Wisconsin, Shawano County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Shawano County Plumbing Permit Requirements

Shawano County's Planning and Development Department, specifically the Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) division, handles sanitary permits, which are required for all structures that will have plumbing. For properties in unincorporated areas, these regulations are particularly relevant as they often rely on private sewage systems.

Jurisdiction and Unincorporated Areas

• Shawano County's Planning & Development Department is responsible for issuing sanitary permits.
• These permits are required for any structure with plumbing, especially in unincorporated areas not served by public sewer systems.
• The Shawano County Sanitary Ordinance applies to all unincorporated and unsewered areas of the county.
• For properties in unincorporated areas without public sewer access, an approved Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) is mandatory.

Permit Application Process and Requirements

• Sanitary permit applications must be complete and submitted with all necessary documents. Incomplete applications will be returned.
• A 911 address is required before a sanitary permit can be issued.
• Towns may also require driveway/culvert permits before a 911 address can be obtained.
• Applications typically require a site plan drawing, tank cross-sections, POWTS owner's manual and management plan, and relevant agreement forms (e.g., Shawano County Maintenance Agreement Form, Holding Tank Agreement).
• Fees are associated with permit applications and vary based on the system type and review required.
• For new constructions, a complete set of plans must be filed with the Building Inspector, and a permit obtained before any plumbing installation.
• Licensed master plumbers are generally required to obtain permits, though property owners may be able to obtain permits for repairs or installations in their own single-family residences.
• Installation inspections require at least 24 hours' advance notice.

Specific Structures and Systems

• Privies and Non-Plumbing Toilets: For structures without plumbing or water service in some areas, a privy or non-plumbing toilet permit may be required. These are generally not allowed on land zoned residential unless approved with a conditional use permit.
• Hunting, Fishing, or Recreational Shelters: These structures require a privy or non-plumbing toilet permit.
• Holding Tanks: If a holding tank is used, a Holding Tank Agreement and Holding Tank Servicing Contract are required.

Relevant Codes and Regulations

• The Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code is applicable.
• Shawano County Code of Ordinances Chapter 38, Article II, Section 38-41, and Wisconsin Administrative Code s. SPS 391 are relevant for privies and non-plumbing toilets.

Resources to Learn More

• Shawano County Planning & Development - Info for Plumbers
• Shawano County Planning & Development - Forms & Documents
• Shawano County - Privies and Non-Plumbing Toilets
• Shawano County, WI Municipal Code - Chapter 8 Article III - Plumbing Code
• Calculate a Water Heater Replacement Project in Shawano County, Wisconsin
• Find Plumber Contractors in Wisconsin