Permits are REQUIRED for the following:

• New construction or an addition to a building.
• Alterations/remodeling (kitchen cabinets, drywalling, etc.).
• Construction of a detached garage, lean-to, storage building, gazebo, etc., or any additions or alterations thereto. This includes placement of prefab sheds, and buildings built off-site. Note: canopy (tent-like) structures are not allowed.
• Construction or reconstruction of a deck, stoop, porch, or ramp.
• Residing of a building. (Make sure house numbers get reinstalled upon completion.)
• Installation/replacement of roofing (shingles, re-decking, etc.).
• Shingles can be installed over no more than one layer of existing shingles if approved by the Building Inspector.
• Metal roofs are not allowed on residential buildings in the city unless they meet certain guidelines and are approved on an individual case-by-case basis by the Inspections staff. Metal roofs using corrugated panels or exposed fasteners will not be approved for use on residential buildings.
• Replacement of windows and doors. (Exception: you are allowed to replace two windows or doors without a permit provided they are the same size and type as existing.)
• Installation of new windows. (Exception: a permit is not required for sash replacement only.)
• Installation of electrical circuitry.
• Installation or replacement of plumbing fixtures (where piping needs to be reconstructed during replacement of the fixture).
• Installation or replacement of heating units.
• Installation of air conditioning units. (Exception: a permit is not required for window-mounted units.)
• Construction or installation of a swimming pool.
• Construction of a retaining wall (4' or more in height—from ground level).
• Demolition of a building.
• Construction, replacement, or expansion of a fence. (For additional fence info, check out our Residential webpage.)
• Request to Combine Parcel

 However, permits are NOT REQUIRED for the following:

• Replacement of a light fixture or an electrical outlet.
• Interior painting or wallpapering.
• Resurfacing an existing driveway.
• Pouring of a concrete patio or walkway
• Replacement of a like-for-like plumbing fixture (e.g. dishwasher, kitchen sink, toilet, and lavatory sink.)

If what you plan on doing is not listed above, feel free to call us at 715-261-6780 to see if a permit is required.

At City of Wausau, a building, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing permit must be submitted separately. Some projects will require all four types of permits to be submitted and issued while other projects may only need one. 

There are other specialty permits that we require. A sign, fence, excavation, demolition/razing, and parking lot permits are examples of some that we require.

If you aren't sure that what you plan on doing requires a permit or several permits, feel free to call us at 715-261-6780 and we can help you determine that.

You can submit an application online on our Evolve Permit Portal (Click on Evolve logo up above). You may also apply in person, over the phone, or via email. However, applying in person, over the phone, or via email will be subject to administrative fees.

Processing a permit application can take at up to 5 days to complete. However, an application may take longer to process, and are also subject to administrative fees if the application is not complete at the time of submission.

If a permit is not issued prior to commencing work, you can be subject to penalties and additional fees.

Our business hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Inspectors are available to meet by appointment only.

To schedule an appointment with an inspector call 715-261-6780

The cost of a permit is not always the same. Depending on what you are doing will determine the cost of your permit.

You may contact our Inspection's Administration at 715.261.6780 to obtain an estimate for your specific project.

Below is our current fee schedule:

• Building, Housing, & Zoning Fee Schedule
• Electrical Fee Schedule
• Plumbing Fee Schedule
• Sign Fee Schedule

Yes! You can go to the following pages for to learn more about our division.

• Residential
• Commercial & Signs
• Electrical
• Plumbing & HVAC