Eau Claire County

Construction activities that require a permit include, but are not limited to, construction of: 

• New one- and two-family dwellings including manufactured homes;
• Additions that increase the physical dimensions of a one- and two-family dwelling including decks serving an exit from the dwelling;
• Decks serving an exit from the dwelling;
• Alterations/remodeling to the structure or alterations to the plumbing, heating, or electrical systems of a one- and two-family dwelling;
• New or re-wired electrical services of a one- and two-family dwelling;
• All electrical wiring in a detached residential structure;
• Any conversion of a building from one use to a different use.
• All electrical wiring in a commercial structure.
• All electrical wiring in an agricultural structure.
• New or re-wired electrical services for a commercial or agricultural structure.

• Apply for a building permit through InspectWIZ 
• Property address application (Printable / Fillable)
• Site plan with Erosion control.
• Zoning/Land Use
• Building plans
• Applicable fees (See: Fee Schedule)
• Zoning (land use) and sanitary permits. For information about obtaining a sanitary permit, contact the Health Department (715-839-4718).

Building Permit Checklist
Setback Requirements by Zoning District

Submit a complete set of legible building plans for all one and two family dwellings and for all additions to one and two family dwellings (including decks).  Plans shall be legible and drawn to scale showing enough information on the plan so it can be used to construct the dwelling or addition.

1. Site Plan – The site plan shall show the exact location of the dwelling and any other buildings, wells, and disposal systems on the property with respect to each other and to all property lines, the right-of-way line, and the center line of the road. This plan should also show the distance from the driveway center line to the property line in feet.
   
   
2. Erosion Control Plan – Best Management Practices (BMPs) shall be selected, used and maintained, following SPS 321.125 to prevent eroded sediment from moving off-site. See this fact sheet for more information. It is recommended that you combined the site plan above with the erosion control plan information.
   
   
3. Floor Plans – Floor plans shall be provided for each floor.  The size and location of all rooms, doors, windows, structural features (i.e. footings, headers, special construction features, exit passageways, and stairs), braced wall panels and wall bracing construction details shall be indicated.  The location of plumbing fixtures, chimneys, and heating and cooling appliances shall be included.  Room use must be indicated.
   
   
4. Elevations – The elevation views of the building (front, back, and two sides) shall contain information on the exterior of the building including the location, size, and configuration of doors, windows, roof, chimneys, exterior grade, footings, and foundation walls, as well as the type of exterior materials.
   
   
5. Cross Sections – Cross sections shall include the footings, foundation, and framing.  Detail on the beams, headers, columns, and the truss layout should also be included here or on the job site.  

The site selection is governed by the Floodplain Code, Shoreland/Wetland Code, Comprehensive Zoning Code, and the soil criteria for a sewage disposal system.  Check the information for your site!  Some examples of site considerations follow:

• Consideration of the terrain can reduce footing, foundation, and grading costs while enhancing views and improving basement utilization.
• Building with a very shallow basement on a site with soil moisture problems can reduce or eliminate those moisture problems.
• Orienting the dwelling on the property correctly can take advantage of passive solar heat.
• Building with erosion control in mind can reduce site repair work caused by storms.
• Professional assistance or computer design software can help you add value and enjoyment to your completed building project.