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How are campgrounds in Wisconsin affected by programs of the Safety and Buildings Division?
Amusement RidesThe Safety and Buildings Division administers SPS 334, Amusement Rides Code, which covers both permanent and portable amusement rides that operate in Wisconsin. Key items to remember about amusement rides operating at a
campground: The amusement ride registration forms may be found online. Questions may be directed to S&B’s Amusement Ride Inspectors, or to David Vriezen, Section Chief, 608-261-2503 , david.vriezen@wi.gov. Boilers and Pressure VesselsIf your campground includes boilers or pressure vessels, safety inspections may be required.Review the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Brochure for a synopsis of requirements. Should questions arise, contact the district inspector for your area. Commercial BuildingsThe Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, Comm 60-66, applies to all public buildings and places of employment in the state. Most of the shared buildings located in a campground would be considered “public buildings.” This is true even if the campground is a private enterprise such as a camp for Scouts or one for a religious organization. Public buildings are defined by statute (see s. 101.01(12), Wis Stats.) and would include occupied buildings with roofs such as park shelters, concession stands, convenience stores, gyms, shower buildings, toilet facilities, dorms, bunkhouses, lodges, game rooms, dining halls, bars, bait shops, laundry facilities and assembly buildings. Heating and ventilation systems for these buildings are also covered by code requirements. The purpose of the codes is to assure that the buildings meet minimum safety standards for the design, construction and use by the public.- If I am constructing a new building in the campground, what do I need to do to meet code? New buildings and structures in the campground must meet the requirements of the code at the time they are built. Buildings over 25,000 cubic feet in volume need to have plans submitted for review prior to construction. Smaller buildings may not need to be submitted for review by Safety and Buildings Division staff or a delegated review municipality, but the buildings still need to meet the code and may require local permits and/or review for construction. - Do I need an architect or engineer to draw and submit these plans? In general, an architect or engineer is needed if the building will be greater than 50,000 cubic feet in volume. - Where should these plans be submitted? Plans should be submitted either to one of the review offices of the Safety and Buildings Division or to a delegated municipality if the project is located in one. Detailed information on plan submittal. - Is handicapped accessibility required to campground buildings? Barrier-free accessibility is required to new public buildings and will make the facility much more usable for many people dealing with permanent or temporary disabilities. Access to the building may be provided via ramps, grade level entrances, or even elevators. Other barrier-free requirements for the interior of the buildings involve passageways, door sizes and handles, lavatory and stall sizing, faucet controls and other requirements found in the national standard ANSI A117.1-2003. Accessible parking spaces must also be provided. - What about fire sprinkler systems? Larger assembly buildings with occupancy of over 100 people, and transient residential buildings, must be provided with automatic fire sprinkler systems. Most smaller buildings will not require these systems. Check with the local municipality since they may have additional requirements. - Any special requirements for kitchens and cooking equipment? In buildings with stoves or ovens, such as dining facilities, concession stands, and kitchens, exhaust hoods over the stoves and ovens are needed and must be properly designed, installed, vented, and possibly provided with fire suppression. - May campground buildings have fireplaces? Either site-built or manufactured fireplaces may be used in some locations. Where permitted, masonry fireplaces and chimneys must meet the requirements found in Chapter 21 of the International Building Code. - Is smoke detection required in some campground buildings? Yes, smoke detection systems are required to be provided in sleeping buildings such as bunkhouses, dormitories, or sleeping lodges. - Are there regulations governing small residential buildings? Group rental cabins, and individual homes for counselors, camp directors and others, are required to meet the Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS 320-325, instead of the Commercial Building Code. These dwelling units will require plan review and inspections either by the local municipality or by state inspectors, depending on who has code jurisdiction in the area where the campground is located. Questions may be directed to S&B’s Commercial Building Inspectors, or to Section Chief Brian Ferris, brian.ferris@wi.gov, 608-785-9335. Electrical1. All electrical installations and equipment shall be cleaned and inspected at intervals as experience has shown to be necessary. Any equipment or electrical installations know to be defective so as to endanger life of propriety shall be promptly repaired, permanently disconnected, or isolated until repairs can be made. Construction, additions and changes to electrical equipment and conductors shall be made by qualified persons only. If it does not look in good working order, a professional should check it out. NEC 110.7, 110.11 and SPS 316.0102. All new 125 volt, single-phase 15- and 20-ampere outdoor receptacles shall have listed GFCI protection, (Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection). This requirement also apply to any replacement receptacles installed. This important GFCI protection can be provided by a GFCI circuit breaker or GFCI receptacle. Over the years, this has saved lives by internally measuring ground fault current. Should that level be over 6ma ( milli-ampere), the GFCI will disconnect power to the unit. 3. Where proper grounding systems do not exist, grounding electrodes specified in NEC 250.52 shall be installed. Exposed non-current -carrying metal parts of fixed equipment likely to become energized shall be connected to the equipment grounding conductor. To the electrical system, grounding is like brakes on a vehicle. Should electrical faults or shorts occur; this provides a safe path for current flow and means to cause the over-current protection, (circuit breaker or fuse) to operate and shut down the system. NEC 250.110 4. All electrical equipment shall be firmly secured to the surface on which it is mounted. Listed electrical products provide installation standards and supporting documentation for the use of the electrical component. Over time many items become loosened and unfastened, so movement occurs, affecting safe use. NEC 110.13 5. Electrical equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. All work, be it new or a replacement of existing items, is dependent on the mechanical execution to ensure safe use. The adage that “an ounce of prevention saves a pound of cure” applies to electrical installations in campgrounds. Deteriorated installations need to be addressed immediately or there can be serious danger. To discuss electrical issues, contact an S&B electrical consultant. See more electrical information, PDF file, related to campgrounds. Elevators / Conveyance SafetyCommercial or Residential?Only commercial type conveyances may be installed in campground structures covered by the commercial building code and common areas of a campground. A conveyance shared by two or more one- or two-family dwellings is considered to be in a common area therefore must be a commercial type conveyance. These conveyances include typical passenger or freight elevators, outdoor inclined elevators (often called "trams"), limited use/limited application (LULA) elevators, escalators and moving walks, dumbwaiters, type B material lifts, vertical platform lifts, inclined platform lifts and stairway chair lifts. One- and two-family dwellings covered by the uniform dwelling code in campgrounds may utilize either commercial type conveyances or residential type conveyances. Regulation of Devices All conveyances in commercial buildings or in common areas, and elevators and dumbwaiters in one- or two-family dwellings are regulated by the elevator safety program in accordance with Comm 18, Elevators, Escalators and Lift Devices Code, and the adopted American Society of Mechanical Engineers A17.1 elevator code. See SPS 318, PDF file. Regulated conveyances must be approved products. To determine whether a product is approved, contact the product dealer or a member of the S&B Elevator Safety Program staff. Products not previously approved may be submitted for review according to these instructions. Regulated conveyances must be installed by licensed contractors and licensed individuals. Permission to install must be applied for by a licensed contractor. Work may not commence until plans specific to the project are approved. See SPS 318.1013. Regulated conveyances are subject to initial inspections, annual inspections and permit-to-operate fees. See SPS 302.15, Fee Code, for fees regarding regulation of these devices. Devices Not Regulated Vertical platform lifts, inclined platform lifts and stairway chair lifts serving only a single one- or two-family dwelling covered by the uniform dwelling code are currently not governed by the elevator safety program. Direct questions regarding conveyances in Wisconsin to Brian Rausch, 262-521-5444, brian.rausch@wi.gov. Fire ProtectionThe following should be considered when planning a new campground facility:- If it is a Group R-1 occupancy (occupants staying 30 days or less), an automatic fire sprinkler system will be required. - A fire alarm system may be required if the building is a Group R-1 occupancy. - Single- and multiple-station smoke detectors will be required in each sleeping area and in every room in the path of the means of egress from the sleeping area. See smoke detector brochure, PDF file. - If the building has a fuel-burning appliance, including gas ranges, (not a sealed-combustion unit) carbon monoxide detectors are required. See carbon monoxide detector brochure, PDF file. - Portable fire extinguishers are required. - Fire lanes are needed to accommodate fire department equipment. Send email questions to fireprotech@commerce.state.wi.us. Contact the S&B Fire Prevention Coordinators, PDF file. Liquid Petroleum GasThere are new regulations for licensing suppliers who fill propane gas cylinders, including bulk gas suppliers, cooperatives, hardware stores, and campgrounds.Who should have a license? Anyone must obtain a license who engages in the business of filling liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) containers with gas intended as fuel to be used directly from the container. A license is not required for filling containers with liquefied petroleum gas for the person’s or entity’s own use such as a storage warehouse with a fleet of LPG fork lift-trucks filled on site or for a business that fills containers that have a water capacity of less than 4 pounds. See more information on the licenses. Here are links to the Liquefied Gas Supplier (PDF file) and Supplier-Restricted (PDF file) application forms. (A person who holds a license as a licensed liquefied gas supplier - restricted is limited to filling only federal Department of Transportation cylinders at their own site.) For more information, contacts Mike Verhagen, Gas Systems Safety Consultant, 262-548-8617 Manufactured/ Mobile HomesIn Wisconsin, if there are three or more manufactured/mobile homes in, or adjacent to, a campground that are occupied for dwelling or sleeping purposes, a Manufactured Home Community license or permit must be obtained from Safety and Buildings Division Manufactured Home Program staff.S&B also titles manufactured/mobile homes. All owners are required to have a valid title for a manufactured/mobile home, with the exception a home off its wheels set on some support and connected to utilities on land owned by the owner of the home. - What code applies to a Manufactured Home Community? SPS 326, PDF file. - What steps need to be taken to obtain the MH Community license/permit? If a campground has three or more manufactured/mobile homes, the owner must submit an application, two sets of plans showing the location of the homes, width of streets and parking spaces, evidence of safe water, evidence that the plumbing plans were submitted and approved by the Safety and Buildings Division, and the appropriate fees to the S&B Manufactured Home Unit, or an agent of S&B that has been authorized to enforce the provisions of SPS 326, Manufactured Home Community. - What is a manufactured home? The statutory definition for a manufactured home is: A structure that is designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation and that is certified by the federal department of housing and urban development as complying with the standards established under 42 USC 5401 to 5425. The definition also states that a manufactured home includes a mobile home, unless a mobile home is specifically excluded under the applicable statute. - What is a mobile home? The statutory definition of a mobile home means a vehicle manufactured or assembled before June 15, 1976, designed to be towed as a single unit or in sections upon a highway by a motor vehicle and equipped and used, or intended to be used, primarily for human habitation, with walls of rigid uncollapsible construction, which has an overall length in excess of 45 feet. “Mobile home” includes the mobile home structure, its plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems, and all appliances and all other equipment carrying a manufacturer’s warranty. - Does it make any difference if the manufactured homes are used seasonally or year round? No. The statutory definition of a “manufactured home community” means any plot or plots of ground upon which are located three or more manufactured homes that are occupied for dwelling or sleeping purposes. “Manufactured home community” does not include a farm where the occupants of the manufactured homes are the father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister of the farm owner or operator or where the occupants of the manufactured homes work on the farm. There is nothing in that definition that distinguishes between manufactured/mobile homes used in the summer only, for example. - What is an RV? An RV is not constructed under manufactured (HUD) home standards or Uniform Dwelling Code standards. DOT statutes, s. 340.01 (48r), defines a “Recreational Vehicle” as a vehicle that is designed to be towed upon a highway by a motor vehicle, that is equipped and used, or intended to be used, primarily for temporary or recreational human habitation, that has walls of rigid construction, and that does not exceed 45 feet in length. As it is designed to be towed by a vehicle it will have axles, wheels, a frame and a hitch. - What is a Park Model? Even though a Park Model may look like a cabin, in most cases a park model is built to RV standards. A park model will have axles, wheels, a frame and hitch for towing upon the highway. A manufactured/mobile home has all of those features as well for towing on the highway. How does someone know the difference? Contact the manufacturer or look for a label or data plate in the structure. In a manufactured home it will be located under the kitchen sink, next to the electrical panel, or in a bedroom closet. This data plate will tell you if the home was manufactured to the manufactured home (HUD) standards 24 CFR 3280. If the structure was built after 1976, and the data plate does not confirm this, it is not a manufactured home. A rule of thumb that can also be used to decide whether this is an RV or manufactured home is the square footage of the structure. If the structure has a habitable space of 400 square feet or less, not including outside open air decks, chances are it is an RV. Note that RV’s are regulated by the state Dept. of Transportation and they are required to be titled with the DOT. - I already pay a license fee to the local municipality. Do I still need the S&B Manufactured Home Community license? Yes. The local municipality has the statutory authority, s. 66.0435, to require owners of mobile home parks to obtain a license from them. The S&B has the authority via s. 101.935 to license and regulate manufactured home communities. Here is a link to the municipal statutes, PDF file. Here is a link to the commerce statutes, PDF file. - Can anyone install a manufactured home? Unless the owner owns the land that the home is placed on and installing it themselves, the home must be installed by a state licensed manufactured home installer. The license is issued by S&B. Go to S&B license/credential descriptions for additional information. One- and Two-Family DwellingsThe Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) is the statewide building code for one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980. The Safety and Buildings Division provides consultation and education concerning UDC construction standards and inspection procedures. Building materials are evaluated for conformance with standards. UDC inspection and contractor credentials are administered.There is enforcement of the UDC in all Wisconsin municipalities. A Wisconsin uniform building permit shall be obtained from the municipality administering and enforcing this code or, if the municipality elects not to enforce the code, from a state-contracted UDC inspection agency administering and enforcing this code in a municipality where the department has jurisdiction pursuant to s. 101.651(3 (b), Stats., before any onsite construction, including excavation for a structure, may begin. The question of who issues UDC permits and does inspections may change near the end of 2009. See the UDC program page for more information when it is available. - What code applies to a dwelling? SPS 320 to 325 is the statewide building code for one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980. This code also applies to additions and alterations to dwellings built since June 1, 1980, and the code also includes installation standards of manufactured (HUD) homes produced on, or after, April 1, 2007 and pier installation standards for manufactured (HUD) homes produced before April 1, 2007. The scope of the UDC is described in SPS 320.02(1). - When is a structure a dwelling? A dwelling means any building that contains one or two dwelling units. “Dwelling unit” means a structure or that part of a structure which is used or intended to be used as a home, residence, or sleeping place by one person or by two or more persons maintaining a common household, to the exclusion of all others. Examples of dwellings would be: a year-round site-built home, a modular home, a duplex, a vacation home, a home that is rented out, a cabin that is rented out, or a yurt structure that is left in place as a residence or rented out. - Does a dwelling unit need heating, air conditioning, plumbing or electrical systems? No. SPS 320.04(c) states that the installation of heating, air conditioning, plumbing or electrical systems is not required. If any of the systems are installed, the systems and their installation shall comply with the UDC. If a heating or air conditioning system is installed, the dwelling shall comply with energy requirements of SPS 322. - What happens when someone builds a new home or installs a new manufactured home on campground land? A Wisconsin uniform building permit shall be obtained before any on–site construction, including excavation for a structure, may begin from the municipality enforcing the code or, if the municipality elects not to enforce the code, from a state-contracted UDC inspection agency, where the department has jurisdiction. - Is there an exemption for compliance with UDC if a structure is temporary in nature? If the structure is assembled and disassembled within a weekend or two, such as a tent, then it would not have to comply with the UDC. If the structure stays in place year-round, such as a yurt, or is moved from site to site based on needs, such as a cabin, it has to meet the requirements set forth in the UDC. Before any onsite construction for the structure may begin, the owner need to contact the local authorities and obtain appropriate permits. - If someone purchases cabin and places it on a campground to rent out, does the cabin have to meet the UDC? Yes. When the required permit is taken out, the UDC building inspector will be inspecting the cabin for compliance with the UDC. - When does an addition to an RV have to meet the UDC? Even though the RV itself is not regulated by the UDC, structures built adjacent to the RV may fall within the scope of the UDC. Structures built adjacent to an RV and enclosed with a roof, walls and weather resistant windows, or window coverings, are within the scope of the UDC and must be built in conformance with the UDC. This does not include open decks, decks covered with only a roof or screen enclosures. If a deck serves as an exit from the enclosure it shall also meet the UDC. Since these enclosures are within the scope of the UDC, in accordance with SPS 320.08(1), the appropriate Uniform Building Permits must be obtained from the authority enforcing the UDC before any onsite construction, including excavation for the structure, may begin. Contact an S&B UDC Consultant. PlumbingIn campgrounds, water is often distributed via piping throughout the site. Many campgrounds have a dump station for removal of the sanitary waste and in some cases have sanitary lines extended to the sites themselves.You can talk over any possible campground health or safety question related to plumbing with an S&B plumbing consultant. - Plan submittal is required for any exterior plumbing work done within the campground that serves the campground sites. Interior plumbing plan submittal before construction of public buildings is required if there are 16 or more fixtures within them. See description of plan review process. All plans must be submitted to Safety and Buildings, except campgrounds in the city of Milwaukee, which are reviewed by city staff. - All plumbing work within the campground must be done by a properly-licensed Wisconsin plumber. See information on plumbing and other licenses, certifications, and registrations. - Plumbing within all buildings (shower, office, clothes washing, etc., ) must be installed in accord with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code, SPS 381 to 384. - See information on private sewage systems. Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) / SewageThe Safety and Buildings Division POWTS program protects public health and the waters of the state by regulating onsite wastewater treatment and recycling systems, and by promoting the use of the best available technology to provide onsite sewage treatment system solutions for property owners. Campgrounds are often located in areas not served by public sanitary sewers. Toilets, shower houses and other buildings located on a campground will often be served by either a POWTS or a privy.- Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) Buildings that are supplied water via plumbing systems such as bathroom or shower buildings, or other permanent structures in areas that are not connected to a sanitary sewer system, will need a POWTS to properly treat and disperse the wastewater generated within the buildings. These systems are regulated under SPS 383, POWTS Code . See more information on the S&B POWTS program. - Sanitary Permits Prior to installing a POWTS, plan approval and a sanitary permit are required. Information on POWTS plan review is here. Questions about obtaining a sanitary permit for a state-owned facility can be answered by contacting Vicky Brennan at 920-492-5602. All other facilities should contact their local sanitary permit issuing agent, usually part of the county government. - Sanitation Facilities (non-plumbing) Sanitation facilities such as an incinerating toilet, composting toilet, a pit privy or a vault privy are regulated under SPS 391, Sanitation Code. To discuss such facilities, contact county officials in the sanitarian or zoning programs. The installation of a pit privy or a vault privy located at a state-owned facility must be registered with the Department of Safety and Professional Services prior to installation. To register a pit privy or a vault privy, fill out form number SBD-10842 found in the POWTS section of the S&B forms page. * Pit privies require a soil test prior to obtaining a permit whether it is for a state-owned facility or private property, and before the privy is installed. * Many (not all) counties require a "county" sanitary permit be obtained prior to installation of non-plumbing sanitation devices * Counties can choose which non-plumbing sanitation devices they want to regulate and whether to require a local permit or not. * Counties can choose to ban or limit the use of any or all non-plumbing sanitation devices. * Anyone contemplating purchasing and/or installing a non-plumbing sanitation device should definitely contact their local zoning or health department to determine what local regulations, permits, or inspections may apply. Swimming Pools (Public)- Construct new public swimming pools in compliance with SPS 390, Design and Construction of Public Swimming Pools and Water Attractions code. Modifications to a pool require SPS 390 plan review by S&B.- Review existing pools with the regional state Department of Health Services agent. DHS is responsible for SPS 390 issues at an existing pool. - All public swimming pools in Wisconsin must be compliant with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act concerning drains and suction outlets. - Showers and bathrooms shall be within 300 feet of a pool via paved or hard surface walkways. - Slides must conform to requirements of Table SPS 390.31-1. - Pool fill methods, plumbing cross-connection prevention, and all pool discharge methods shall also meet SPS 382, Plumbing Code, requirements. - Pool decks must drain effectively to prevent slippery spots and falls. - The pool enclosure and gate (self-closing and latching) must prevent unsupervised entry by children. - The pool equipment room should be inspected for obvious safety issues pertaining to plumbing, electrical, ventilation, etc. - Slides in non-pool bodies of water (e.g. swim pond) require structural review if six feet or greater in height. Contact Swimming Pool Plan Reviewer Glen Jones, glen.jones@wi.gov, 608-267-5265. County Web sites || City/Town/Village Web sites || State Portal || Build Your Business The Department of Safety and Professional Services Safety and Buildings Division is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. If you need assistance to access services or need material in an alternate format, please contact us, 608-266-3151, TDD Relay dial 711 in Wisconsin or 800-947-3529. |
