Permit requirements by project in Eau Claire
The city's general rule is that a building permit is needed any time a building is built, reconstructed, improved, enlarged, altered, converted, repaired, moved or demolished. The same list includes re-roofing and siding.[2]
Here is how that plays out for five jobs.
| Job | Permit? | Condition the city states | Published fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof replacement | Required | Re-roofing under 200 sq. ft. needs no permit | $35 residential re-roof[3] |
| Driveway and flatwork | Depends | Fee schedule lists a Parking Surface Permit; confirm with the city | $40 Parking Surface Permit[3] |
| Deck | Depends | City page does not say which decks are exempt | Check the city's fee schedule |
| Basement waterproofing | Check with the city | Not named on the city's permit pages | Check the city's fee schedule |
| Fence | Required | Must meet the city's fence standards | Check the city's fee schedule |
Roofs and fences
For a roof, choose "Building Exterior" in the online system when replacing shingles or metal roofing.[2][3]
On fences, the city says: "Fences require development permits and must comply with the standards established for fences."[2]
Driveways, decks and basements
The fee schedule lists a Parking Surface Permit. But the city's driveway page (ordinance 16.36.080, improved surfaces) does not say a permit is needed for a residential driveway. Call Community Development at 715-839-4914 before you pour.[3]
Pro tip
When the city's pages are silent on a job, call before you start and ask what permit applies.
If you need a concrete pro, the Badger Flatwork directory covers the state.
The Residential Decks page links the state deck code and an online application. It does not say which decks are exempt. Ask Inspections at 715-839-4947.[4]
Our Wisconsin deck code guide covers the state side.
For basement waterproofing, check with the city through its permit rules page. If you need a pro, see the Badger Basements directory.
What do Eau Claire permits cost?
The city publishes two fees for these jobs: $35 for a residential re-roof and $40 for a Parking Surface Permit.[3] Both come from the city's building permit fee schedule.
For decks, fences and basement waterproofing, no fee is published on the pages read. Check the city's fee schedule before budgeting.[3]
Eau Claire County Planning & Development has its own fee schedule.
That is the county, not the city, so do not use it for a city address.
Application office and inspectors in Eau Claire
The office is Community Development: Inspections Division, on the city's Inspections page.[1] The city's permit guidance points to an online application.[4]
Jurisdiction can trip people up.
Eau Claire County Planning & Development handles permits for some surrounding towns, so a search can land you on a county or town page. If your lot is inside city limits, start with the city.
Side by side
City versus county permits
City of Eau Claire
- Community Development: Inspections Division
- Use for lots inside city limits
Eau Claire County
- Planning & Development
- Handles some surrounding towns
- Has its own fee schedule
For the same permit details across other Wisconsin cities, see our permits by city table. Nearby, La Crosse and Oshkosh have their own pages.
Snow load and footing rules in Eau Claire County
Two state rules sit on top of the city's answer.
Roof snow load
Eau Claire County is listed as Zone 1, which is 40 psf (Zone 2 is 30 psf). The zone line runs along the county's south edge.
Ask the county or municipal building inspector which zone your lot is in before designing a roof or addition.[5] The county snow load table shows how other counties compare.
Footing depth
Wisconsin has one frost rule statewide, with no county table.
Footings and foundations, including those for landings and stoops, go below the frost penetration level or at least 48 inches below adjacent grade, whichever is deeper. Footings may not be placed on frozen material.[6]
That matters for deck footings.
A local inspector can ask for more, so ask the building inspector. Our frost depth guide has the detail.
Permit holder qualifications for one- and two-family dwellings
For a one- or two-family dwelling, the person who obtains the building permit must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification (or a Restricted certification), held through a certificate of financial responsibility.[7][8] That requires a bond of at least $25,000 or general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence.[7]
The contractor must also hold, or employ, a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.[9][10] Renewal takes 12 hours of department-approved continuing education.[9]
These credentials govern who may obtain the permit, not which trades may work.
An owner who lives or will live in the dwelling and applies for a permit to do work on it is exempt.[8]
If you hire out the work, ask your contractor for the credentials and check them through the DSPS lookup. Our Dwelling Contractor license page explains both certifications.
Quick answers
Do I need a permit to replace a roof in Eau Claire?
Yes. Re-roofing is on the city's permit list, though re-roofing under 200 sq. ft. needs no permit. The residential re-roof fee is $35.
Does a fence need a permit?
Yes. The city says fences require development permits and must meet its fence standards.
Can a homeowner pull their own permit?
An owner who lives or will live in the dwelling and applies for a permit to do work on it is exempt from the contractor credential requirement.
How deep do footings need to go?
Below the frost penetration level or at least 48 inches below adjacent grade, whichever is deeper.
Sources
- City of Eau Claire. "Eau Claire building permits and inspections." https://www.eauclairewi.gov/603/Inspections. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Eau Claire. "Eau Claire: building permit rules (city page)." https://www.eauclairewi.gov/614/When-is-a-Permit-Required. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Eau Claire. "Eau Claire: building permit rules (city page)." https://www.eauclairewi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/600/Building-Permit-Fee-Schedule-PDF. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- City of Eau Claire. "Eau Claire: deck permit." https://www.eauclairewi.gov/609/Residential-Decks. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS 321.02 (roof snow load) and Figure 321.02." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20321.02. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "Wisconsin Administrative Code, SPS 321.16 (Footings and foundations)." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20321.16. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. "Dwelling Contractor (DC) (DSPS)." https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/dwelling-contractor-dc/. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "Wis. Stat. 101.654; SPS 305.31." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/101.654. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. "Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) (DSPS)." https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/dwelling-contractor-qualifier-dcq/. Accessed October 17, 2026.
- Wisconsin Legislature. "SPS 305.31(1)(b); Wis. Stat. 101.654(1m)." https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20305.31. Accessed October 17, 2026.