Green Bay, Wisconsin Plumbing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
Green Bay Municipal Plumbing Ordinances
In Green Bay, Wisconsin, plumbing work is regulated by the City of Green Bay's Plumbing Code, which aligns with Wisconsin State Statutes and codes. The Department of Community and Economic Development, specifically the Building Inspection Division, is responsible for administering and enforcing these regulations.
Permits are required for any work that constitutes "plumbing" as defined in Wisconsin Statutes ยง 145.01(10). This includes new construction, alterations, and improvements.
Authority Having Jurisdiction
The primary authority for plumbing permits and inspections in Green Bay is the Department of Community and Economic Development, which oversees the Building Inspection Division.
Local Zoning and Fee Nuances
While specific zoning ordinances directly impacting plumbing permits are not detailed in the provided search results, general zoning regulations are managed by the Housing & Zoning Inspection division. Fees for plumbing permits are outlined in the City of Green Bay Fee Schedule. For example, multi-family residential plumbing permits may have fees based on the number of fixtures, with a general plumbing fixture fee of $8.00 and water/sanitary/storm sewer connection fees of $50.00 each as of 2026. Commercial, educational, institutional, and industrial plumbing permits also have associated fees.
It is important to note that if a plumbing permit application is not obtained before work commences, the applicable permit fee will be doubled.
The City of Green Bay also adopts and enforces state codes, including the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) for residential projects and the International Building Code (IBC) with Wisconsin State Amendments for commercial projects. Plumbing is specifically governed by SPS 325 and SPS 382.
For detailed information on specific plumbing codes, regulations, and fee schedules, it is recommended to consult the official resources provided by the City of Green Bay.
Resources to Learn More
Because Green Bay is located within Brown County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Wisconsin, Brown County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Brown County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Brown County, Wisconsin, plumbing permit requirements are primarily handled at the local town or municipal level, with some county-level oversight for specific areas like shoreland, wetland, and floodplain regulations. For properties in unincorporated areas, it's crucial to contact the specific town or municipality where the property is located, as they will likely administer building and plumbing permits. Brown County Planning and Land Services - Zoning handles permits for shoreland, wetland, and floodplain areas in unincorporated Brown County.
While there isn't a single county-wide building department for all permits in unincorporated areas, Brown County does have specific departments that may be involved depending on the nature of the project. For instance, the Brown County Health Department requires approval for septic systems when new homes, bedroom additions, or additional plumbing are involved.
Wisconsin state law requires a plumbing license to install or replace plumbing, with exceptions for property owners performing work in their own one-family dwelling that they occupy as their primary residence. Farmers may also install plumbing in their own buildings. However, local ordinances may still require a license or permit even in these exempt situations.
For plumbing installations, it's essential to check with the local building inspection department, as separate plumbing permits may be required even for work that is otherwise exempt from a building permit.
When applying for permits, be prepared to provide detailed information, including an isometric drawing of the plumbing work, fixture counts, and contractor information. Fees are typically based on the number of fixtures.
It is important to note that if you live within city limits, you must apply for permits through that specific city and not through the Brown County Planning & Zoning Office.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
For properties in unincorporated areas of Brown County, the primary jurisdiction for building and plumbing permits generally lies with the local town or municipality.
- Contact Local Town/Municipality: You must contact the specific town or municipality where your property is located to determine their exact building and plumbing permit requirements.
- County Zoning for Specific Areas: Brown County Zoning regulates shoreland, wetland, and floodplain areas within unincorporated Brown County. If your property falls within these regulated areas, you will need to obtain permits from the Brown County Planning and Land Services - Zoning department.
- Septic System Approval: The Brown County Health Department must provide written documentation of septic system adequacy for new homes, bedroom additions, or additional plumbing installations.
- Licensed Plumber Requirement: While homeowners may perform plumbing work in their primary residence under certain conditions, a licensed master plumber is generally required to be in charge of all plumbing installations.
- Inspections: Permits typically require inspections at various stages of construction, including rough-in plumbing and final inspections. Ensure you schedule these inspections with adequate notice.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Wisconsin:
Wisconsin Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
Wisconsin Plumbing Code and Legislation
Wisconsin maintains its own unique, state-specific plumbing code rather than adopting the International Plumbing Code (IPC) or Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). The state's plumbing regulations are codified in the Wisconsin Administrative Code, specifically Chapters SPS 381 through SPS 387. These chapters establish the statewide standards for the design, construction, installation, supervision, maintenance, and inspection of plumbing systems.
The primary state agency responsible for setting and administering these standards is the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The DSPS Plumbing Division oversees plumbing licensure, code adoption, product approvals, and industry oversight. The authority for these regulations is derived from Chapter 145 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which mandates the regulation of plumbing practices to protect public health and safety.
Resources to Learn More