Bolthole Index

Washington County, Wisconsin

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in the Village of Slinger, Wisconsin

The Village of Slinger, Washington County, Wisconsin enforces its own building code and requires building permits for construction inside village limits1. Slinger divides the village into A-1, R-1, R-2 and R-3 zoning districts2. New buildings in the Village sewer service area must connect to public sewer instead of installing septic3. Washington County does not run general zoning4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; Village Building Inspector enforces the adopted codes1
Zoning
Village zoning: A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 districts2
Septic
New buildings in the sewer service area must connect to public sewer3
Minimum lot, R-1
40,000 sq ft and 150 ft wide5
Minimum lot, A-1
10 acres6
Minimum home size
1,200 sq ft in A-1; 1,500 sq ft in R-178
Owner-builder
An owner-occupant may take out the state UDC permit9

Who to call

Building permits

Village of Slinger Building Inspection (SAFEbuilt)

Building permits, plan review and inspections inside Slinger village limits; the phone number is Village Hall

(262) 644-5265

[email protected]

300 Slinger Road Slinger, WI 53086

Septic permits

Washington County Natural Resources Department — Land Resources

County sanitary permit applications and Land Resources questions

(262) 335-4445

[email protected]

333 E. Washington Street, Suite 2300 P.O. Box 2003 West Bend, WI 53095-2003

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 15, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Village of Slinger means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Does Slinger, Wisconsin have zoning, and what does it mean for lot size and home size?

Slinger sets its own zoning. The Village divides itself into A-1 Agricultural/Transitional, R-1, R-2 and R-3 districts2. Washington County does not administer general zoning, so the county is not the office for a lot inside the village4.

Numbers differ by district. A parcel in A-1 must be at least 10 acres6, and a dwelling there needs 1,200 square feet of floor area, with at least 800 on the first floor7. In R-1, lots must be at least 40,000 square feet and 150 feet wide5, and a dwelling needs 1,500 square feet total8. R-1 homes may not exceed 35 feet, and accessory structures may not exceed 20 feet10. At least 40% of an R-1 lot must stay green space11. We did not confirm the standards for the other residential districts; ask the Village.

Do you need a building permit in Slinger, and who issues it?

Yes. The Village adopts the Wisconsin building codes and the Building Inspector enforces them1. Wisconsin also requires a building permit for any new one- or two-family dwelling under the Uniform Dwelling Code12.

Since August 2025 the Village has contracted with SAFEbuilt for all building inspection services13. Applications may be written or electronic and identify the owner, designer, legal description and building location14. The fee schedule is set by Village Board resolution and kept at the Village office15. An owner who lives in or will live in the home can take out the state permit without a dwelling contractor9.

What inspections does Slinger require?

Required inspections cover location, footings and foundations, framing, insulation and the final16. A certificate of occupancy is issued once the final inspection is complete, and no one may occupy the building before then17. Statewide, inspectors have two business days after a request to look at work before it may be covered18.

How do septic permits work inside Slinger?

Inside Slinger the first question is sewer. Nobody may build or keep a septic tank, cesspool or privy where public sewer is available, and new buildings in the Village sewer service area must connect to public sewer3. A property next to a sewer main must connect within 365 days of written notice3.

Washington County issues sanitary permits for private onsite systems elsewhere in the county19. We could not confirm who handles a septic permit for a lot inside Slinger that has no sewer; ask the Washington County Land Resources office20 and the Village before you buy.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Slinger?

We could not confirm Slinger's rules on living in an RV, camping, tiny homes, accessory dwellings or manufactured homes. Ask the Village before buying or parking anything on a lot. Washington County's floodplain ordinance, which covers unincorporated land only, does not answer this for lots in the village21.

Building a home in Slinger: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the zoning district and lot standards with the Village2.
  2. Ask whether public sewer serves the lot3.
  3. Submit the building permit application through SAFEbuilt13.
  4. Book each required inspection through the inspection line16.
  5. Pass the final inspection before moving in17.

What stays with Washington County, and what to check before you buy

Washington County does not regulate general zoning, but it handles shoreland, wetland and floodplain zoning in unincorporated areas only22. For land outside the village, see the Washington County page. Driveways onto a County Trunk Highway need a county access permit23. Washington County's effective property tax rate is 1.2%24.

Watch-outs

  • Village rules on RVs, tiny homes, accessory dwellings and manufactured homes are unconfirmed; call Village Hall at (262) 644-526513.
  • A lot without sewer access may still need a private system, and we could not confirm who permits it inside the village; call Washington County Land Resources20.
  • The Village's building permit fee amount is not in the code; get the current schedule from the Village office15.

Sources

  1. Chapter 215: Building Construction - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  2. Article III: Zoning Districts - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  3. Chapter 398: Sewers and Sewage Disposal - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  4. County Land Information Plan 2024, quoted and re-checked
  5. Article III: Zoning Districts - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  6. Article III: Zoning Districts - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  7. Article III: Zoning Districts - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  8. Article III: Zoning Districts - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  9. Wisconsin DSPS - Building a Home in Wisconsin (UDC Guide) (2026 county census)
  10. Article III: Zoning Districts - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  11. Article III: Zoning Districts - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  12. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Village of Slinger Building Inspection (SAFEbuilt) (vi.slinger.wi.gov)
  14. Chapter 215: Building Construction - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  15. Chapter 215: Building Construction - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  16. Chapter 215: Building Construction - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  17. Chapter 215: Building Construction - Village of Slinger, WI (Village of Slinger), quoted and re-checked
  18. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Septic Systems/POWTS, quoted and re-checked
  20. Washington County Natural Resources Department — Land Resources (permitapp.washcowisco.gov)
  21. Article IV: Floodplain Zoning - Washington County, WI, quoted and re-checked
  22. washcowisco.gov, quoted and re-checked
  23. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 15, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Village of Slinger

Village of Slinger’s own rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building construction inside Slinger village.

    • The adopted list includes subsequent revisions.
    • The Village Building Inspector enforces the listed codes.
    • The code page records amendments on December 3, 2018, and November 17, 2025.
    “The following Chapters of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, as well as all subsequent revisions, are adopted by the Village and shall be enforced by the Building Inspector:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted building, structure, equipment and construction inside Slinger village.

    • Required inspections include location, footings and foundations, framing and concealed work, insulation and vapor retarder, basement subgrade/drain tile/forms, and final inspection.
    • The permit holder or agent must provide notification.
    • A final inspection must occur before occupancy or use.
    “Upon notification from the permit holder or his agent, required inspections of the construction of any buildings, structures and equipment shall be made as follows:”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings, structures, equipment and construction for which a permit was issued inside Slinger village.

    • The final inspection must be completed before occupancy or use.
    • No occupancy may be maintained until the work complies with the article and permit terms.
    “a certificate of occupancy shall be issued”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Slinger village limits.

    • District boundaries are established by the Village zoning map.
    • The zoning map is dated June 17, 1996.
    • Floodplain limits are based on FEMA's October 16, 2015 Flood Hazard Boundary Map.
    • Changes in the F-1 Floodplain District require Wisconsin Emergency Management Agency approval before becoming effective.
    “For the purpose of this chapter, the Village of Slinger is hereby divided into the following zoning districts: A-1 Agricultural/Transitional District R-1 Single-Family Residential District R-2 Single-Family Residential District R-3 Single-Family Residential District”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings in the A-1 Agricultural/Transitional District.

    • The first-floor area must be at least 800 square feet.

    total minimum dwelling floor area: >= 1200 square feet · minimum first-floor area: >= 800 square feet

    “The total minimum floor area of a dwelling shall be 1,200 square feet, with a first floor area of not less than 800 square feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family dwellings in the R-1 Single-Family Residential District.
      “The total minimum floor area of a dwelling shall be 1,500 square feet. Two-story dwelling units shall require a minimum of 1,800 square feet, with a first floor area of not less than 1,000 square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in the R-1 Single-Family Residential District.

    • The lot must also be at least 150 feet wide.

    minimum lot area: >= 40000 square feet · minimum lot width: >= 150 feet

    “Lots shall have a minimum area of 40,000 square feet and shall be not less than 150 feet in width.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Parcels in the A-1 Agricultural/Transitional District.
      “The minimum area of a parcel of land maintained and/or annexed to the Village with the A-1 Agricultural/Transitional District shall be 10 acres.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lots in the R-1 Single-Family Residential District.

    • At least 40% of lot area must remain green space as defined in § 550-126.

    minimum retained green space: >= 40 percent of lot area

    “There shall be a minimum of 40% of lot area retained as green space, as defined in § 550-126 of this chapter.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Dwellings and accessory structures in the R-1 Single-Family Residential District.

    • Accessory structures may not exceed the principal building height.

    dwelling maximum height: <= 35 feet · accessory-structure maximum height: <= 20 feet (Accessory structure may not exceed the principal building height)

    “No dwelling or parts of a dwelling shall exceed 35 feet in height. No accessory structure shall exceed 20 feet in height. No accessory structure may exceed the height of the principal building.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid domestic wastewater disposal inside Slinger village where public sewer is available or within the Village sewer service area.

    • The prohibition applies to privies, privy vaults, septic tanks, cesspools and other domestic-wastewater disposal facilities when public sewer is available.
    • No new building may be constructed in the Village sewer service area without public sewer connection.
    “No person shall construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool or other facility intended to be used for the disposal of domestic wastewater if a public sewer is available. No new buildings may be constructed within the sewer service area of the Village without connecting to the public sewerage system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New buildings and properties inside Slinger village's sewer service area, and properties where public sewer is available.

    • No new building may be constructed within the Village sewer service area without connection to the public sewerage system.
    • A property adjacent to a public sewer must connect within 365 days after written notice; immediate hazards have a 30-day period.
    • The code's R-1 district describes typical lots as lacking municipal sewer or water connections, while other residential districts may be served by municipal or private facilities.

    connection period after written notice: 365 days (30 days where an immediate hazard exists)

    “No person shall construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool or other facility intended to be used for the disposal of domestic wastewater if a public sewer is available. No new buildings may be constructed within the sewer service area of the Village without connecting to the public sewerage system.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building, electric, HVAC and plumbing permits inside Slinger village limits.

    • The amount is not stated in the code page.
    • The current fee schedule is maintained in the Village office.
    • The Village Board may change the schedule by duly enacted resolution.
    • Commercial plan-review fees follow the current Wisconsin State Fee Schedule.
    • A residential building bond is also required according to the fee schedule.
    “A schedule of permit fees for building, electric, HVAC and plumbing shall be set by the Village Board of the Village of Slinger by a duly enacted resolution and may be changed from time to time. The current fee schedule is on file in the Village office.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit applications inside Slinger village limits.

    • Applications may be written or electronic.
    • The application must identify the owner, landowner, designer, legal description, building location and house number, plus information required by the Inspector.
    • Three complete sets of plans, specifications and surveys are required, or one set if submitted electronically.
    • The Inspector may waive some submissions for minor alterations and repairs.
    • The permit becomes void if work does not begin within six months, if suspended for 60 days, or if work is not completed within 18 months, subject to the stated inspector extension for delays beyond the applicant's control.
    “Application for a building permit shall be made in written or electronic form to be furnished by the Inspector and shall state the name and address of owner of the building and the owner of the land on which it is to be erected, the name and address of the designer, and shall set forth a legal description of the land on which the building is to be located, the location of the building, the house number thereof and such other information as the Inspector may require.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of Slinger or Washington County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from Slinger building requirements.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy or residential use inside Slinger village limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping inside Slinger village limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Slinger village limits.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured or mobile-home occupancy inside Slinger village limits.
10 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Who permits septic
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Village of Slinger publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Washington County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Washington County: county rules, score and offices