Wausau, WI Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Entry rule
- Consent or special inspection warrant
- Notice period
- 21 calendar days by first-class mail
- Notified parties
- Occupants, owner, registered contact person
- Warrant statute
- Wis. Stats. § 66.0119
- Scope
- Residential rental dwelling units only
Summary
Before entering a Wausau rental unit, city inspectors need consent from an adult occupant or the owner, or a special inspection warrant, and must mail written notice at least 21 days ahead under Wausau Municipal Code § 16.04.039.
(d)Inspection. Inspections shall only be conducted:(1)In an occupied dwelling unit with consent from an adult tenant or adult designee present at the time of the inspection;(2)In a vacant dwelling unit with consent from the owner or owner's agent who is present at the time of the inspection; or(3)Upon obtaining a special inspection warrant pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 66.0119. ... (h)Notice of inspection.(1)The Department shall serve written notice of the date and time of any inspection to be conducted under this section by mailing such notice by first class mail at least 21 calendar days prior to the date of the inspection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
039 sets the mechanics the City of Wausau Division of Inspection and Zoning follows for its residential rental inspections. In an occupied unit, an inspector needs consent from an adult tenant or designee present at the time; in a vacant unit, consent comes from the owner or the owner's agent present at the time. Absent consent, the Department must obtain a special inspection warrant under Wis. 0119 before entering. 030; notice to any one owner or the contact person for a multi-owner property satisfies the requirement for everyone.
0119 rather than force entry. This process applies specifically to residential rental dwelling inspections under Wausau's housing code; it governs the scheduled district program and complaint-based inspections alike, not new-construction building permit sign-offs.
Violations & Fines
Refusing to allow a properly noticed inspection does not carry its own forfeiture; instead, the Department applies to a court for a special inspection warrant under Wis. Stats. § 66.0119, and once granted, it authorizes entry regardless of continued refusal. Once inside, any code violation found is enforced and penalized separately under Wausau's Title 16 housing code, including the § 16.04.037 rent-abatement schedule and the § 16.04.040 forfeiture of $25.00 to $200.00 per day for willful housing-code violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Wausau inspector enter my rental without notice?
What if I refuse to let the inspector in?
Does this process cover new-construction building inspections too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wausau
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