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1. Fire protection features and systems must be inspected, tested, and maintained;
2. Bed and Breakfast law change focuses on codes applicable to additions;
3. There is a new option in lieu of plan review for some smaller buildings;
4. There are variations among building plan review services offered by municipalities and S&B;
5. 2000 Fire Department Dues Distribution;
6. Advice of a Veteran Code Official;
7. Material Approvals;
8. With help of fire depts and municipalities, S&B developing fire safety plan review system;
9. Employment Opportunity: Boiler Safety Inspector 3, Madison;
10. Fee increases for some S&B plan review, inspection, and credential services;
11. Department of Safety and Professional Services Fax Request Hotline;
12. Certified Municipalities.
1. Fire protection features and systems must be inspected, tested, and maintained
By John Lippitt, Fire Safety Program Manager, jlippitt@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-266-1036
Inspection, testing, and maintenance activities concerning fire protection equipment and systems have taken on a higher priority in all public buildings and places of employment in Wisconsin. Specifically, revisions to the state Commercial Building Code, Comm 50-64, which became effective April 1, 2000, now require that fire protection features and systems must be inspected, tested, and maintained as detailed in the applicable adopted NFPA standard. The new rules include Comm 51.22(3) for portable fire extinguishers; Comm 51.21(8) for standpipe and hose systems; Comm 51.235(3) for alternate fire suppression systems; Comm 51.236(4) for manual-wet sprinkler systems; Comm 51.24(10) for fire alarm systems; and, Comm 51.245(3) for smoke detectors. Existing code requirements of Comm 51.23(6) for automatic fire sprinkler systems were used as the model for the code revisions. Since 1994, Comm 51.23(6) has required that all sprinkler systems, new and existing, must be inspected, tested, and maintained as specified in NFPA 25. While state code changes are typically not applied retroactively to existing buildings, in the case of inspection, testing, and maintenance the rules do apply to existing fire protection features and systems in all public buildings and places of employment. Fire protection features are provided in case of emergency; they are not used every day like other mechanical systems in a building. In fact, while many fire protection systems are on duty seven days a week, they may only be operated during the course of preventative maintenance procedures. To ensure the systems operate as required during an actual emergency situation, minimal inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures must be followed by building owners. For example, fire extinguishers must be located, inspected, tested, maintained, and replaced as required in NFPA 10. This also applies to all buildings in existence on the effective date of the code. NFPA 25 has now been adopted to apply to standpipe and hose systems, in addition to automatic fire sprinkler systems. For the first time, the code revisions include rules to regulate the installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of alternate fire suppression systems. Ten NFPA standards were adopted in the building code to regulate these special hazards fire protection systems. The ten special hazards systems are: low-expansion foam; medium- and high-expansion foam; carbon dioxide; halon 1301; water spray fixed systems; foam-water sprinkler and foam-water spray; dry chemical; wet chemical; water mist; and, clean agent fire extinguishing systems. The inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements of the ten NFPA standards listed in Comm 51.235 do apply to special hazards systems installed in existing buildings. A manual-wet sprinkler system must be inspected, tested, and maintained as required in NFPA 25 for an automatic fire sprinkler system, with the exception of the main drain test. The main drain test is not required, as the manual-wet sprinkler system is supplied by the fire department connection in place of a water service. All fire alarm systems and smoke detectors must be inspected, tested and maintained as specified in NFPA 72. This does apply to existing buildings. The folks at NFPA recognize the importance of keeping up existing systems and, over the course of the past few years, have revised the standards to reflect this understanding. For example, the 1999 edition of NFPA 72:7-1.1.4, specifies requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance shall apply to new and existing systems. The standard details what is required for the system components, the frequency, and when the activity must be performed. To clarify that the rules in NFPA 72 apply in Wisconsin, there is language in Comm 51.245(3)(f) which specifies the rules apply to all buildings in existence on the effective date of the code. This should help make it clear to the building owner and the fire code official these rules are applied retroactively to existing buildings. Fire inspectors now have the necessary tools, through the state codes, to require installed fire safety features and systems to be maintained in an operable condition as specified in a national standard. Through Comm 14.35 and Comm 14.42, the fire code official has rules to show the building owner that the systems must be maintained and records of those activities must be provided upon request. To successfully implement these new requirements, it may take some extra time from the code official to explain the new regulations to building owners while conducting routine fire prevention inspections. Remember, these rules are also new for the building owner. I suggest fire inspectors make a copy of the code sections referenced above to show the requirements in writing to the building owner or occupant. The revised Commercial Building Code, Comm 50-64, is available free on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CodesListing2000.html. The state Document Sales unit sells codes, 608-266-3358. Fire departments may request a paper copy of the code by submitting a Fire Safety Program Supplies Form to S&B, which is also available on the WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-Forms.html. Questions concerning the information in this article may be directed to one of the Fire Safety Consultants listed in "Contacts," above left.
2. Bed and Breakfast law change focuses on codes applicable to additions
by Laurence J Swaziek, S&B UDC Program Manager, lswaziek@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-267-7701
The statutory definition of a "bed and breakfast establishment" (under which B&Bs are exempt from commercial building code requirements) changed with the passage of 1999 Wisconsin Act 135, effective May 24, 2000. The change was important in allowing additions to B&B establishments after May 11, 1990 under the B&B licensing definition administered by the Department of Health and Family Services. In addition to the change in statutory definition of B&Bs, there were statutory changes reflecting on Department of Safety and Professional Services building code sections. Let me describe the current situation with how the statutes affect the Commercial Building and Uniform Dwelling Codes. The use of the building will determine which construction, energy, and HVAC standards the building will need to comply with. If a building is used as a place of lodging and complies with ALL of the requirements set forth in s. 254.64 (1)(a) thru (e) and has no additions or renovations outside the original building dimensions after May 11, 1990, the following would apply:
1. The building would be exempt from the Commercial Building Code.
2. Only the third floor level of the building, if used for other than storage, would have to comply with the code requirements set forth in the Uniform Dwelling Code. If a building is used as a place of lodging, is more than 50 years old at the time the B&B license is applied for, and complies with ALL of the requirements set forth in s. 254.64 (1)(a) thru (e) and has an addition put on after May 11, 1990, the following would apply:
1. The building would be exempt from the Commercial Building Code.
2. The third floor level of the building, if used for other than storage, would have to comply with the code requirements set forth in the UDC.
3. The addition would have to comply with the code requirements set forth in the UDC. If a building is used as a place of lodging and it does not comply with s. 254.64(1) in its entirety, the building will be classified a "commercial building" and will be required to meet he requirements set forth in Comm 50-64 and 69 as a transient residential occupancy (hotel/motel). Please note that you may see some places of lodging that call themselves a "Bed and Breakfast" that do not meet the statutory definition of "Bed and Breakfast." Such establishments may actually be licensed as a hotel/motel/restaurant. In that case, that building would have to comply with the applicable Commercial Building Code requirements. The new language, in summary, is as follows (underlined part is newly added language and strikethrough is deleted language): Wis. Stats. s. 254.61 Definitions. "Bed and breakfast establishment" means any place of lodging that: (a) Provides 8 or fewer rooms for rent to no more than a total of 20 tourists or transients; (b) Provides no meals other than breakfast and provides the breakfast only to renters of the place; (c) Is the owner's personal residence; (d) Is occupied by the owner at the time of rental; (e) Was originally built and occupied as a single-family residence, or, prior to use as a place of lodging, was converted to use and occupied as a single family residence; and (f) Has had completed, before May 11, 1990, any structural additions to the dimensions of the original structure, including by renovation, except that a this limit does not apply to any of the following:
1. A structural addition, including a renovation, made to a structure after May 11, 1990, within the dimensions of the original structure.
2. A structural addition, made to a structure that was originally constructed at least 50 years before an initial or renewal application for a permit under s. 254.64 (1) (b) is made and for which no use other than as a bed and breakfast establishment is proposed. The structural addition under this subdivision shall comply with the rules under s. 101.63 (1) and (1m). In addition to the change in the statutory definition of "bed and breakfast establishments" there were statutory language changes in a couple of other sections. These, in summary, are (underlined part is newly added language and strikethrough is deleted language): "Exempt buildings and projects. (Commercial Code) (2) A bed and breakfast establishment, as defined under s. 254.61 (1), is not subject to rules on residential occupancy or to other building codes adopted by the department under this subchapter, except that the uniform dwelling code adopted in rules promulgated under s. 101.63 (1) applies to the 3rd floor level of a bed and breakfast establishment that uses, other than as storage, the 3rd floor level of the bed and breakfast establishment structure. 101.63 Departmental duties. (One- and 2-family dwelling code) The department shall: (1) Adopt rules which establish standards for the construction and inspection of one- and 2-family dwellings and components thereof. Where feasible, the standards used shall be those nationally recognized and shall apply to the dwelling and to its electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other systems, including plumbing, as defined in s. 145.01(10). No set of rules may be adopted which has not taken into account the conservation of energy in construction and maintenance of dwellings and the costs of specific code provisions to home buyers in relationship to the benefits derived from the provisions. Rules promulgated under this subsection do not apply to a bed and breakfast establishment, as defined under s. 254.61 (1), except that the rules apply to all of the following:
(a) The third floor level of a bed and breakfast establishment that uses that level other than as storage.
(b) A structural addition that is specified under s. 254.61 (1) (f) 2.
(1m) Adopt a rule which requires any one- and 2-family dwelling which uses electricity for space heating to be super insulated. A rule promulgated under this subsection does not apply to a bed and breakfast establishment, as defined under s. 254.61 (1), except as specified under sub. (1) (a) and (b).
3. There is a new option in lieu of plan review for some smaller buildings
by Randy Baldwin, Integrated Services Bureau Director
Revisions to Comm 50.12(1t), expected to go into effect this fall, will allow an owner a new option for registration of a project for a building containing 25,000 to less than 50,000 cubic feet total volume, and occupied as a storage garage, greenhouse, mini-storage, or any other use under Comm 54. Previous to the change, design and submittal by a registered professional was not necessary, but plan review submittal was mandated. With the change, a plan review submittal will not be necessary if a registered professional is used. There will be a "registration." Regular plan submittal option : Submit plans for review following normal procedures for all other buildings. The applicable code sections are Comm 50.12(1)(b) to (f)1,(g), and (h). (Note that plans for buildings under 50,000 cubic feet total volume range normally may be prepared and submitted by persons who are not registered professionals.) Registration option - Fulfill these four points:
- Have plans prepared by a registered engineer or architect (or HVAC designer or lighting designer for those specific components of the building). See Comm 50.07(2) or 50.08 for specific designer registration requirements.
- Register the project with Safety and Buildings. (No plan review!)
- Have periodic onsite visits by a registered professional in accordance with Comm 50.10.
- Have the registered professional submit a satisfactory compliance statement to S&B. Note that local municipalities may require plans be submitted to them for review For more information, contact one of the building plan reviewers listed in "Contacts," above left.
4. There are variations among building plan review services offered by municipalities and S&B
Upcoming revisions to the Commercial Building Code (along with a number of other related codes) are a good reason to review the options for submitting building plans for review. (Plan submittal requirements under state administrative rules are not to be confused with local requirements for submitting documents to obtain local permits, which may include submitting plans.) The revisions in the so-called "Submittal Package," expected to be implemented September 1, 2000, were described in depth in the May WBCR. The draft language is on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-RuleChanges.html#8. Submittal to the Safety and Buildings Division: All plans for commercial building projects, except where the building is exempt (see Comm 50.04), or the submission of plans is not required (Comm 50.12). S&B plan submittal forms are on the WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-Forms.html. To First Class Cities (Milwaukee): All plans for commercial building projects which require review as outlined above and are within the City of Milwaukee (except for state-owned buildings), must be submitted to the city Development Center, 414-286-8211. To Second Class Cities: Subject to meeting certain criteria and having approval from S&B, second class cities may choose several options for projects within their municipality. Option 1. Expanded plan review delegation - Offer the customer a choice of submitting plans to the city or to S&B for any project within city boundaries that requires review, except state-owned buildings. This is a new option. Option 2. May become a certified municipality. To Certified Municipalities (Certified municipalities are listed in the WBCR each month, and listed on the S&B WebSite, deleted link.): Subject to meeting certain criteria and approval by S&B, any municipality, including towns, villages, cities, and counties, may choose to offer the customer a choice of submitting plans to the city or to S&B for certain projects within the municipality. The building size requirement limits for this process are:
· New buildings containing less than 50,000 cubic feet in total volume.
· Additions to a building where the addition results in the entire building containing less than 50,000 cubic feet of total volume.
· When the building is over 50,000 cubic feet in total volume, and the project in question is an addition containing no more than 2500 square feet of total floor area, and no more than one floor level, and largest roof span does not exceed 18 feet, and exterior wall height does not exceed 12 feet. This is a new option.
· An alteration of a space involving less than 100,000 cubic feet of total volume. To Appointed Agents (Check with local officials to determine special municipal responsibilities.) Subject to meeting certain criteria and approval by S&B, any municipality, including those choosing any delegation above, may decide to provide other service options not outlined above. Potential examples are:
· Review of only certain occupancies.
· Review of portions of a project, such as erosion control, fire sprinkler systems, or structural.
· Review of projects located outside of the municipality's boundaries.
· Review of projects which are above the size limits specified for certified municipalities.
For more information, contact one of the building plan reviewers listed in "Contacts," above left..
5. 2000 Fire Department Dues Distribution
The computations for the year 2000 fire department dues distribution were completed and S&B certified the results by the May 1 deadline, as required by law. Letters to municipal clerks notifying them of the amount they were to receive from Commerce were mailed in early June. The fire dues checks were mailed to the municipalities in the last week of June. The fire dues distribution comes from monies collected by companies for fire insurance policies issued in Wisconsin. The net amount available for distribution is $8,224,857, which is $49,157 more than last year. Regarding calendar year 1999, based upon the self-certification audit process, 172 municipalities out of 1850 were in noncompliance. These 172 municipalities received a Notice of Noncompliance from S&B. Additionally, 42 of the 172 municipalities are not entitled to receive fire dues. These municipalities will not be receiving a fire dues payment in 2000. Beginning in April 2000, the S&B Fire Safety Consultants have been performing onsite audits of fire departments within their assigned districts. It is our goal to perform an onsite audit of every fire department in a three-year cycle. For detailed information regarding the fire department dues process, please see the Wisconsin Fire Department Dues Fund Guide, which was mailed to each Wisconsin fire department and municipal clerk in May of 1999. Questions may be directed to the Fire Safety Consultants listed in "Contacts," above left.
6. Advice of a Veteran Code Official
o Contact contractors to identify possible misunderstandings when an inspection has failed several times for the same reason.
o Write complete lists of violations or requirements as much as possible, so new items do not need to be added in follow-ups.
o Disengage yourself if a situation gets hostile. Your health and safety come first.
o Try one of the automated systems available on the market to provide quick documentation of inspection requests, 24-hour request availability, and 24-hour availability of inspection results. The systems can also produce useful quality control reports related to plan review and inspection processes and management.
o Allow more flexibility for those people who need earlier or later inspections for legitimate reasons, within the limitations of municipal work rules. If the work rules get in the way, discuss the rules with municipal leaders.
7. Material Approvals
Per Comm 10.125, Comm 20.18, and Comm 50.19, the following have been issued material approvals in May, 2000. The approvals are valid for five years. Copies of the full approvals are available from the Safety and Buildings Division Integrated Services Bureau, PO Box 2658, Madison, WI 53701-2658.
Aluminum Frame Patio Enclosure, 990019-O, (Replaces 930006-O), Temo Sunrooms, Inc., 20400 Hall Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 Cooler and Freezer Panels, 200035-I, (Replaces 940059-I) (Revised), Kysor Panel Systems, 4201 Janada St., Fort Worth, TX 761177 Smoke Containment System, 200036-O, (Replaces 9400049-O), Smoke Guard System, 11420 Executive Drive, Boise, ID 83713 Enercept Building Systems, 200041-I , (Replaces 940039-I), Enercept Building Systems, 3100 Ninth Ave. S.E., Watertown, SD 57201
8. With help of fire depts and municipalities, S&B developing fire safety plan review system
With the help of municipal and fire department partners, the Safety and Buildings Division is developing the processes and standards for fire safety plan review, which is expected to begin this winter. Two engineers have been hired to do the plan review. However, first they will work on specifying draft standards for the review. There will be a survey to contact municipalities and fire departments which currently review fire safety plans, because the catalogued review standards will also be used by local S&B agents who choose to provide fire safety plan review services in their jurisdictions. The draft standards developed will be submitted to an as-yet-to-be-formed advisory group for consideration. The advisory group will include interested municipal and fire department officials. Parties interested in being part of the advisory group are encouraged to contact Clyde Bryant, Bureau of Integrated Services Fire Safety Section Chief, 608-266-1835, cbryant@commerce.state.wi.us. The types of buildings that have been chosen for the initial implementation of the plan review services are: hotels and motels, community based residential facilities with the scope of Comm 57, detention facilities, K-12 schools, and atriums in any type occupancy. The fire safety plan review will only involve projects for which building plan review is required. Fire prevention, detection, and suppression systems or features that will be reviewed are: fire alarm systems, automatic fire sprinkler systems, alternate fire sprinkler systems, manual-wet sprinkler systems, standpipe and hose systems, portable fire extinguishers, atrium smoke control systems, spray booths, and flammable and combustible liquids storage rooms.
9. Employment Opportunity: Boiler Safety Inspector 3, Madison
Department of Safety and Professional Services; Division of Safety and Buildings ; Bureau of Field Operations. Salary: Start at $34,207 per year plus excellent benefits. Job Duties: Perform inspections of boilers, pressure vessels, power piping, refrigeration systems, petroleum storage systems (LPG, CNG, LNG) to assure compliance with the Wisconsin Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; enforce code rules and orders such as changes and repairs that will place vessels in safe working condition; provide inspection service at plant locations during the construction of boilers and pressure vessels. Well-qualified applicants will have experience installing, constructing, or maintaining power boiler systems, operating electrical generation, central heating or power station boilers in an industrial or manufacturing complex; performing welded repairs of boilers. Knowledge and skill required: Boilermaker and repairing techniques; boiler operations; provisions of the Wisconsin Boiler and Pressure Code; American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code, addenda, and related cases; steam power plant operations. Special Requirement: The person hired will be expected to pass a National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors examination within the twelve month probationary period. Extensive travel is required. A valid Wisconsin driver's license is required. This position requires the ability to bend, stoop, twist and climb to perform inspections. Application Information: Apply with the Application for State Employment form (DER-MRS-38), a current resume, and a description of your qualifications and experience in the following areas as they relate to boilers and related equipment: 1) installation or construction; 2) operation; 3) welding repair or replacement of pipe components; 4) electrical repairs involving low voltage controls; 5) maintenance and inspection. Indicate the length of time you performed these functions. Send application materials to: Dale Bartz; Bureau of Human Resources; 201 West Washington Avenue, PO Box 7970; Madison, WI 53707-7970. dbartz@commerce.state.wi.us. Fax 608-266-0182. Telephone 608-266-0366. Completed application materials will be accepted until the needs of the division are met. A first review of materials is planned for the week of July 19, 2000.
10. Fee increases for some S&B plan review, inspection, and credential services.
The last previous fee increase was in 1992. The Department of Safety and Professional Services has officially adopted proposed revisions to Comm 2, Fees, Comm 5, Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations, Comm 45, Mechanical Refrigeration, Comm 82, Plumbing, and Comm 84, Plumbing Products. The code change package was extensively described in the December 1999 Wisconsin Building Codes Report and the January 2000 Wisconsin Plumbing codes Report. The final draft code language is available at the S&B WebSite, http:// www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-RuleChanges.htrnl. Plan review services affected include those for buildings, elevators, gas systems, and plumbing. Inspection services affected include those for buildings, elevators, boilers, mechanical refrigeration, amusement rides, and ski lifts. Certifications involved are those for electricians. Licenses involved are those for blasters. New forms, with the revised fees, will be made available in August at the S&B offices, by mail, or on the WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-Forms.html.
11. Department of Safety and Professional Services Fax Request Hotline
Information faxed to you 24 hours a day - Call 608-264-6154, use the numbers on the menu below to make choices. Introduction to the Department of Safety and Professional Services
601 Mission and Functional Overview
602 Business Help Directory
603 Fax Request Hotline Directory
604 Technical Resources for Businesses and Communities
605 Financial Resources for Businesses and Communities
606 List of Printed Documents Available
610 Minority Business Development, EPG Seminar Schedule
612 WI COMMERCE moved to new building in Oct., 1997 Wisconsin Business Climate Information
701 Wisconsin Welcome
711 Workers' Compensation Rates
702 Business Climate
712 Growing a Business? There's Help!
703 Economic and Physical Profile
713 Business Tax Chronology
704 Developers Guide
714 Wisconsin's U.C. Low Tax Rates
705 Expand in Wisconsin
715 Sixth Consecutive Annual Export Record in 1997
706 Industrial Output Rankings
716 Wisconsin's Population Growth 1990-97
707 Facts About Wisconsin Labor Costs
717 Electric Rate Comparison
708 Tax Incentives for Economic Development in Wisconsin
718 Gas Rate Comparison
709 Taxes of Interest to Wisconsin Businesses
719 Facts about Wisconsin's Industrial Base
710 State Industrial Parks and Transportation Links Financial Resources Available to Businesses
801 WDF Major Economic Development Program
814 Industrial Revenue Bonds
802 WDF Customized Labor Training Program
815 Tax Incremental Financing
803 WDF Technology Development Fund
804 WDF Employee Ownership Assistance Program
817 COMMERCE/DVR Job Creation Program
805 Enterprise Development Zone Program
818 Recycling Early Planning Grant Program
806 CDBG Economic Development Program
819 Recycling Loan Program
807 Minority Business Development Fund
820 Dairy 2020 Planning Grant Program
808 Minority Business Early Planning Grant Program
821 State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB)
809 Rural Economic Development Program
822 RED-Micro Loan (RML) Program
810 Business Development Initiative
823 Recycling Market Development Education Grant Program
811 Certified Capital Companies (CAPCO)
824 Recycling Performance-Based Rebate Program
825 ISO 14000 Training Program
813 Wisconsin Trade Project Program
826 WI ACE-NET Program Technical Assistance for Businesses
901 Area Development Managers
916 Facts about Industrial Adhesives RACT
902 Manufacturing Assessment Center
917 Facts about Air Pollution Control Construction Permits
903 Small Business Assistance Office
918 Clean Air Compliance Consultant List
904 Small Business Clean Air Assistance Center
919 Facts about MACT Standards for Chromium Electroplating Industry
905 Small Business Ombudsman
920 Facts about WI Air Pollution Std. In Solvent Metal Cleaning
906 Permit Information Center
921 MACT Std. for Halogenated Solvent Cleaning Machines
907 Women's Business Services Program
922 Facts about Lithographic Printing RACT
908 International Services.
923 Starting an Import/Export Business
909 International Outreach Consultants - Map
910 Minority Business Certification
925 General Environmental Information
911 Technology Clearinghouse
926 Recycling Technical Assistance
912 Dairy 2020 Initiative
927 Free Legal Counseling for Small Business
913 SBIR Program
928 WiSCon Safety consultation Program
914 Facts about Aerospace Manufacturing and Rework Industry MAC
929 Self Assessment Guide for Manufacturers
915 Facts about Wood Furniture Coating RACT
930 Wisconsin Small Business Development Centers Financial and Technical Assistance Available to Communities
951 CDBG Public Facilities Program
960 Physician and Health Care Provider Loan Assistance
952 CDBG Emergency Component Program
953 CDBG Public Facilities for Economic Development Program
961 Revolving Loan Fund Technical Assistance
954 Community-Based Economic Development Program Programs
955 Minority Business Revolving Loan Development Program
962 Relocation Assistance Program for Public Projects
956 Child Care Development Early Planning Grant (CEPG)
963 CDBG Revolving Loan Funds Program
957 Development Zone Program
964 Business Retention/Expansion Survey Program
958 CDBG-Technical Assistance Program
965 Commerce Brownfield Programs
959 Main Street Program
966 Registering Non-profit Corporations/organizations 12. Certified Municipalities