Wausau Council Reviews Permitting Rules for Water Heaters and Electrical Panels

The Village Board of Campton Hills held a meeting on July 15, 2025, where several important topics regarding local building regulations and homeowner protections were discussed. The primary focus was on proposed changes to permit requirements for various home improvement projects.

During the meeting, board members addressed the need for oversight and protections for homeowners, particularly in the context of electrical and plumbing work. A key point raised was the distinction between projects that would require permits and those that would not. For instance, the installation of tankless water heaters and larger electrical panels, if they maintain the same amperage, would no longer require permits. This change aims to simplify the process for homeowners while ensuring safety standards are met for more significant upgrades, such as increasing electrical capacity or switching from gas to electric water heaters.

Additionally, the board discussed plumbing and irrigation systems, noting that while new irrigation installations would still require permits due to backflow prevention regulations, routine maintenance and in-kind replacements would not. This approach is intended to ease the burden on homeowners while still addressing public safety concerns.

The meeting also touched on the implications for homeowners connected to public water systems, emphasizing the importance of compliance with local regulations. The discussions highlighted a balance between reducing bureaucratic hurdles for homeowners and maintaining necessary safety measures.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Village Board's commitment to protecting homeowners while streamlining processes for common home improvement projects. Further discussions and decisions on these regulatory changes are expected in future meetings.