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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 Ozaukee County.

Within the City of Port Washington, the Building Inspection Department enforces the City Building Code, Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code SPS 320-325 for one- and two-family dwellings, Wisconsin Commercial Building Code SPS 360-366, and applicable electrical, plumbing, HVAC, zoning and property-maintenance provisions. Elsewhere in Ozaukee County, building and general zoning authority belongs to the applicable city, village or town; the county separately administers shoreland Chapter 19, floodplain Chapter 18 and zoning of county-owned lands.

Inspection lane

The permit holder must call the Department of Building Inspection at 262-268-4277 to arrange required inspections before work is concealed, at completion and before occupancy or use; fax or mail notice is not accepted. Reinspection and missed-final-inspection fees apply.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The city's permit guide lists insulation, masonry-building cleaning, home occupations and private sidewalks as not requiring a building permit; a same-size, same-swing replacement door and a ground-level cement patio generally do not require one, while minor repairs and landscaping require confirmation from the Building Inspector. Most other construction, replacements and trade work listed by the city require permits.

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

    The permit holder must call the Department of Building Inspection at 262-268-4277 to arrange required inspections before work is concealed, at completion and before occupancy or use; fax or mail notice is not accepted. Reinspection and missed-final-inspection fees apply.

  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 ↗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 Ozaukee County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel before filing.

How should I begin an application?

No verified online portal was located in the reviewed public materials. Contact 262-268-4277 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.

How long might review take?

A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.

How are inspections scheduled?

The permit holder must call the Department of Building Inspection at 262-268-4277 to arrange required inspections before work is concealed, at completion and before occupancy or use; fax or mail notice is not accepted. Reinspection and missed-final-inspection fees apply.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Within the City of Port Washington, the Building Inspection Department enforces the City Building Code, Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code SPS 320-325 for one- and two-family dwellings, Wisconsin Commercial Building Code SPS 360-366, and applicable electrical, plumbing, HVAC, zoning and property-maintenance provisions. Elsewhere in Ozaukee County, building and general zoning authority belongs to the applicable city, village or town; the county separately administers shoreland Chapter 19, floodplain Chapter 18 and zoning of county-owned lands. The city's permit guide lists insulation, masonry-building cleaning, home occupations and private sidewalks as not requiring a building permit; a same-size, same-swing replacement door and a ground-level cement patio generally do not require one, while minor repairs and landscaping require confirmation from the Building Inspector. Most other construction, replacements and trade work listed by the city require permits.

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.