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

Calumet County Plumbing Permit Requirements

Calumet County, Wisconsin, has specific regulations for plumbing installations, particularly concerning properties in unincorporated areas. The county's jurisdiction over sanitary systems, including plumbing, extends to all lands and waters within both incorporated and unincorporated areas that are not connected to a public sewer system. This is governed by Calumet County's Sanitary Ordinance, Chapter 74. [3, 6]

County-Level Jurisdiction

Calumet County's Planning, Zoning, and Land Information Department, along with Code Administrators, oversees sanitary permits and related matters. [6] For plumbing installations, a sanitary permit is generally required for any new installation, reconstruction, or alteration of a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) or holding tank. [3, 6]

Unincorporated Areas

For properties in unincorporated areas of Calumet County, the county's Sanitary Ordinance (Chapter 74) is the primary governing document for plumbing and sanitary systems. [3, 6] This ordinance aims to protect public health, safety, and the state's waters from potential contamination from septic systems. [6] No POWTS or part thereof can be installed, moved, reconstructed, reconnected, extended, enlarged, converted, or altered without a sanitary permit and full compliance with county and state regulations. [3]

While Wisconsin state law generally requires a licensed plumber for plumbing installations, there are exceptions for property owners in one-family dwellings they occupy. [4, 7] However, local ordinances may still require a license even in these cases. [4, 7] It is crucial to verify specific requirements with Calumet County, as local ordinances can impose additional regulations. [7]

The county offers online services for submitting sanitary permits, soil tests, and payments, intended for licensed Certified Soil Testers and licensed plumbers. [6]

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Wisconsin, including Calumet County.

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

Select a City in Calumet County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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