corrective-action reinspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: Wisconsin UDC and state building codes. County page links Uniform Dwelling Codes and Commercial Building Codes; county processing uses DSPS state forms.
Zoning information: View zoning info
County permit info
County communities list
State UDC forms and guidance
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 Waushara County Zoning and Land Conservation, Building Code and Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waushara County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Waushara County, WI?: County page states permits and inspections are required for all remodeling, additions, and new 1 or 2 family dwellings, as well as swimming pools and altered electrical services, except in the Town of Warren, Village of Wild Rose, and City of Wautoma.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Waushara County, WI?: The minimum permit fee is Residential new one and two-family construction minimum is $847.00 total fees with 10 percent; some other minimums are lower by permit type.. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction is $0.33 per sq. ft. minimum $847.00; additions and remodels use $0.33 per sq. ft. with minimums; commercial uses square-foot and linear-foot formulas by system.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review for new one and two-family dwellings is $94.00 per unit; residential remodel or addition plan review is $55.00; commercial plan review is $138.00 for items not subject to formal review..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Waushara County, WI?: 1. Confirm the work is permit-regulated under county UDC and zoning rules. 2. Gather plans, contractor data, erosion control materials, and code calculations if required. 3. Submit the online permit application through the GEC portal. 4. County or inspector reviews the application and may request corrections or additional documents. 5. Pay the permit fee and receive issuance through the county process. 6. Schedule inspections with the county inspection office as work progresses.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Waushara County, WI?: The following work is generally exempt: County page does not publish a complete exempt-work list.; State UDC forms and county practice indicate minor repairs are exempt when they do not affect room arrangement, light, ventilation, exits, fire protection, or exterior appearance..
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Waushara County, WI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Call the inspection office at 920-787-6510..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Waushara County Unincorporated Area 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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