FAQs

Building Inspector / Zoning

Can a homeowner do his or her own electrical work?

Yes, a homeowner may do his or her own electrical work for renovations and additions as long as he or she currently owns and occupies the residence where the work is done. Homeowners may not do their own electrical work on the construction of a new house. New Home and Commercial electrical work must be done by a licensed Electrician through the State of Wisconsin.

Can a homeowner do his or her own plumbing work?

Yes, a homeowner may do his or her own plumbing for renovations and additions as long as he or she currently owns and occupies the residence where the work is done. Homeowners may not do their own plumbing on the construction of a new house or exterior plumbing. Exterior work must be preformed by a licensed Master Plumber, Master Plumber-Restricted or Utility Contractor licensed through the State of Wisconsin. New Home and Commercial plumbing must be done by a licensed Master Plumber through the State of Wisconsin.

Do I need a Home Occupation License?

Yes.

  • Home Occupations are licensed annually by the Zoning Administrator. 
  • The annual fee for a home occupation is $25.00
  • The total area of the home occupation cannot exceed 25% of the floor area of the building
  • It can only use household equipment
  • Signs for the business can’t exceed 2 square feet.
  • Materials used or produced by the home occupation can’t be stored outside.
  • If the Home Occupation use requires a Conditional Use Permit, that must be approved by the Plan Commission and there is a $150.00 fee for the Conditional Use Permit.
  • Permitted Home occupations include:
    • Dressmaking, sewing, tailoring, and millinery;
    • Laundering, clothing rental;
    • Painting, sculpturing, or writing;
    • Telephone answering
    • Model making, rug weaving, lapidary work, ceramics;
    • Tutoring, limited to four students at one time;
    • Sharpening of saws, scissors, knives, and skates;
    • Computer programming
    • Professional offices for ministers, lawyers, authors, and musicians
  • Prohibited Home Occupations include:
    • Barbershops and beauty parlors
    • Dance studios
    • Photographic studios
    • Mortuaries
    • Nursery schools
    • Restaurants
    • Kennels or stables
    • Automobile repair and paint shops
    • Small engine repairs
    • Welding shops and blacksmith shops
    • The assembly of mass production of items for resale.
Do I need a permit to re-roof my house?

A building permit is needed if you are re-roofing your house, garage or business.  The fee is $6.00 per $1,000 Construction Cost (minimum fee of $50.00) + $45.00 Administrative Fee

 

Do I need a permit to re-side my house?

Yes, a building permit is required to re-side a house. The fee for a siding permit is $6.00 per $1,000.00 Construction Cost (minimum fee of $50.00) + $45.00 Administrative Fee

Do I need a permit to replace the windows in my house?

Yes, a building permit is required for window replacements.  The fee for a window permit is $6.00 per $1,000.00 Construction Cost (minimum fee of $50.00) + $45.00 Administrative Fee

How do I get a permit for a fence?

A permit is required to install a fence when any one section exceeds twenty feet in length. 

  • Permit fee is $100.00 ($50 for building and $50 for zoning review) + $45.00 Administrative Fee
  • Rear and side yard fences can be placed up to, but not on the lot line.
  • The most aesthetic side of the fence has to face out.
  • Fences cannot exceed 6’ in height in the side and rear lots.
  • Fences in the front yard cannot exceed 4’ and have to be 90% see through.
  • Fences can be constructed of wood, wire, metal, or stone.
  • No single strand or barbed wire fences are permitted.
  • No fence can be less than 30” in height.
  • A plot plan is required showing where the fence will be installed according to the lot lines and buildings.
  • All fences must be kept in good repair or condition.
  • All fences must meet the structural and permit requirements of the Building Code.  Digger's Hotline is required to be called prior to placing any fence posts. (Dial 811)

Contact the Building Inspector at (920) 229-6360 for more information.

How do I obtain a sign permit?

See the Building Permit application form below.  Once completed, it should be submitted along with the fees to the Building Inspectors Office.  For additional questions, please contact the Building Inspector at (920) 229-6360.

Signs must comply with Municipal Code Section 16.11

How do I request a Special Assessment Letter?

The fee for a Special Assessment Letter is $10.00 (paid by cash or check).  Requests should be sent to:
           City of Waupun
           201 E. Main St.
           Waupun, WI 53963

 

How do I request a specific map?

You can make a specific map request by contacting City Hall 920-324-7900.

What are the Building Inspectors Office Hours?

Monday - 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Wednesday - 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

What are the required setbacks for my property?

The setback requirements depend on the zoning of the property.  Please contact the Building Inspectors office for additional information.  (920) 229-6360.

What is the process for a zoning change, site plan review, conditional use permit, etc?

To request a zoning change, site plan review, conditional use permit, or certified survey map review, it is necessary to appear before the Plan Commission.  The Plan Commission meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4:45.

The appropriate forms need to be completed and submitted along with the fees to the Building Inspector Department.  Applications are due 3 weeks before each Plan Commission meeting.

Contact the Building Inspectors Office for additional information (920) 229-6360.

What is the process for requesting a Variance?

To request a variance, it is necessary to appear before the Zoning Board of Appeals.  The Zoning Board of appeals meets the first Monday of each month at 4:30.

The appropriate form needs to be completed and submitted along with the fees to the Building Inspector Department 3 weeks before each Zoning Board meeting. For more information on Variances, please click here.

Contact the Buildings Inspectors Office for additional information (920) 229-6360.  

What projects to I need a permit for?
Where can I get a copy of a survey of my property?

Certified Survey Maps (CSM’s) are on file at the Dodge or Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds Office.

Where is a copy of the Sign Code?

Municipal Code Section 16.11

Where is a copy of the Zoning Code?
Who do I contact regarding property addresses?

Contact the Building Inspectors office at (920) 229-6360.