Waukesha, WI Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Plumbing Inspector
- Who may hold permit
- Master plumbers (owner exception exists)
- Owner exception
- Single-family home, owner-occupied
- Contractor bond
- $5,000, filed annually by Jan. 1
- Permit expiration
- 120 days
- First-offense penalty
- $10 to $2,500 plus costs
Summary
No plumbing work may begin in Waukesha without a permit from the Plumbing Inspector, issued only to master plumbers except for a limited owner-occupant exception. The City enforces Wisconsin's Chapter 145 plumbing code and SPS administrative rules on every installation.
19.03 State Code Adopted (Am. #53-93) (Am. #1-13) The provisions and regulations of Chapter 145 Wisconsin Statutes, Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS Chapters 325, 381-387, and future amendments thereto, are made part of this Code by reference and shall extend over and govern the installation of all plumbing installed, altered or repaired in the City, except as otherwise provided herein... ... 19.17 Plumbing Permits PERMITS REQUIRED. (Am. #53-93) No plumbing shall be done, except as permitted in §19.12, without first securing a permit. Permits in transit are not considered issued until delivered and received in the Building Inspection Department. ISSUANCE OF PERMITS. Permits shall be issued by the Plumbing Inspector upon the filing of a proper application on forms furnished by the Inspector... ... Plumbing permits, except as permitted in §19.12, shall be issued only to master plumbers.
Full Breakdown
12, until a permit is secured; a permit is not considered issued until it is delivered to and received by the Building Inspection Department. 12 owner exception applies. Rough and final inspections must be called for by the licensed plumbing contractor before any work is covered. 03 adopts Chapter 145 of the Wisconsin Statutes and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS Chapters 325 and 381 through 387, plus future amendments, as the substantive standard governing installation, alteration or repair of plumbing citywide. 12 lets a property owner do plumbing work on a single-family residence they own and occupy as a permanent residence, provided they take out a permit and submit to inspection and approval by the Plumbing Inspector.
16, renewed annually by January 1. 18 and kept on file with Community Development; permits expire after 120 days, with any unused fee balance over $20 refundable on request before expiration, while starting work before permitting doubles the fee owed.
Violations & Fines
Any person who violates this chapter is subject to the general penalty in Waukesha Municipal Code § 25.05: not less than $10 nor more than $2,500 for a first offense and not less than $100 nor more than $5,000 for each subsequent offense, plus prosecution costs, per § 19.19. Failure to pay can lead to county jail confinement of up to 90 days under § 25.05(2), and each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do my own plumbing work in Waukesha?
Who can pull a plumbing permit besides the homeowner?
What plumbing code applies in Waukesha?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waukesha
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