Permit Requirements for Caroline, Wisconsin
For Plumbing projects in Caroline, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Shawano 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 Caroline is located within Shawano County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
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
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