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Building Inspection

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1. When do you need a permit?

A permit is needed whenever you plan to:

1. Build a house or other building (including sheds)
2. Make improvements or alterations to your home or business
3. Move or demolish a building
4. Roof or reroof your home, business, or other building
5. Make electrical, plumbing, or heating installations or alterations to existing systems
6. Install a wood burning stove or build a fireplace (including gas fireplace inserts)
7. All accessory buildings and residential fences

2. How much does a permit cost?

There is no single fee for a permit. The fee schedule is reviewed and adopted by the City Council on a regular basis. The permit fee will be collected at the time the permit is issued. Click on an individual permit application on the Building Permits page of Building Inspection for types of permits and applicable fees. To get a permit application/see fees:

3. What is plan checking?

Plan checking is a function performed prior to the issuance of a building permit and assures you that to the best of our ability your plans meet the applicable codes. Most major commercial and/or industrial projects are plan checked by the State of Wisconsin. Most residential plans are checked by the Building Inspection Division staff.

4. Why do you need a permit?

The purpose of a permit is to ensure that construction complies with the codes adopted by the City of Superior. These codes have been enacted by our City Council, after careful consideration, to protect health, general welfare, and your investment in your property. The evidence of a building permit is often necessary to obtain financing from lending agencies.

5. How soon can I get a permit?

When plans are submitted, you will be told approximately when the plan check will be completed. Generally, signs and nonengineered minor projects can be plan checked in 3-5 working days and single-family dwellings in 5-7 working days. A detailed plan check may include a review or check by Planning, Engineering, Fire, County Health, or other agencies. Plans are viewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

6. When are inspections required?

A general rule to remember is that before any phase of construction is covered or concealed by a subsequent phase of construction, an inspection is required.

7. Ho do I call for an inspection?

Telephone our office (715) 395-7288, 24 hours a day. If our office is closed, please leave a message on the voice mail. 24-hour advance notice is required.

8. What does the inspector do?

The inspector checks the work being done for compliance with the approved plans and applicable codes and ordinances. They will inspect each phase of the job and will approve it before the next part of the job begins. The job card lists the inspections that must be made on your project. As each inspection is made and approved, the job card will be signed and dated. On new construction, the inspections might follow this pattern:

1. Footing/foundation and setbacks. Made after the forms and reinforcing bars are in place and prior to concrete being poured.
2. Underground plumbing. Made when sewer drain line is in place and either filled with air or water for a pressure test.
3. Floor joists and insulation. Made before the subflooring is installed.
4. Framing. Made after all framing, including doors and windows, is complete.
5. Exterior lath. Made after paper and wire are installed and prior to scratch coat. A second inspection of the scratch coat is also required.
6. Sheetrock. Made after sheetrock is hung and nailed and prior to taping.
7. Final. Made when all areas of the project are complete.

Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections are also made at various stages of completion and prior to being covered by any subsequent work.