Disclaimer: The articles published here on the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division site are meant to be a helpful starting point as you explore doing business in our community. They’re not the final word on rules, requirements, or what’s best for your unique situation. We always recommend checking in with legal, financial, or other professionals for advice tailored to your business.
You’ve found the perfect space, signed the lease, and started turning your dream into reality. Congratulations! You’re well on your way to opening the doors to your new business in Eau Claire. There’s just one very important step left, and that’s scheduling inspections.
Inspections are crucial for making sure your space is safe, code-compliant, and ready for business. And the best part is you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Here’s what to expect when it comes to city inspections for a new business in Eau Claire.
1. There’s More Than One Type of Inspection
Depending on your type of business and the space you’ve chosen, you may need several different inspections before opening day. Each one plays a specific role in ensuring your space is safe, functional, and up to code for both your team and your customers.
Here are the most common types of inspections new Eau Claire businesses might go through:
- Building Inspection
Did you remove a wall, build a new counter, or change how the space is being used? A building inspector will check that everything meets current safety and construction codes—things like structural stability, emergency exits, and accessibility. Even if your renovation was minimal, changing the use of the space, like turning a retail store into a café, often requires a building inspection.
- Electrical Inspection
Any electrical changes, such as installing outlets, upgrading panels, or putting in new lighting, require an inspection to ensure everything is safely wired and code compliant. Simple updates, like replacing fixtures, may need a quick review depending on the scope too.
- Plumbing Inspection
Plumbing inspections are required anytime water lines or fixtures are added or relocated. If your business relies on water—say, a restaurant, salon, or gym—inspectors will look at drainage, water pressure, and backflow prevention to make sure it’s all good to go.
- Fire Inspection
The fire department will check that your space has proper safety features in place: smoke detectors, extinguishers, emergency exits, and sprinkler systems (if needed). If your business is open to the public, a fire inspection is almost always part of the approval process.
- Health Inspection
If your business handles food or drink, you’ll also need a health inspection through the Eau Claire City-County Health Department. Inspectors will check your food prep setup, sinks, storage, sanitation, and refrigeration to ensure you’re operating in a clean, safe environment.
Not every business will need all of these, but most will need at least a couple, especially if you’ve made changes to the space. If you’re not sure which ones apply to you, the City of Eau Claire Inspections Division can help you figure it out based on your business type and location.
2. You’ll Need to Schedule Inspections in Advance
Inspections don’t happen automatically, so you’ll need to request them at the right time, depending on your project timeline. This is especially important if your buildout includes multiple phases, like framing, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. Most inspections need to happen before you move on to the next step.
For example, if your electrician just wrapped up wiring, you’ll need to schedule an electrical inspection before the walls get closed up. The same goes for plumbing; inspect it before anything gets covered or connected. Catching issues early can save you time and money down the road.
To keep things moving, try to give inspectors at least 24–48 hours’ notice when scheduling. And if something needs a reinspection, just schedule a follow-up once the fix is complete.
The good news is Eau Claire’s online permitting system makes this process easy. Once you’re registered, you can:
- Request inspections right from your permit dashboard
- Track which inspections have been completed
- Read any notes or corrections from inspectors
- Monitor the overall status of your project
If you’re working with a contractor, they may handle this for you, but even if you’re not managing the process yourself, it’s still helpful to understand the timing and requirements so no steps are missed.
If you’re ever unsure what needs to be inspected or when, again just reach out to the Inspections Division. They’ll help you stay on track so there are no surprises come opening day.
3. Inspectors Aren’t There to “Fail” You
Let’s bust a myth: Inspectors aren’t out to fail you or delay your project. Their job is to help make sure your business opens safely, not to create roadblocks.
Think of them as expert advisors. They’re making sure your space meets safety codes and building standards so your team, your customers, and your investment are protected. They’re on your side.
If something doesn’t pass the first time, that’s okay. Inspectors will let you know exactly what needs to be fixed and how to do it. Maybe a light switch needs to be moved, or a handrail needs adjusting. These kinds of fixes are usually minor and quick if you’ve been scheduling all of the necessary inspections throughout the process.
And if you’re unsure about anything, just ask. Eau Claire inspectors are happy to answer questions before, during, or after your inspection. Many issues can even be cleared up with a quick call or conversation.
At the end of the day, inspections are about teamwork. The sooner everything’s up to code, the sooner you can open your doors. And our Inspections Division is cheering you on.
4. Some Inspections Happen More Than Once
Don’t be surprised if some inspections happen in stages. That’s totally normal, especially if your business involves more extensive construction or renovation.
Take electrical or plumbing work, for example. First, there’s a “rough-in” inspection; this happens after the wiring or piping is installed but before the walls go up. Inspectors check that everything is installed correctly while it’s still visible. Once that passes, you can move forward with finishes like drywall or flooring.
Later, you’ll have a “final inspection” to confirm that everything works properly—outlets, fixtures, switches, faucets, and so on. The same pattern applies to fire safety, HVAC, and general building inspections when multiple stages are involved.
If something doesn’t pass the first time, a reinspection is totally normal. Just make the correction and schedule a follow-up. These reinspections are common and usually quick.
To keep your project moving, build inspection time into your schedule, especially if you’re coordinating with contractors or aiming for a specific opening date. Missing an inspection can cause delays, but staying proactive keeps things on track.
If you’re not sure if you’re ready for a reinspection or if another one is needed, just check your permit status online or call the Inspections Division to find out what’s left to complete.
5. You’ll Need the All-Clear Before You Can Open
Once you’ve made it through planning, paperwork, and inspections, there’s one final milestone before opening your doors: getting your Certificate of Occupancy (or “C of O”).
This is your official sign-off from the City of Eau Claire. It means your space has passed all the necessary inspections—building, fire, plumbing, electrical, and anything else required for your type of business. It confirms that your space is safe, compliant, and ready for the public.
You can’t legally open without it, so it’s something to plan for as you approach your launch date.
- Food License — If you’re making or serving food or drinks, you’ll need a license from the Eau Claire City-County Health Department. This goes hand-in-hand with your health inspection.
- Fire Department Occupancy Sign — For businesses where people gather—like restaurants, salons, or gyms—you’ll need a posted sign from the City of Eau Claire Fire Department showing your maximum allowed occupancy.
- Alcohol License Inspections — If you’re planning to serve alcohol, there are a few extra inspections and steps tied to that licensing process as well.
Each of these requirements has its own timeline and paperwork, but the City’s Community Development Department can guide you through it all. They’ll help you figure out exactly what you need based on your business type, so nothing gets missed right before opening.
6. Help Is Just a Phone Call or Email Away
If the inspection process feels overwhelming, you’re not expected to go it alone. Again, the City of Eau Claire Inspections Division is here to help.
The Inspections Team aims to be friendly and responsive, and they genuinely want to see your business succeed. Whether you’re opening your very first storefront or managing a full renovation, they can walk you through what’s needed, how to schedule inspections, and how to fix anything that comes up.
Bottom Line
City inspections might be an intimidating aspect of launching a business, but they’re a crucial step in getting up and running. With a little planning and communication, they don’t have to be stressful. Eau Claire is full of people who want to see your business thrive—including the folks doing your inspections. They’re not there to stand in your way; they’re there to help guide you to the finish line.
And once this final box is checked, you’ll be one step closer to opening day. Let’s get your doors open!
Source: Article Cover Illustration by Vecteezy
About The Author
Kendall Williams
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Kendall’s role with the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division is to champion local businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether it’s helping new entrepreneurs find the right location, supporting existing businesses as they grow, managing the City’s loan programs, or providing data to guide smart decisions, she’s all about making Eau Claire a place where businesses can thrive.
