May 25, 2005
Mr. Patrick Fuller
Chief Clerk, Wisconsin State Assembly
Room 208, Risser Justice Center
17 West Main Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53708
Dear Patrick:
Pursuant to Assembly Rule
23 (4), please message Enrolled Assembly Bill 209 to the Office of the Governor today. If your office is unable to deliver the enrolled bill today, please notify me as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
John G. Gard
Speaker
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Chief Clerk Reports
The Chief Clerk records:
Assembly Bill 49
Assembly Bill 209
Presented to the Governor on Wednesday, May 25.
Patrick E. Fuller
Assembly Chief Clerk
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Agency Reports
State of Wisconsin
Legislative Audit Bureau
Madison
May 26, 2005
To the Honorable, the Legislature:
As required by s.
13.94(1)(n), Wis. Stats., we have completed a review of the statewide design and construction standards that apply to multifamily dwellings, which are housing units that are typically two- or three-story, four- to eight-unit apartment buildings. These standards are administered by the Department of Commerce.
For approximately seven years, builders and local safety officials were required to comply with requirements of two separate building codes: the Multifamily Dwelling Code, which took effect in April 1995, and the existing Commercial Building Code. Because differences between the two codes created some confusion among builders, a single code covering multifamily and other commercial buildings was adopted in 2002. The 2002 Commercial Building Code is based on international standards and includes elements of Wisconsin's prior codes. Commerce staff and other interested parties believe the new combined code addresses many of the concerns that existed when multifamily construction had its own separate code. We note, however, that steps could be taken to improve the timeliness of plan reviews and compliance with refund requirements.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by the Department of Commerce and members of the Multifamily Dwelling Council in completing this review.
Sincerely,
Janice Mueller
State Auditor
