PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
Community Development > Permits and Inspections
The Division of Inspection and Zoning Services oversees new construction, alterations to residential and commercial buildings, and the installation of electrical, plumbing and heating and air conditioning systems. Plans and specifications for these developments or alterations are reviewed to ensure they meet a variety of Municipal and State ordinances and codes. Visit our Permit Forms and Information page to find specific requirements for each type of permit, along with downloadable forms.

Contact Information ​​

General Permitting Office:
Tel:  (715) 421-8228

Ben Grimm
Building Inspector
(office) 715-421-8226
(cell) 715-213-8322
Email
​
2nd Floor
444 W Grand Ave.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Permit Forms and Information

Some frequently asked questions can be found below. If you have further questions or need assistance, please call our office.
Wondering if you need a permit?

Generally, permits are required for remodeling or alterations exceeding $500 per project, or if the work being done includes new structures or structural changes.
  • Some examples of such work include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Garages and storage buildings
  • Additions
  • Decks, porches and stoops
  • Fences and dog pens
  • Concrete slabs and driveways
  • Roofing and siding
  • Signs (temporary and permanent)
  • Tents and temporary structures
  • Electrical and plumbing installation or upgrades
  • Heating and cooling installations or replacements
  • Razing or moving of buildings
 
Who can apply for permits and what is needed?

Within the City of Wisconsin Rapids and the State of Wisconsin a licensed and/or certified contractor is required to request a building permit.  However, an exception does exist that allows a homeowner completing work on his/her own home to complete the work without being licensed and/or certified.

 How Do I Obtain a New One or Two-family Permit?

  • Wondering about the new DSPS requirements for new one and two family residential dwelling permitting?
  • As of January 2nd, 2018 the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services is requiring all Wisconsin municipalities to be enrolled in a new online reporting system for the permitting of all new one and two family dwellings.
  • The City of Wisconsin Rapids has chosen the version of this program which allows the applicant (contractors) to fill out and submit the application online.  After the successful submittal of information to the State, you will work with our office for the payment of the necessary fees and for the issuance of the local permit.  
  • For more information on this DSPS program, you can access the DSPS UDC One and Two Family Dwelling program homepage or you may review the included FAQ.  Our local staff will do our best to help you if you have any questions on the new permitting system or process.  
  • As a result of this change, starting January 2, 2018, to apply for new one or two-family dwelling permits, we will not accept the information in our office until the State process has been completed.
  • ​You can access the State application system here

When are Inspections Required?

A variety of inspections are required for any permitted construction.  The required inspections for each project are located on the issued permit.  However, examples of the types of inspections that may be required are as follows:
  • Footings (before pouring concrete) 
  • Foundation Walls (before backfilling) 
  • Rough Plumbing (called in by plumber) 
  • Rough Electrical (called in by electrician) 
  • Rough Framing (before insulating) 
  • Insulation (before wall and ceiling finish is applied) 
  • Interior Drain Tile (before pouring basement floor concrete) 
  • Final Plumbing (called in by plumber) 
  • Final Electrical (called in by electrician) 
  • Final Building Occupancy (before moving in)
 
What Codes and Ordinances Regulate Building in the City?
​
The following codes and ordinances regulate development in the City of Wisconsin Rapids.  
Need to contact an inspector?

  • If you have a specific building question, the inspector is available to answer your technical questions.
  • When you are ready to have your project inspected, please call the inspector to schedule. Failure to call for the required inspections can lead to delays or costs in the project and may lead to a fine.

​Wondering about private well permitting?

  • Any private well owner in the City of Wisconsin Rapids that also is connected to the municipal water supply needs to obtain a 5 year well permit.
  • Please contact our office with any questions.
  • More general information can be found on the DNR website.
View City Directory