Permit Requirements for Phillips, Wisconsin
For Plumbing projects in Phillips, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Price County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General Plumbing Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
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Because Phillips is located within Price County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Wisconsin, Price County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Price County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Price County, Wisconsin, plumbing permit requirements are primarily handled through the county's zoning and land use departments, rather than a distinct building and safety division. For properties located in unincorporated areas, the county zoning regulations generally apply, with some exceptions for specific towns.
Jurisdiction and Unincorporated Areas
All unincorporated areas of Price County are subject to county zoning regulations, with the exception of non-shoreland areas within the Towns of Kennan, Catawba, Georgetown, Ogema, and Hill. For zoning information in these specific townships, residents should contact their respective Town Chairmen. The Price County Shoreland Ordinance specifically governs properties within 1,000 feet of a lake or flowage, and within 300 feet of a river, creek, or stream.
Sanitary Permits
A crucial aspect of construction and renovation in Price County, particularly concerning plumbing, involves obtaining a sanitary permit. This permit is required before installing, replacing, reconnecting, or modifying any private sewage system or part thereof.
- A sanitary permit must be obtained by the property owner, their agent, or contractor.
- County verification of a soil and site evaluation report may be necessary to determine the suitability of a lot for a private sewage system. This verification is at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator and occurs before the sanitary permit is issued.
- A state sanitary permit can be obtained by having a soil test performed on the property and then submitting the results, along with necessary forms signed by a Wisconsin Licensed Plumber, to obtain the permit. It is advisable to obtain this permit at least a year before anticipated construction, as it is valid for two years.
- Privy permits are also available to meet sanitary requirements. There are two types: open pit (requires soil boring) and vaulted (does not require a soil test but still needs an installation agreement). Vaulted privies are the only option in shoreland areas.
- A privy installation agreement must be recorded with the Register of Deeds before a sanitary permit for a privy can be issued.
- If any part of a private sewage system fails or needs replacement or modification, the entire system will be evaluated for compliance with current codes before a sanitary permit is issued.
- System plans must be submitted for approval to the County or the state, complying with Chapter SPS 383 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Other Permits
In addition to sanitary permits, other permits may be required depending on the project, such as driveway access permits, which vary based on whether the driveway connects to a town road, county highway, or state highway.
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