Wauwatosa, WI Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Entry standard
- Reasonable times, proper purpose, Sec. 15.02.060
- Refused entry
- Triggers inspection warrant, Wis. Stat. Sec. 66.0119
- Occupancy inspection notice
- At least 10 days in advance
- First-offense penalty
- $100, +$50 each additional offense
- Imminent-danger penalty
- $1,000 per offense
Summary
Wauwatosa building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspectors may enter premises at reasonable times for a proper purpose under Wauwatosa Municipal Code Section 15.02.060, seeking a state inspection warrant if an owner refuses entry. Section 15.02.170 requires a certificate of occupancy, issued only after an inspection turns up no violations, before any building or premises may be used.
The inspectors provided for in this chapter shall have the authority at all reasonable times, for any proper purpose, to enter upon any premises held open to the public or upon private premises with the consent of the owner or the person who is apparently in charge of such premises, upon presentation of the proper credentials, and make inspection thereof. ... It is unlawful to use or permit the use of any building or premises or part thereof without first obtaining a certificate of occupancy. ... Inspections for occupancy shall be requested by the owner or tenant on forms supplied by the division at least ten days prior to anticipating occupancy. If upon inspection, no violations of city code are found, the development director shall issue a certificate of occupancy.
Full Breakdown
060 defines "inspector" broadly to include the development director, lead inspector, building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspectors, and the code enforcement officer, and gives that inspector authority to enter premises open to the public or private premises with the owner's consent, at reasonable times and for a proper purpose, after presenting credentials. 0119 of the Wisconsin Statutes; an inspector with probable cause of an urgent threat to public health or safety, such as fire, blocked exits, structural failure, flood or tornado, may enter without waiting for a warrant.
Inspectors may also demand production of a permit, hold the powers of a police officer for enforcement, and order unsafe work stopped by posted notice. 010. The owner or tenant must request the occupancy inspection at least ten days before the anticipated occupancy date, and the development director issues the certificate only if the inspection finds no code violations. If an inspection later finds nonconformity, the building inspector issues written notice specifying it and orders compliance within thirty days, and may revoke the certificate and order the premises vacated for noncompliance or an unsafe condition; a temporary certificate is available for up to six months during construction or hardship.
Violations & Fines
Section 15.02.190 routes Title 15 violations to Section 15.34.080's penalty schedule: a forfeiture of one hundred dollars for a first offense, increasing by fifty dollars for each additional offense, and one thousand dollars for each offense that creates imminent danger to life, health or safety. If an imminent-danger order goes unpaid within sixty days after the city performs corrective work, the cost becomes a special charge against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Wauwatosa building inspector enter my property without permission?
When is a certificate of occupancy required in Wauwatosa?
How far ahead do I need to request my occupancy inspection?
What happens if my building fails its occupancy inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wauwatosa
Compare Wauwatosa to another location·View the Wisconsin building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Building Inspections in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle building inspections.