Bathroom Remodel Permit in Stevens Point, WI (2026)

Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026

The Short Answer

A full bathroom remodel requires a permit in Stevens Point if you relocate any plumbing fixture, add electrical circuits, install new ventilation, or reconfigure walls. Surface-only work — tile, vanity, or faucet replacement in place — does not.

Stevens Point Building Department treats interior plumbing and electrical work under the Wisconsin uniform building code with specific local amendments, and the city does NOT allow over-the-counter permit approval for bathroom work — all applications go through formal plan review. This matters because it extends your timeline: expect 3–5 weeks for initial review and corrections (longer if the permit office is backlogged during spring), versus cities like nearby Plover or Portage that sometimes allow expedited reviews for cosmetic-only work. Stevens Point is also in NFIP flood zone management, so if your bathroom is in a flood-prone area of the city (check the FEMA map), the permit office will flag ventilation duct termination and grading requirements that won't appear in your contractor's standard plan set. The permit fee in Stevens Point is typically 1.5–2% of estimated project cost, capped at around $400–$600 for a mid-range $15,000–$25,000 remodel; the actual number depends on the building department's valuation at intake. Owner-builder applications are allowed for owner-occupied homes but require proof of occupancy and add a 15-day waiting period before work can start.

What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)

Stop-work order issued by City of Stevens Point Building Inspection can halt your project mid-frame at a cost of $250–$500 in fines, plus you'll owe double permit fees to restart with retroactive inspections.
Title company or mortgage lender refuses to close on sale or refinance if unpermitted plumbing or electrical work is discovered during appraisal; remediation can cost $3,000–$8,000 and requires post-facto permits with back inspections.
Insurance claim for water damage from an improper drain trap or missing vent stack may be denied if adjuster finds the work was not permitted and code-non-compliant, leaving you liable for $5,000–$15,000 in water mitigation.
Neighbor complaint about drainage or ventilation routing can trigger city-initiated enforcement; forcing removal of non-code work and repair can run $2,000–$6,000.

Stevens Point full bathroom remodel permits — the key details

A full bathroom remodel in Stevens Point requires a permit if ANY of these apply: relocating a toilet, sink, or tub to a new location; adding a new branch circuit or subpanel to power fixtures or exhaust fans; installing a new exhaust fan duct (existing in-place fan replacement alone is typically exempt); converting a tub to a shower or vice versa (because the waterproofing assembly changes); or moving or removing walls. The Wisconsin uniform building code (adopted by Stevens Point with amendments) requires that all plumbing drain lines slope at 1/4 inch per foot minimum, that trap arms on sinks do not exceed 30 inches before a vent stack, and that new drain lines be properly sized per fixture units — IRC P2706 governs fitting types and trap configuration. Electrical work triggers a permit if you add a new 20A or 15A circuit for a heated towel rack, ventilation fan, or lighting; GFCI protection is mandatory on all bathroom outlets per IRC E3902, and any fixture within 5 feet of a tub or shower must be on a GFCI-protected circuit. If you are moving plumbing, the building department will require a licensed plumber to pull the permit and sign off on the work — owner-builder exceptions exist but are rare for bathroom plumbing moves.

Exhaust ventilation is a common trigger for permits and a frequent source of rejections in Stevens Point plan review. The code requires a minimum 50 CFM continuous exhaust for a toilet-only room, and 80 CFM for a full bath with tub or shower (IRC M1505). The duct must terminate to the exterior — no discharge into the attic or crawl space — and the termination location matters: if your roof is in a flood zone (check FEMA mapping when you pull the permit), the duct exit must be 1 foot above the design flood elevation. The exhaust duct must be rigid or semi-rigid for at least 2 feet from the fan, and a damper must prevent backflow. Stevens Point's permit office specifically flags missing damper details and unsloped ductwork, so if you are installing a new exhaust system, your contractor's plan set must show damper model, duct diameter, slope direction, and termination elevation.

Shower and tub waterproofing is highly regulated and a leading cause of permit rejections. If you are converting a tub to a shower or building a new shower alcove, IRC R702.4.2 requires a waterproof membrane (not just cement board) behind the tile. Most inspectors in Stevens Point expect to see either a liquid-applied membrane or a sheet membrane (like Schluter or Kerdi) specified on the plan, not just 'cement board' — the building department wants proof that the sub-surface will not rot if grout cracks. If you are removing an old tub and installing a new one in the same location, you do not need a permit (surface-only), but if the tub moves or if you are tiling the surround differently, a permit is required and the plan must show waterproofing detail. New showers also require a pressure-balanced or thermostatic valve per code to prevent scald risk — the permit office will ask for the valve model number.

Plumbing fixture relocation is permitted but must comply with trap arm length and vent distance rules. A new toilet location must have a 4-inch drain stub within 2 feet of the toilet flange center, and that drain line must be vented within 6 feet of the trap weir per IRC P2706. If your remodel moves the toilet to the opposite side of the bathroom, the plumber will need to run a new 4-inch vent stack or re-tie to an existing one — the permit office will review the vent routing on the mechanical plan. Sink trap arms cannot exceed 30 inches before a vent connection, so if your sink moves more than 15 feet from the old location, new ductwork is almost certain. Stevens Point building inspectors are rigorous about trap arm length because poor venting leads to siphoned traps and drainage failures; this rule is checked during rough plumbing inspection.

The permitting workflow in Stevens Point is paperwork-intensive. You must submit a completed application, a site plan showing the bathroom location and fixture layout (drawn to scale), a mechanical plan showing drain and vent routing with elevations, an electrical plan showing new circuits and GFCI locations, and a plumbing fixture schedule listing make/model of new toilet, faucet, and valve. If walls are moving, a framing plan is required. The building department will do a completeness check (typically 2–3 business days), then route the application to the plumbing and electrical officials for review (1–3 weeks each, depending on volume). Most remodels require at least one round of corrections — missing vent details, undersized drain lines, or incomplete electrical labeling are the top three. Once approved, the permit is valid for 180 days; you must schedule a rough plumbing inspection before drywall goes up, and a rough electrical inspection before the panel is closed. Final inspection happens after all tile, fixtures, and paint are complete. Budget 4–6 weeks from submission to first inspection, and 8–10 weeks from start to final sign-off if no corrections are needed.

Three Stevens Point bathroom remodel (full) scenarios

Scenario A

Toilet relocation + new exhaust duct, Plover Avenue historic bathroom — no wall changes, same sink location

You are moving the toilet from the north wall to the east wall, installing a new exhaust duct (old bathroom had only a window), and replacing the vanity sink with a new pedestal sink in the same location. The tub stays in place. The toilet relocation triggers plumbing permits because the drain line must be run to a new location and vented; the new exhaust duct requires mechanical approval; and the pedestal sink in the same drain location does not require plumbing rework but the permit office will verify the old vent stack is adequate. You submit a mechanical plan showing the new 4-inch toilet drain routed to the existing main stack (or a new vent if the stack does not reach the east wall), the 3-inch exhaust duct terminating through the roof (with damper and slope noted), and fixture schedule showing new toilet model, new faucet, and new shower valve (if applicable). Electrical: if the new exhaust fan requires a new 20A circuit, you must show that circuit on the electrical plan with a disconnect switch located outside the bathroom. The building department will review the vent routing and duct termination first; expect one round of corrections (usually 'show vent stack tie-in point' or 'clarify duct damper'). Rough plumbing inspection occurs after drain lines are run and before drywall; rough electrical occurs after the new circuit is roughed in. Timeline: 4–5 weeks from permit submission to first inspection. Permit fee: approximately $300–$450 based on an estimated $12,000–$18,000 project cost. No owner-builder restriction applies if you hire a licensed plumber to pull the permit.

Scenario B

Tub-to-shower conversion with wall tile and new waterproofing, secondary bathroom renovation

You are removing an existing bathtub, closing the drain, and installing a new walk-in shower with a recessed niche and full tile surround. The existing shower valve stays in the same location but you are replacing it with a new pressure-balanced valve. This is a permit-required project because the waterproofing assembly changes (from a tub to a tiled shower), and the new valve requires code compliance verification. Stevens Point building department will require a waterproofing detail drawing showing either a liquid-applied membrane (Redgard, etc.) or a sheet membrane system (Schluter, Kerdi) behind the tile, with a sloped floor pan draining to a new linear drain or pre-slope pan. You must submit a mechanical plan showing the new drain location (if moving away from the old tub), valve model (specify 'pressure-balanced' or 'thermostatic' to meet scald-prevention code), and the old tub drain capped and abandoned. Electrical: if you are adding a new exhaust fan or heat lamp, a new circuit is required. Framing plan is needed if you are moving the shower enclosure or relocating walls. The permit office will scrutinize the waterproofing detail during plan review; the most common rejection is missing the membrane specification — you must state on the plan whether you are using a liquid membrane or sheet system, not just 'cement board.' Once approved, rough framing and waterproofing inspection occurs before tile is laid; you must show the membrane or liquid coat fully applied and any seams or transitions sealed. Final inspection includes tile work and valve function test. Timeline: 5–6 weeks from submission to completion if you get the waterproofing detail right on the first try. Permit fee: $350–$550 for a $15,000–$25,000 project. A licensed plumber is recommended for drain relocation and valve swap; owner-builder can do the demolition and tile, but the rough plumbing inspection requires the licensed plumber to be on-site.

Scenario C

Full bathroom gut and reconfigure — new second bathroom addition or primary bath rebuild with wall moves

You are removing the existing bathroom walls and framing a new layout with relocated toilet, sink, and tub; new plumbing rough-in for all three fixtures; new exhaust duct; and upgraded electrical with 20A circuits for vanity lighting and exhaust fan. The drain lines must be fully re-routed because fixtures are in new locations, and the vent stack may need to be relocated or extended. This is a complex permit because it triggers plumbing, electrical, framing, and mechanical reviews. Stevens Point building department will require a complete set of plans: a site plan showing the bathroom location, a floor plan showing new walls and fixture layout (with dimensions), a mechanical plan showing all new drain lines, trap arms, vent routing, and the main stack connection, an electrical plan showing new circuits, GFCI/AFCI protection, and any modifications to the main panel, and a framing plan if walls are being moved. The building department will pay close attention to frost depth (48 inches in Stevens Point) if the new bathroom is in the basement or if any drain lines are buried below the frost line — frost heave can crack PVC drain lines, so the inspector will verify that buried drains are sloped properly and that any future frost action won't cause settling. Exhaust duct termination must be shown with elevation and damper. The permit office will conduct a completeness check and likely ask for clarifications on trap arm lengths, vent stack sizing, and electrical panel capacity. Rough framing inspection occurs first (to verify walls and plumbing access), then rough plumbing (drains and vents before drywall), then rough electrical, then drywall, and finally final inspection. A licensed plumber must pull the permit and sign off on all plumbing work. Timeline: 6–8 weeks from submission to final sign-off due to complexity and multi-trade coordination. Permit fee: $500–$800 for a $25,000–$40,000 project (or higher if adding a new bathroom rather than reconfiguring existing space). Owner-builder cannot pull this permit; a licensed plumber must be the permit holder.

Full bathroom reconfigure or new bathroom addition | Licensed plumber required (permit holder) | Licensed electrician recommended | Mechanical plan with vent stack sizing and trap arm verification | Electrical plan with GFCI/AFCI and panel capacity review | Framing plan showing wall moves | Frost depth considerations (48 inches) for basement work | $500–$800 permit fee | $25,000–$40,000+ project valuation | 6–8 week timeline | Rough framing + plumbing + electrical + drywall + final inspections

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Vent stack and trap arm sizing in Stevens Point's clay-and-till soil

Stevens Point is built on glacial till with clay pockets and sandy regions in the north — this matters for plumbing because frost heave is a real concern for buried drain lines. The frost depth is 48 inches, which means any drain lines buried below that depth are at risk of frost action if they are not properly sloped and vented. The building department will ask your plumber to confirm that new drain lines are sloped at a minimum 1/4 inch per foot, that they are buried below the frost line if they leave the building footprint, and that they have a proper vent stack to equalize pressure and prevent siphoning. A common mistake in Stevens Point remodels is undersizing the vent stack when multiple fixtures are added — if you move a toilet and a sink to new locations, both drains must tie into a single vent, and that vent must be at least 2 inches in diameter if serving both. The building department will request a plumbing isometric (a 3D-style drawing showing vent and drain routing) if the layout is complex.

Trap arm length is the distance from the trap weir (the lowest point of the drain pipe leaving the fixture) to the vent connection. IRC P2706 limits trap arms to 30 inches for a sink, 0 inches for a toilet (it vents at the flange), and varies by fixture size. If your remodel moves a sink more than 15 feet from the old location, a new vent branch is almost certain, and the plumber will need to tie into the main vent stack or run a new one. Stevens Point inspectors often reject plans that show trap arms longer than 30 inches without a secondary vent; this is one of the top three permit corrections. The permit office will calculate trap arm length from the plan and flag violations during the initial review.

If your bathroom is in the basement (common in older Stevens Point homes), frost heave becomes a practical issue. Basement drain lines cannot be deeper than the frost line (48 inches below grade), so they must either run up and out through the rim joist to an exterior vent, or tie into an interior main stack that runs up through the house. Many Stevens Point homes have sump pumps or floor drains in basements, which means a new bathroom drain must coordinate with existing drainage to avoid cross-connections. The building department will review the grading plan and ask your plumber to verify that new exterior vent terminations are at least 1 foot above grade and at least 10 feet from any opening (window, door, HVAC intake).

Waterproofing and moisture control in climate zone 6A

Stevens Point is in climate zone 6A (cold, humid winters; moderate summers), which means bathroom moisture control is critical for preventing mold and rot. IRC R702.4.2 requires a continuous waterproof membrane behind all wet areas — tile, exposed wood, drywall — in bathrooms. Stevens Point building inspectors are strict about this because homes with poor waterproofing develop mold in walls, and the city has experienced moisture-related complaints in older bathrooms. The code allows liquid-applied membranes (like Redgard or Aqua Defense), sheet membranes (Schluter, Kerdi, or GoBoard), or traditional cement board with a slope, but the permit office wants to see the specific product name and installation method on the plan, not just 'waterproofing.'

A full bathroom remodel in Stevens Point typically requires a rough moisture-control inspection before drywall is hung. The inspector will verify that the membrane or cement board is fully installed, that seams and transitions are sealed, and that the floor pan (if a shower) is properly sloped to drain. Many contractors skip this step and the drywall gets hung, then moisture gets trapped, and the home develops hidden mold within 2–3 years. The permit office will catch this during rough inspection and require corrective work before drywall approval.

If you are renovating a pre-1978 bathroom (common in Stevens Point), lead paint is a concern if you are disturbing walls or trim. You must follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rules, which means hiring a certified lead contractor or conducting a lead inspection and risk assessment before work begins. The building department does not enforce lead rules directly, but your contractor must comply with federal EPA standards, and the permit office may ask for proof of lead disclosure or RRP certification if the home is pre-1978. Cost for lead testing and clearance is typically $300–$600; RRP-certified contractors add 10–15% to labor due to containment and cleanup protocols.

City of Stevens Point Building Department
Stevens Point City Hall, 2617 Sims Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1569 (Building Services) | https://www.ci.stevens-point.wi.us/ (check Building Services or Permits section for online portal)
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Common questions

Do I need a permit if I am just replacing my vanity, faucet, and toilet in the same locations?

No, surface-only replacements in existing locations do not require a permit in Stevens Point. You can swap out the vanity, faucet, and toilet as long as the drain and supply lines do not move. However, if the new toilet requires a larger flange or the new vanity needs a different drain location, a plumbing permit is required. If you are unsure, call the Building Department to confirm that no rough work is involved.

My bathroom is in a basement. Does that change the permit requirements?

Yes, basement bathrooms in Stevens Point require special attention to frost depth (48 inches) and drainage. All drain lines must be sloped properly and either run up through the rim joist to an exterior vent or tie into an interior stack. If you are adding a new basement bathroom, the building department will review grading and vent termination location carefully. Sump pump interactions must also be addressed to prevent backflow. Budget extra time for the mechanical review if the bathroom is below grade.

Do I need a licensed plumber to pull the permit, or can I do it myself?

For simple fixture relocations or new exhaust ducts, an owner-occupant can pull the permit if you own and live in the home. However, if the remodel involves moving plumbing drains or supply lines, Stevens Point building officials strongly recommend (and some situations require) a licensed plumber to pull the permit and sign off. Complex remodels (full gut, new bathroom addition, wall moves) must have a licensed plumber as the permit holder. Call the building department to confirm eligibility before submitting as an owner-builder.

How long does the permit review process take in Stevens Point?

Initial completeness review takes 2–3 business days. Plan review by plumbing and electrical officials typically takes 3–5 weeks from submission, depending on volume. Expect one round of corrections on most bathroom remodels (missing vent details, waterproofing spec, GFCI labeling, etc.). Total time from submission to first inspection: 4–6 weeks. Complex projects with wall moves can take 6–8 weeks. Rough inspections occur as work progresses, and final inspection after all finishes are complete.

What is the permit fee for a full bathroom remodel in Stevens Point?

Permit fees are typically 1.5–2% of estimated project valuation. For a mid-range $12,000–$25,000 remodel, expect $200–$500 in permit fees. The building department will estimate valuation at intake; if you provide a contractor quote, that can influence the fee. Additional fees apply if corrections or resubmissions are needed (usually $25–$75 per resubmission). Rough and final inspections are included in the permit fee; separate electrical inspections may apply if a licensed electrician is not involved.

Is a new exhaust fan duct alone enough to trigger a permit?

Yes. If your bathroom has no exhaust duct (just a window) and you are adding a new ductwork system with an exterior termination, a mechanical permit is required. A simple in-place exhaust fan replacement (same location, same ductwork) is typically exempt, but a new duct run, new damper, or new termination location requires approval. The building department will verify that the duct has proper slope, damper, and termination height (especially if in a flood zone).

What happens during the rough plumbing inspection?

The inspector checks that all drain lines are sloped correctly (1/4 inch per foot minimum), that trap arms do not exceed code limits (30 inches for sinks, etc.), that all vent stacks are properly sized and connected, and that no cross-connections exist with sewer or water lines. For relocated fixtures, the inspector verifies that the new rough-in is within code before drywall is hung. This inspection must occur before drywall installation. If the inspector finds violations, you must correct them before drywall approval.

My home was built in 1975. Do I need to deal with lead paint rules?

Yes. Pre-1978 homes fall under EPA RRP rules if you are disturbing more than a certain area of paint during renovation. A full bathroom remodel likely triggers RRP because you will be removing walls, trim, and fixtures. You must either hire an EPA-certified lead contractor, conduct a lead inspection and risk assessment, or follow EPA containment and cleanup protocols yourself. Cost for professional lead clearance is typically $300–$600. Some contractors include this in their bid; others charge separately. Confirm lead compliance with your contractor before work begins.

Can I install a shower in a location where a tub was, without moving the drain?

Probably, but it still requires a permit because the waterproofing assembly changes. You must submit a waterproofing detail showing either a liquid membrane or sheet membrane behind the tile, a properly sloped floor pan (or pre-slope pan), and a new linear drain or properly positioned floor drain. The permit office will review the waterproofing spec and schedule a rough inspection before drywall is closed in. This is a permit-required conversion even if the drain location stays the same.

What if the building department says I need corrections on my plan?

Resubmit the corrected plan with a brief note explaining the changes (e.g., 'Vent stack size increased to 2 inches per reviewer comment'). The building department will do a follow-up review within 2–3 weeks. Most remodels require one round of corrections; complex projects may need two. Each resubmission typically costs $25–$75. Keep a copy of the rejection email so you know exactly what to fix. Once approved, the permit is issued and you can schedule rough inspections.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on research conducted in May 2026 using publicly available sources. Always verify current bathroom remodel (full) permit requirements with the City of Stevens Point Building Department before starting your project.

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