Summary of Oct. 18, 2018 Member Meeting

Alliance for Regulatory Coordination

Summary of Member Meeting

Meeting Date: October 18, 2018

Location: Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

The meeting was convened at 9:05 a.m. by Bob DuPont, of Regulatory Guidance and Design, LLC. Attendees introduced themselves and identified the organizations they were representing.

Following introductions DuPont commented that he had recently attended a meeting of the DSPS Plumbing Code Advisory Committee, and was pleased to observe how DSPS program staff were involved in code development conversations. Jeff Beiriger said he has heard positive comments from PHCC-WI members that are on the Code Committee, about the process and progress achieved by the committee.

Regarding carbon monoxide detection, DuPont reviewed the latest proposal from the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association concerning possible statute changes to address carbon monoxide detection in multistory buildings. He said the proposal reflects the policy he had recommended to ARC members and the WHLA earlier this year. Richard Paur provided a brief recap of the problem being addressed; the lack of detectors on floors other than the first floor served by a central forced-air furnace. For example, if rooftop units are utilized, under current law, only the top floor of the building is required to have carbon monoxide detectors installed.

Discussion centered on possible allowance of in-duct carbon monoxide detectors and allowing detectors to be placed in every fourth living or dwelling unit as opposed to following provisions of the International Building Code. DuPont said he would report on what he learns about in-duct carbon monoxide detectors; their operation and possible U.L. listing, etc. He also said there is time for ARC members to reconsider their position on how best to fix the problems seen in current state law relative to allowing detectors in every fourth living or dwelling unit where central forced-air furnaces are installed.

Regarding repeal of fees for municipal plan review participation, DuPont reminded that - despite the ARC request to do so - the DSPS did not include repeal of these fees in the department’s budget proposal forwarded to the Governor in September. DuPont said the next step would likely be sending a letter to the Governor, or Governor-elect, similar to the letter sent to the DSPS in July.

Regarding issues reflected in various letters sent to the DSPS, DuPont asked if anyone had heard from the DSPS about the six issues addressed in the letters sent by the ARC to the DSPS recently. He said DSPS had sent confirmation of receipt for some of the letters, but nothing addressing the substance of the letters. Attendees said they too had not heard anything substantive from the DSPS.

Note: The issues addressed in five ARC letters to the DSPS were: rules for municipal agent appointments and certifications (related to 2017 WI Act 198); rules for enforcement of the Commercial Building Code and carbon monoxide detection (related to 2017 WI Act 330); rules for repairs made to UDC homes (reaction to DSPS code interpretation); rules to adopt the 2018 edition of NFPA 1 as the basis for SPS 314, Wisconsin Fire Prevention Code; and coordination of inspection-related provisions of 2017 Wisconsin Acts 243 and 330.

Concerning rules for repairs made to UDC homes, DuPont said the League of Wisconsin Municipalities told him they support the ARC initiative encouraging rules for repairs, while the Wisconsin Economic Development Association said they would be neutral at this time. He also reported that Brad Boycks, of the Wisconsin Builders Association asked the Alliance to develop proposed code change text for the WBA and Uniform Dwelling Code Council to consider. DuPont said he had a draft of such text almost finished and would share it with ARC members for comment within the next week or so.

Regarding a possible uniform code for pre-UDC homes, DuPont said the next step is to develop a white paper on the topic. He said he expects to have a draft developed within the next month or two. Scott Satula reminded that many years ago the Building Inspectors Association of South East Wisconsin developed a model code for pre-UDC homes in conjunction with building contractors in the area. He said it is used by communities throughout Southeast Wisconsin, and recommended it be used as a starting point for development of a statewide code for pre-UDC homes. DuPont said he would include mention of that model code in the draft white paper.

The next meeting of Alliance Members was set for January 16, 2019, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at Sun Prairie Fire Department Station 2, at 2598 W. Main Street, Sun Prairie, WI.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

This summary was prepared by Bob DuPont, Regulatory Guidance and Design, LLC.

It was issued on November 12, 2018.