ARC Priorities as of August 20, 2019

Post date: Aug 20, 2019 7:32:30 PM

ARC Priorities for the Next 12 Months

August 20, 2019

1) Encourage the DSPS to maintain a focus on customers with customer involvement in DSPS decisions regarding services of the Industry Services Division, with an emphasis on:

a) Reconvening the Commercial Building Code Council to advise on code changes to reflect legislative changes in: 2017 Wis. Act 198, concerning agent appointments and certifications; and 2017 Wis. Act 330, concerning uniform procedures for administration of the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code.

b) Reconvening the Dwelling Code Council to advise the DSPS on code changes to reflect legislative changes listed in Scope Statement SS 028-19, and to update the Uniform Dwelling Code.

c) Reconvening the Fire Prevention Code Committee to advise on code changes necessary to update Chapter SPS 314, Fire Prevention Code.

2) Encourage improved deployment of resources among programs and services for safety and buildings, with an emphasis on obtaining additional DSPS staffing authority, through a “14-day request”, for activities of safety and building code development and the coordination of plan review and inspection services with DSPS agent and certified municipalities.

3) Improve coordination of state and municipal regulatory efforts for safety and buildings, with an emphasis on:

a) Reintroduction of wedding barn legislation; 2017 Assembly Bill 187 and Senate Bill 137

b) Reducing redundant plan review between municipalities and the DSPS by encouraging legislation to eliminate the statute for participation fees from 2nd class cities and agent municipalities, or the reduction and simplification of such fees through a code change.

c) Encouraging the DSPS to decide and communicate how the inspection related provisions of 2017 Wisconsin Acts 243 and 330 will be coordinated and implemented.

d) Encouraging legislation to establish a statewide uniform code for one and two-family homes which were initially constructed before the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code went into effect.

e) Encouraging more uniform code administration concerning solar power installations by working with RENEW Wisconsin on model permit and inspection procedures for use by municipalities.

4) Encourage remedial legislation on carbon monoxide detectors related to force-air furnaces serving more than one unit in residential commercial buildings, so state law would more fully reflect the 2015 IBC.

5) Encourage code update activity specifically for:

a) Reviewing the 2015, 2018 and 2021 editions of NFPA 1, and the 2018 and 2021 editions of ICC codes to update the State Fire Prevention Code and the State Commercial Building Code.

b) Reviewing the State Uniform Plumbing Code for necessary updates and clarifications.

c) Establishing requirements for municipalities to renew their agent appointments and certifications every 5 years, as required by Statute Section 101.02 (3o), created by 2017 Wisconsin Act 198.

d) Establishing uniform procedures for the administration of the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, as required by Statute Section 101.02 (7r) (g) 1., created by 2017 Wisconsin Act 330.

e) Establishing requirements in the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code for repairs made to homes.

f) Establishing requirements in the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code for mandatory inspection of certain additions and alterations to homes originally constructed under the Wisconsin UDC.

g) Adopting the International Residential Code as the base code for the Wisconsin UDC.

6) Pursue implementation of statewide inspection of commercial building construction based on the permit and inspection provisions of the International Building Code.

ARC members believe this pursuit is appropriate in light of the public policy gap that exists between the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and the Wisconsin Uniform Commercial Building Code. While the dwelling code requires inspections, the commercial building code does not.

7) Monitor legislation related to safety and buildings programs and credentials.