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

Columbia County Building & Safety Jurisdiction

Columbia County, Wisconsin, handles building and safety regulations, including plumbing permits, through its Planning & Zoning Department. This department is responsible for issuing Sanitary Permits, Zoning Permits, and ERN (Emergency Response Number) permits. Applications and fee schedules are available on the Planning & Zoning Department's website. For properties in unincorporated areas, it's crucial to contact the Town government to ensure compliance with any additional town-specific building permits or UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code) permits, as the county's jurisdiction may not cover all aspects. Information on Town contacts can be found in the "Requirements & Contacts" document.

Plumbing Permit Requirements for Unincorporated Areas

For properties located in unincorporated areas of Columbia County, the process involves obtaining several permits. Initially, one must determine the property's zoning district and flood plain status. Following this, a soil test is required, and then a driveway permit from the appropriate contact. An ERN permit is necessary if an address has not yet been assigned. The crucial step for plumbing is obtaining a Sanitary Permit. The application and plans for the septic system must be prepared by a Master Plumber or Designer licensed by the State of Wisconsin. Specific setback requirements must be adhered to for the septic system and well. It is essential to also contact the local Town government to ascertain any additional permit requirements specific to that town.

The Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code (Chapters SPS 381-387) governs plumbing standards statewide. While the state code provides the framework, local county and town regulations may impose additional requirements.

Resources to Learn More

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

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Select a City in Columbia 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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