County Sanitary Permit
Required by some Wisconsin counties as a prerequisite for building permits on properties with private sewage systems (POWTS). The county sanitary permit verifies that the property has an adequate and code-compliant private sewage system to handle the proposed use. This may overlap with or be combined with the POWTS/septic system permit in some counties.
When Is a County Sanitary Permit Required?
- New construction on properties with private sewage systems
- Additions that increase bedrooms or plumbing fixtures on septic
- Change of use that increases wastewater flow on private systems
When Is a County Sanitary Permit NOT Required?
- Properties connected to municipal sewer systems
- Projects that don't increase wastewater demand on existing POWTS
Related Permits You May Also Need
County Sanitary Permit Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for county sanitary permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Ashland County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Barron County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Bayfield County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Brown County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Buffalo County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Burnett County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Calumet County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Chippewa County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Clark County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Columbia County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Crawford County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Dane County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Dodge County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Door County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Douglas County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Dunn County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Eau Claire County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Florence County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Fond du Lac County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Forest County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Grant County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Green County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Green Lake County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Iowa County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Iron County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Jackson County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Jefferson County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Juneau County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Kenosha County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Kewaunee County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| La Crosse County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Lafayette County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Langlade County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Lincoln County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Manitowoc County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Marathon County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Marinette County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Marquette County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Menominee County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Milwaukee County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Monroe County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Oconto County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Oneida County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Outagamie County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Ozaukee County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Pepin County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Pierce County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Polk County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Portage County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Price County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Racine County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Richland County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Rock County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Rusk County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Sauk County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Sawyer County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Shawano County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Sheboygan County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| St. Croix County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Taylor County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Trempealeau County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Vernon County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Vilas County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Walworth County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Washburn County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Washington County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Waukesha County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Waupaca County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Waushara County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
| Winnebago County | $300-$750 | 4-8 weeks | Current |
| Wood County | $150-$400 | 2-4 weeks | Current |
Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.
Frequently Asked Questions — County Sanitary Permit
What is a county sanitary permit in Wisconsin?
A county sanitary permit verifies that a property's private sewage system (POWTS) is adequate for the proposed construction or use. Some Wisconsin counties require this permit before issuing a building permit for properties on septic systems. It ensures the septic system can handle additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or wastewater-producing uses.
Do I need a sanitary permit to add a bedroom to my house?
If your home is on a private sewage system (septic), yes — many Wisconsin counties require a sanitary permit review when adding bedrooms. Additional bedrooms increase the design wastewater flow, and the county needs to verify that your existing POWTS has sufficient capacity. Upgrading the septic system may be required.
Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?
Get fee changes, requirement updates, and deadline alerts for every municipality you work in. Built for contractors, expeditors, and compliance teams.