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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Waushara County
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.
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.
- Exempt County page does not publish a complete exempt-work list.
- Exempt 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the work is permit-regulated under county UDC and zoning rules.
- 02 Gather plans, contractor data, erosion control materials, and code calculations if required.
- 03 Submit the online permit application through the GEC portal.
- 04 County or inspector reviews the application and may request corrections or additional documents.
- 05 Pay the permit fee and receive issuance through the county process.
- 06 Schedule inspections with the county inspection office as work progresses.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Waushara County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
02
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.
03
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call the inspection office at 920-787-6510. (phone)
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Waushara County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Waushara County, WI? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Waushara County, WI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Waushara County, WI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Waushara County, WI, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Waushara County, WI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Waushara County, WI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Waushara County, WI via: Call the inspection office at 920-787-6510..
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/wisconsin/waushara/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Waushara County Zoning and Land Conservation, Building Code and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.