Building & Safety

The owner is responsible for his or her property, and we will not intervene in contract issues between the property owner and contractor. Should a contractor not obtain the required permit(s) for a job, the responsibility is ultimately the property owner’s. We recommend that property owners always request a copy of the permit from their contractor and withhold final payment until all inspections are completed. This is your best protection from fraudulent contractors.

You are permitted to repair and replace various items around the house with or without a permit or a licensed contractor depending on what the project entails. To be proficient in the construction trades generally requires a minimum of four years learning the skills related to all aspects of the trade. However, we recognize that some homeowners may be skilled in certain aspects of the construction trades and may want to perform work generally required to be performed by a licensed contractor. Since there are so many aspects of construction that one may or may not be experienced with, these requests are handled on a case-by-case basis before the Board of Building and Fire Code Appeals. An application and fee is required along with details outlining what your level of skill is relative to your project.

Note: We want your project to be a success. We encourage urged to make an appointment with your district inspector(s). The inspector(s) will discuss your abilities, the applicable code(s), plan review and the inspection process. An inspector is permitted to provide you with a written recommendation that can be presented to the board on your behalf. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (414) 479-8907.

The applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and zoning codes still apply to your project. The only difference is that you are exempt from obtaining a permit and no inspection will be made. Our library has copies of all codes that govern your project, and these codes are also available through links on this website.

Any habitable space that is created requires a building permit. If you are just painting the basement walls and not constructing new walls or creating rooms, no permit is required. If you construct a basement bedroom, a permit is required as well as a second exit – typically an egress window.

Maybe, residential property owners may place a fence with a height no greater than four and a half feet up to the property line in the side and rear yards without a permit. Fences in front yards require a permit and are restricted to a maximum height of three feet with the length limited to 20% of the lot width and 40% of the fence area must be open.

Fences abutting alleys must be set-back 18 inches from the property line. Fences located along a side street of a corner lot require a permit and can be installed up to the property line.

Please note that the City of Wauwatosa defines the front yard as the narrowest portion of the property facing a street regardless of the address or the way the house faces. For additional information or questions please call (414) 479-8907 to see if a permit is required.

Maybe. Re-roofing is considered maintenance and does not generally require a permit. However, if you choose to install a roofing material that changes the architectural style of your house, a permit and approval by the Design Review Board is required. Note: Roll roofing is not an approved material, and there are standards in the building code that must be followed.

Maybe. Re-siding is considered maintenance and does not generally require a permit. However, if you choose material that changes the architectural style of your house, a permit and approval by the Design Review Board is required.

Only storage buildings in excess of 100 square feet require a permit. However, the building and zoning codes still apply to your project. The storage shed must be structurally sound and placed the proper distances from lot lines where applicable. Contact the City Planning Department at (414) 479-8957 for applicable zoning information.

Yes. Water heaters are not considered fixtures or appliances. They are pressure vessels that, if installed incorrectly, can cause serious harm. Gas-fired water heaters must also be properly ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Maybe. Window replacement is considered maintenance and does not generally require a permit. However, if you choose to install a different style window that changes the architectural style of your house, a permit and approval by the Design Review Board is required. Also, any structural modification or change in size of opening requires a permit.

If you are only replacing counter tops and/or cabinets and not altering the physical space by opening or changing walls, a building permit is not required. Increasing the size of the room, structural modifications or opening existing walls,(except for necessary openings for mechanicals) will require a building permit. When applicable, electrical and plumbing permits will be required for any work performed, and licensed contractors must obtain these permits.

No. Repairs or replacement of lighting fixtures, light switches, devices or receptacles do not require a permit. CAUTION: All replacement light fixtures and switches are now required to be grounded for safety. If you are unfamiliar with how to ground to an existing electrical system, contact a licensed electrician.

No. Repairs or replacement of a faucet do not require a permit

Electrical and plumbing permits are required, and the work must be performed by a licensed electrician and a licensed plumber.

An electrical permit is required, and the work must be performed by a licensed electrician. A building permit may be needed if you place the hot tub on a deck, second floor balcony, or other structure that may require reinforcement to support this concentrated load.
I did work without the required permits. Now I want to sell my house but the real estate condition report indicates I must disclose this information. What are my options?

Depending on what is making the yard a mess, the City property maintenance code may be helpful. To determine what may be in violation, review the property maintenance code on-line at http://ordlink.com/codes/wauwatosa/index.htm. Click on Title 15 and then Chapter 15.32. If the items of concern fit the regulations, you can file a complaint. Use this website’s drop-down “How Do I” menu and click on “File a property maintenance complaint.”

Yes, any underground conductor (pipe) used to discharge storm or foundation water is defined as a “plumbing system” in the State Plumbing Code and requires a permit.

Downspouts and sump pumps may discharge at grade or through an approved underground conductor (pipe) connected to the city storm sewer, to a landscape bed, rain garden, detention/retention area or other on-premise surface area as approved by the Department. Caution: discharge of storm water from a conductor must not cause a public nuisance such as discharging or flowing over a public sidewalk.

Yes, solar projects require a permit. Accessory solar energy systems are allowed in all zoning districts in the City of Wauwatosa. Solar projects must meet all applicable codes, and relevant permits must be obtained from the City’s Buildings and Safety Division. Almost all solar projects will require an electrical permit. Additional permits may be required depending on the project. The permit counter of the Building and Safety Division is in City Hall and is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.