Scope statements
Commerce
Subject
Chs.
Comm 20-
25, relating to Uniform (1-2 Family) Dwelling Code.
Objective of the rule. The Uniform Dwelling Code establishes statewide uniform construction and inspection rules for one- and 2-family dwellings.
The statutes require the department to review the rules of the Uniform Dwelling Code every two years. The department is required to revise the rules after consultation with the Uniform Dwelling Code Council, which is appointed by the Governor. The code update being scoped herein is expected to be implemented in April 2005.
The objective of the rule is to have a clearly understood code that reflects application of current construction and remodeling practices, products, standards, model codes, and materials.
Policy analysis
Existing policies. The Uniform Dwelling Code, chs.
Comm 20-
25, establishes statewide uniform construction and inspection rules for one- and 2-family dwellings. To ensure the health, safety and welfare of Wisconsin citizens using and residing in one- and 2-family dwellings, the code and adopted standards must be viable and current.
New policies. This code review will identify potential code revisions necessary to:
•Address code requirement clarity problems that have been discovered since the last code review.
•Reformat and update ch.
Comm 20 to clarify administrative requirements.
•Update design and construction requirements for foundations, roofs, ceilings, and masonry walls.
•Address water resistance requirements for foundation walls and roof coverings.
•Clarify issues relating to insulation R-values and vapor retarder placement.
•Address code requirements relative to safety, health, and welfare which are substantially different from the national model building codes.
•Address other issues as approved by the Office of the Secretary.
Analysis of policy alternatives. The department has identified the following alternatives:
•The Department could leave the code as written. However, the Department believes that using the code as it stands now would leave designers, builders and local inspectors unsure of how to comply with the code, and unaware of how newer materials and standards should be regulated and applied. This alternative conflicts with s.
101.63 (5), Stats.
• The Department could, after consulting with the council, adopt current standards, correct code clarity problems, incorporate code interpretations that have developed since the last code change, incorporate new construction practices, products, standards or materials, and incorporate new code requirements into the next code package. These proposed changes would fulfill the objective of protecting public health, safety and welfare. The Department recommends this alternative.
Statutory authority
Applicable sections of Wisconsin Statutes:
101.60 Establishes statewide construction standards for 1-2 family dwellings
101.63 Requires department to establish standards for construction and inspection
101.63 (5) Requires department to biennially review rules
101.64 (3) Permits department to revise rules after consulting with UDC council
101.70 Establishes statewide standards for manufactured 1-2 family dwellings
101.73 Requires department to establish standards for construction and inspection
101.73 (8) Requires department to biennially review rules
101.74 (3) Permits department to revise rules after consulting with UDC council
Staff time required
The following is the estimated work time between 12/02 and 4/05 that staff will be involved in these code change issues.
Dwelling code council meetings - Average of 40 hr. x 8 meetings = 320 hr.
Code topics research, language drafts - = 400 hr.
Hearings, responses, revisions, etc. - = 240 hr.
Environmental assessment - = 20 hr.
Total = 980 hr.
Commerce
Subject
Chapters
Comm 61 to
65, relating to the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code.
Objective of the rule. To clarify, simplify, or modify various provisions of the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code.
Policy analysis
The Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, chs.
Comm 61 to
65, contains standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and inspection of public buildings and places of employment. These chapters, which were developed in 2001 and became effective on July 1, 2002, replaced previous requirements for these facilities with model-code requirements that are substantially in use elsewhere in this country. Those model-code requirements of the International Code Council
® were published in 2000.
The primary purpose of the Commercial Building Code is to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Periodic review and update of the Code is necessary to ensure that the Code still achieves that purpose. In addition, the review and update allows the opportunity to recognize new construction products and practices.
The only feasible alternative at this point in time would be a temporary delay in the rule-review process. This delay would reduce the public benefits that would otherwise occur by beginning this review now.
Statutory authority
Staff time required
The Department estimates approximately 400 hours will be needed to perform the review and develop any needed rule changes. This time includes drafting the changes - in consultation with the Commercial Building Code Council - and processing the changes through public hearings, legislative review, and adoption. The Department will assign existing staff to perform the review and develop the rule changes, and no other resources will be needed.
Commerce
Subject
Chapters
Comm 61 to
65, relating to Multifamily Dwellings and the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code.
Objective of the rule. Under s.
101.973 (2), Stats., the Department of Commerce is required to biennially review the rules governing the design and construction of multifamily dwellings. The Department of Commerce in conjunction with the Multifamily Dwelling Code Council is to begin the review of the rules this spring. Upon completion of the review, if rules revisions are deemed warranted, the Department will clarify, simplify, or modify various provisions of the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code.
Policy analysis
Chapters
Comm 61 to
65 contain the Department's requirements for the design, construction, maintenance, and inspection of public buildings, including multifamily dwellings. These chapters, which were developed in 2001 and became effective on July 1, 2002, replaced previous requirements for these facilities with model-code requirements that are substantially in use elsewhere in this country. Those model-code requirements of the International Code Council
® were published in 2000.
The primary purpose of the Commercial Building Code is to protect public health, safety and welfare. Periodic review and update of the code is necessary to ensure that the code still achieves that purpose. In addition, the review and update allows the opportunity to recognize new construction products and practices.
The only feasible alternative at this point in time would be a temporary delay in the rule-review process. This delay would deviate from the statutory timeline for performing this review, and would reduce the public benefits that would otherwise occur by beginning this review now.
Statutory authority
