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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Clark County.

Clark County Chapter 22 Land Use governs county zoning, shoreland, wetland, sanitation/POWTS, floodplain-related land use, grading, and development in unincorporated areas. The county reviews and inspects land-use construction and compliance, but Chapter 6 Buildings and Building Regulations is expressly reserved, so Clark County does not publish a county structural building code. Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code SPS 320-325 and structural/trade permits must therefore be obtained from the applicable town, municipality, contracted UDC inspector, or Wisconsin DSPS in addition to county land-use approval.

Inspection lane

Submit the county land-use form with a site plan, stake or flag the proposed project, and obtain any separate township, UDC, POWTS, driveway, Wisconsin DNR, or federal approval before starting. Call 715-743-5130 to coordinate county on-site zoning, shoreland, sanitary, or compliance inspections. The public portal currently provides printable permit records for only part of the township alphabet. Structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and occupancy inspections must be arranged with the applicable town or its UDC inspection agency.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

No broad county cosmetic-work exemption is published. Chapter 22 requires a zoning permit before a building or structure is erected, moved, or structurally altered to change use or increase floor area, before land use is substantially altered, and before a private sewer or water system is built or structurally altered. The ordinance contains narrow shoreland-wetland exceptions for passive recreation with no filling or excavation, livestock fences, approved piers or docks, limited maintenance of agricultural drainage and highways, and certain small satellite receivers or utility facilities. Confirm ordinary repair work with the county and the applicable municipal UDC inspector.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Submit the county land-use form with a site plan, stake or flag the proposed project, and obtain any separate township, UDC, POWTS, driveway, Wisconsin DNR, or federal approval before starting. Call 715-743-5130 to coordinate county on-site zoning, shoreland, sanitary, or compliance inspections. The public portal currently provides printable permit records for only part of the township alphabet. Structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and occupancy inspections must be arranged with the applicable town or its UDC inspection agency.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Clark County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Clark County Planning, Zoning and Land Information Department is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 715-743-5130.

How long might review take?

N/A; after compliant work is completed, Chapter 22 requires the certificate of compliance to be issued within 10 days.

How are inspections scheduled?

Submit the county land-use form with a site plan, stake or flag the proposed project, and obtain any separate township, UDC, POWTS, driveway, Wisconsin DNR, or federal approval before starting. Call 715-743-5130 to coordinate county on-site zoning, shoreland, sanitary, or compliance inspections. The public portal currently provides printable permit records for only part of the township alphabet. Structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and occupancy inspections must be arranged with the applicable town or its UDC inspection agency.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Clark County Chapter 22 Land Use governs county zoning, shoreland, wetland, sanitation/POWTS, floodplain-related land use, grading, and development in unincorporated areas. The county reviews and inspects land-use construction and compliance, but Chapter 6 Buildings and Building Regulations is expressly reserved, so Clark County does not publish a county structural building code. Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code SPS 320-325 and structural/trade permits must therefore be obtained from the applicable town, municipality, contracted UDC inspector, or Wisconsin DSPS in addition to county land-use approval. No broad county cosmetic-work exemption is published. Chapter 22 requires a zoning permit before a building or structure is erected, moved, or structurally altered to change use or increase floor area, before land use is substantially altered, and before a private sewer or water system is built or structurally altered. The ordinance contains narrow shoreland-wetland exceptions for passive recreation with no filling or excavation, livestock fences, approved piers or docks, limited maintenance of agricultural drainage and highways, and certain small satellite receivers or utility facilities. Confirm ordinary repair work with the county and the applicable municipal UDC inspector.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.