Delegated Agents
Review the requirements for a local government agency to be delegated for plan review, permitting, or inspection responsibilities.
Overview
DSPS can delegate certain plan review, permitting, and inspection responsibilities to municipalities or other local government entities. The requesting agency must provide applicable information, as required for the type of authority requested. Once delegated, customers can submit plan reviews/permit applications to the delegated agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Responsibilities available for delegation:
Commercial Structures and HVAC Plan Review
Fire Suppression and Fire Alarm Plan Review
Commercial Structures, HVAC, Fire Suppression, and Fire Alarm Inspection
Commercial Electrical Permitting and Inspection
Commercial Plumbing Plan Review
One- and Two-Family Dwelling (UDC) Permitting and Inspection (includes camping units)
Private On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Plan Review
Manufactured Home Community Licensing and Inspection
Note commercial plumbing inspections are not a delegated authority. Municipalities have this authority by default. Notify DSPS if the municipality is not performing commercial plumbing inspections.
Authority is not delegated to inspectors, contracted agencies, or fire departments.
Authority is only delegated to local municipalities, counties, or health departments. They may contract or hire other individuals or entities to assist with the responsibilities but the delegated municipality/county/health department is ultimately responsible for meeting the requirements of their delegation.
There is no fee to become delegated. However, agencies with certain plan review authority must remit fees to DSPS for each plan review performed.
Similarly, agencies with authority to issue licenses to manufactured home communities are required to remit permit fees to DSPS.
See the Delegated Agent Requirements section on this page for more information.
Fees are identified under Table 302.31-3 and are based on plan review type and project building area.
Fees are not required for all agencies nor are they required for all projects. Review your delegation approval letter to confirm when you must remit fees to DSPS.
Authority does not expire however DSPS is implementing a 5-year renewal process. This does not affect your authority but ensures DSPS has accurate information about your permitting, plan review, and inspection program.
Please ensure your agency accommodates any request for delegation renewal.
DSPS will periodically audit delegated agents and/or their contracted inspection and plan review agencies. DSPS may reach out to request activity reports and copies of project documentation. Please assist with all requests to ensure a timely and efficient audit.
See the Delegated Agent Lists section on this page. These lists identify which agencies have authority for permitting, plan review, or inspection authority.
See the Delegated Agent Lists section below to confirm if your agency been delegated the responsibilities for which you hired a new inspector?
If yes, promptly notify DSPSSBDelegations@wisconsin.gov of the change.
If no, you must request delegation before the inspector can perform these duties. See the Requesting Delegation section below for more information.
If your agency is exercising a delegated authority, you can relinquish the authority by emailing DSPSSBDelegations@wisconsin.gov.
Sometimes, your intent to relinquish must be given with a specific notice.
Commercial Building/HVAC/Fire Suppression/Fire Alarm: 30-day notice
Commercial Electrical: 60-day notice
UDC/Camping Units: 30-day notice
Requesting Delegation
Learn how to request delegation.
Delegated Agent Information
Review the on-going requirements and resources for delegated agents.
Submitting to a Delegated Agent
First, check the Delegated Agent List for your local government agency. If they don't have authority for your project, review the specific program page for more information.
