Administrative overview · FIPS 55035
Eau Claire County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Eau Claire County Department of Planning & Development
For a project in or near Eau Claire County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
715-839-4741
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Eau Claire County Government Center, Courthouse 3rd Floor, 721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 3344, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Operating hours
Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), 8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Review expectation
Up to 10 business days to review a complete application under SPS 320.09(11).
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →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.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Eau Claire County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Eau Claire County Department of Planning & Development 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 715-839-4741.
How long might review take?
Up to 10 business days to review a complete application under SPS 320.09(11).
How are inspections scheduled?
Call the Building Inspector at 715-839-2944 and request required inspections at least 48 hours in advance or within the applicable Wisconsin Administrative Code timeframe. The county states that it has two business days after notification to complete ordinary inspections and five business days after notification to complete a final inspection. Failure to request an inspection can require uncovering work at the owner/contractor's expense and carries a $155 fee; reinspection is also $155.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
Eau Claire County Code Chapter 15.01 and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 305 (credentials), SPS 316 (electrical), SPS 320-325 (Uniform Dwelling Code), and SPS 381-387 (plumbing), including subsequent revisions. The county program applies in cities, villages, and towns within the county that have not adopted their own statutory building-code ordinance; separate zoning, shoreland, floodplain, sanitary, and local prerequisite permits may also apply. County building permits are not required for new detached accessory buildings or additions to them; re-siding; reroofing; window or door replacement; interior surface finishing; cabinetry; minor nonstructural repairs approved by the inspector; major equipment replacement such as a furnace, water heater, or air conditioner; normal HVAC, plumbing, or electrical repairs such as replacing switches, receptacles, light fixtures, or dimmers; agricultural structures; or children's play structures. Electrical permits and land-use approvals may still be required.