Building Safety in Wausau, WI (2026)
6 verified building safety rules for Wausau, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Door Locking Hardware
A rental unit in Wausau with no working door lock is a code violation carrying a 25 to 75 percent rent abatement under the city's rent-impairing violation schedule, which also penalizes missing or hazardous doors and window sash locks.
Door Lock Requirements for Wausau Rentals
Some RestrictionsWausau Municipal Code § 16.04.037 (H-302.7.4)
Violation Description % of Abatement ... H-302.7.4 Door locks - no lock or not functional 25—75%
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Wausau penalizes landlords who do not install required smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, citing the state's SPS 321 and 362 codes through a 5 to 25 percent rent abatement per missing detector under § 16.04.037.
Smoke & CO Detector Rules in Wausau
Some RestrictionsWausau Municipal Code § 16.04.037 (SPS 321.09, 321.097, 362.0907, 362.1200)
SPS 321.09 SPS 321.097 SPS 362.0907 SPS 362.1200 Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors not installed where required 5—25% per missing detector
Building Permits
The City of Wausau requires a building permit signed by the Building Inspector before footing and foundation excavation or before construction, alteration, remodeling, or moving of any building or structure begins within city limits, per Wausau Municipal Code Section 15.20.010. The owner, contractor, or whoever performs the work can obtain the permit, and any of them can be prosecuted for skipping it. Permit fees are set under Section 3.40.010(a), payable to the City Treasurer.
Wausau Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsWausau Municipal Code § 15.20.010
A building permit signed by the Building Inspector shall be obtained before footing and foundation excavation or the commencement of construction, alteration or remodeling or moving of any building or structure within the City. The building permit may be obtained by the owner or contractor or by the party by whom the work is to be performed; any or all of the foregoing may be prosecuted for fai...
Electrical Permits
Wausau requires an electrical permit before wiring, installing electrical equipment, or altering any wiring system, under Wausau Municipal Code Section 18.05.010. The Electrical Inspector in the Division of Inspection and Zoning issues permits to licensed contractors, and the City adopts the Wisconsin State Electrical Code and SPS 316 by reference as the technical standard. Simple cord-and-plug connections of 120 volts or 20 amps or less do not need one.
Wausau Electrical Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsWausau Municipal Code § 18.05.010
(a)Permit required. No building, structure or premises shall be wired for electric lights, meters, heating units, signs, refrigeration or other electrical wiring nor shall any electrical equipment be installed nor shall any alteration or change be made in any wiring system, nor shall electric current be supplied to any new electrical system, before notifying the Electrical Inspector and securin...
Plumbing Permits
Wausau requires a plumbing permit from the Plumbing Inspector before installing any plumbing or drainage work, under Wausau Municipal Code Section 19.12.010, and bars use of the plumbing until the Inspector has inspected and approved it. The City adopts Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 145 and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 325 and SPS 381-387 as the underlying plumbing code. Permit fees are non-refundable and the permit itself cannot be transferred.
Wausau Plumbing Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsWausau Municipal Code § 19.12.010
No person shall install or cause to be installed any plumbing or drainage unless a permit therefor has been issued by the plumbing Inspector, and no plumbing shall be used until it has been inspected and approved by the Inspector. No permit fee shall be refunded and no permit shall be transferable.
Building Inspections
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.
Rental Housing Inspection Process in Wausau
Some RestrictionsWausau Municipal Code § 16.04.039(d), (h)
(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 ins...
Looking for Marathon County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Wausau city rules.
Building Safety in Marathon County →