Janesville, WI Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Sec. 10-53(a) adopts the Janesville Plumbing Code on file with the City Clerk by reference, giving every provision in it the same force as if written directly into the ordinance. Sec. 10-53(b) separately adopts the Wisconsin Plumbing Code, SPS 381-387, administered by the state Department of Safety and Professional Services, applying it uniformly to sanitary and storm drainage, water supply, wastewater treatment and dispersal for buildings in the City. Sec. 10-55(a) then requires a permit from the Plumbing Inspector before any plumbing work of any kind, except minor repairs inside a building; Sec.

10-55(b) requires the permit application to be signed by a licensed plumber under the Wisconsin Administrative Plumbing Code, though an owner occupying a single-family residence may apply to do the work personally. Sec. 10-55(c) additionally requires a licensed plumber working in Janesville to file a $1,000 performance bond and either a $5,000 indemnity bond or $5,000 of liability insurance with the City Clerk, covering completed work, street or alley restoration after excavation, and City indemnification. Sec. 10-54 creates the City's Plumbing Inspector position, appointed by the City Manager, who must hold a Master or Journeyman Plumber license along with a Commercial Plumbing Inspector certification, and who tests plumbing work in person, keeping water supply piping, sewers and drains uncovered until inspected and approved.

Sec. 10-57 separately bars anyone from performing plumbing work in the City without a qualified Wisconsin license, except for repairs and stoppages that the Wisconsin Plumbing Code exempts from licensing.