Sheboygan hires EpiPlex LLC to speed building plan reviews for large projects

The Finance & Personnel Committee approved a contract with EpiPlex LLC to provide third‑party plan review services for projects exceeding the 10,000‑square‑foot threshold that otherwise would go to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Staff said the contract will create a delegated‑review pathway so the city can route qualifying plans to a vetted third‑party reviewer with a consistent turnaround (staff cited reviewers with sub‑14‑day timelines) rather than relying on variable state processing times that have ranged from a week to several months.

Taylor, staff lead for building and downtown review, said comparable Wisconsin cities — including Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Waukesha — use similar third‑party arrangements. Alders asked whether this addresses planning‑department capacity and whether the city could internalize the work; staff said the city does not hold delegation status under state rules, so the work must go to a third party or the state.

Supporters said the arrangement should improve predictability for large developments and help the city better track review status; the committee approved the contract by voice vote.