Do I need a permit for a full bathroom remodel in
Superior, Wisconsin?

You're replacing the vanity cabinet, sink, and toilet with new units of the same rough-in (the existing 2-inch drain line and 4-inch rough-in toilet flange stay in place; the new vanity uses the same supply-line location and countertop drain). You're also retiling the walls and floor, but not touching the existing tub/shower. You're keeping the existing exhaust fan and electrical outlets. This is a cosmetic remodel with no fixture relocation, no new circuits, no ductwork changes, and no waterproofing changes. Per Superior's Building Department interpretation, this does not require a permit because the plumbing rough-in and electrical rough-in remain untouched. The inspector would only care if you disturb the drain line or shift the sink location by more than a few inches, or if you add new outlets. Your project cost is roughly $6,000–$9,000 (vanity, sink, faucet, toilet, tile, labor), and you pay no permit fees. You can order materials and start work immediately. The only gotcha: if the existing drain line has never been inspected or is known to have issues, Superior's Building Department may flag it during a later property inspection (appraisal, future sale inspection); at that point, you could be asked to verify it was properly roughed in originally or to bring it up to code. A pre-project conversation with the Building Department ($0, just a phone call) can clarify whether the existing rough-in is 'good to reuse' or whether you should pull a permit to have it formally inspected.

You're moving the toilet 3 feet to the left to create a more open layout, relocating the sink to a new vanity location on the opposite wall, and installing a new exhaust fan with ductwork that vents through the roof (the old fan was exhausting into the attic, which violates code). You're keeping the existing tub in place but retiling the surround. The new toilet requires a new 2-inch drain line and a 4-inch vent, and the new sink requires a new 1.5-inch supply and drain. You're also adding a new 20-amp GFCI circuit for the exhaust fan and any new outlets. This project absolutely requires a permit because you're relocating two plumbing fixtures and adding new electrical. Your permit application must include a plumbing plan showing the new drain and vent routing, trap-arm lengths (which must not exceed 5 feet per IRC P2706), slope on the drain line (minimum 1/4 inch per foot), and vent tee locations. The electrical plan must show the new 20-amp circuit, all GFCI-protected outlets within 6 feet of the sink (this includes the new sink location), and the exhaust fan CFM rating (minimum 50 CFM or 20% of bathroom square footage). The exhaust duct routing must be shown on a cross-section, with termination at the roof soffit or wall exterior, not into the attic. Superior's inspector will also verify that the new drain is pitched correctly and that any new vent tees are sized correctly (3-inch to 2-inch or 2-inch to 1.5-inch transitions are typical). Your permit fee is approximately $300–$450 based on a $18,000–$22,000 project valuation. Plan review will likely flag the exhaust-duct termination and request a detail showing the duct boot, flashing, and cap. Inspections: rough plumbing (drain and vent), rough electrical (circuits and outlets), and final (fixtures installed, ductwork complete). Timeline: 3-4 weeks plan review plus 2-3 weeks between inspections.

You're removing an existing cast-iron tub and replacing it with a walk-in shower (no tub). This is a fixture swap that changes the waterproofing assembly, so it requires a permit. Your new shower will have a pre-formed fiberglass base (easier than a poured floor) and a tile surround with cement board and a fully adhered membrane (per IRC R702.4.2, which requires either a pre-formed pan with curb or a sloped floor with two layers of waterproofing). You're not moving the drain line (it stays in the same location as the old tub drain) but you are adding a new shower valve and rough-in supply lines that may shift slightly from the tub spout location. You're also adding a pressure-balanced valve (ASSE 1016 rated) to prevent scald injuries. The permit is required because the waterproofing assembly is changing and must be detailed and inspected. Your plan must show a cross-section of the shower with the base, membrane, cement board, and tile layout, and it must specify the products (e.g., 'Schluter Systems pre-formed pan with integrated curb' and 'Schluter Systems Kerdi membrane' or equivalent). You must also detail the drain connection from the base to the existing 2-inch drain line, ensuring proper slope and trap access. Electrically, you're not adding new circuits (the existing exhaust fan is adequate), but you must verify that any new lighting or outlet is GFCI-protected if within 6 feet of the shower (the shower surround itself doesn't require GFCI, but a light or outlet nearby does). Superior's inspector will pay close attention to the waterproofing detail: cement board alone is not acceptable; you must have a liquid or sheet membrane applied over the cement board to create a fully waterproofed assembly. Your permit fee is approximately $250–$350 based on a $12,000–$15,000 project valuation. Plan review will likely request a detailed waterproofing specification and cross-section; expect one round of comments. Inspections: rough plumbing (drain connection and valve rough-in), waterproofing assembly (before tile is applied), and final (tile complete, fixtures installed). Timeline: 2-3 weeks plan review plus 2-3 weeks between inspections. Lead-paint disclosure is required if the home was built before 1978 and the old tub surround has painted surfaces.