Safety and Buildings Division - Wisconsin Construction Codes Report articles, January 2003 issue You may select the number of an article title that interests you, or you may scroll down:
1. Shower/bathtub requirements at campgrounds get a spray of reality;
2. Cross Connection test forms change to reflect that DC test forms are not submitted to S&B;
3. Julie Moffett chosen S&B unit supervisor;
4. Error in building code reference;
5. Wisconsin part of BOCA history;
6. Inspection, Zoning, and Planning Services Wanted;
7. Residential Building Inspector Wanted;
8. UDC, Electrical changes to Legislature;
9. Seismic Design Category and Plan Submittal Requirements;
10. Plumbing Code changes sent to Legislature for review, some final proposals noted;
11. Cleanouts, manholes, and offsets: What does "change in direction" mean?;
12. Wieser POWTS Continuing Ed;
13. WOWRA POWTS Continuing Ed;
14. Plumbing and POWTS Con ed;
15. Stormwater manual that is part of upcoming S&B continuing education class is on WebSite;
16. POWTS Con ed;
17. The UW-Madison Small Scale Waste Management Project offers four half-day educational sessions for POWTS professionals in early 2003;
18. Cross Connection Control Surveyor Training;
19. A & K Services Plumbing Continuing Education;
20. Delegated Agents;
21. You will find the 2003 S&B credential exam schedule on the Internet: http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialExams2003.html;
  1. Shower/bathtub requirements at campgrounds get a spray of reality
by J.B. Smith, S&B Commercial Buildings Program Manager, 608-266-0251, jsmith@commerce.state.wi.us While recently discussing the types of cabins and bunkhouses that exist at campgrounds, I noticed the shower/bathtub ratios found in the residential categories of the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, IBC Table 2902.1, did not match up with my reality of bathing and camping. In the relevant options available in Table 2902.1, lodges or dormitories, the ratio provided for tubs or showers is 1 for each 8 persons. That ratio does not fit well with my camping experiences. The thought of any bathing and the "roughing it" associated with my thoughts of camping do not match up well. And, reality is even less of a match when compared with a possible 1 per 8 ratio. This is the appropriate time to use the provision in IBC 2902.1 that states "Types of occupancies not shown in Table 2902.1 shall be considered individually by the building official." My "consideration" took me to the Wisconsin administrative rules that govern campgrounds, Health and Family Services HFS 178, and Recreational and Educational Camps, HFS 175. In HFS 178, the requirements relating to bathing are essentially left up to the "camping experience" as desired by the campers themselves. In those rules, there are no requirements to provide any bathtubs or showers. Having another Wisconsin administrative rule to use as a measuring stick provides a needed "reality check." You get to frame your camping experience. If you are a camper wanting bathing facilities, you look for those places that provide onsite bathing. When considering the larger types of cabins or bunkhouses, I recall boy scout or girl scout camps that fit within the regulations [HFS 175] asso-ciated with recreational and educational camps. In HFS 75.09(1)(f), the rules call for at least one shower or bathtub for each 20 campers and staff (or fraction thereof). Providing bathing facilities at the 1 per 20 ration is more reasonable than requiring a 1 per 8 ratio for camps that are associated with larger sleeping buildings. Here are the results of my "considerations:" If you are working on a large cabin or bunkhouse at a recreational or educational camp, it is acceptable to allow 1 shower or bathtub for each 20 persons. Also, the bathtubs or showers can be located in a separate building on the site. The authority that permits the regulator to allow this ratio is found in IBC 2902.1.   2. Cross Connection test forms change to reflect that DC test forms are not submitted to S&B
The Safety and Buildings Division has created a new form for recording tests for double check backflow preventers, separating that information from the traditional reporting form for cross connection prevention devices. Table Comm 82.21-1 advises that test reports must be maintained on site for double check backflow prevention assemblies and double check detector assembly backflow preventers. A copy of these test reports is not required to be provided to the Safety and Buildings Division or to the water purveyor (unless specifically requested to do so). On the other hand, copies of reports need to be provided to S&B and the purveyor for reduced pressure principle backflow preventers, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies, and backsiphonage backflow vacuum breakers. In the past, S&B produced a form for reporting tests for all the devices mentioned above, depending upon the tester to remember how copies were to be distributed. To make it copy distribution clearer, a test report form now is available for the double check devices (SBD-10754) and another form for the other devices (SBD-9927). The forms are available free on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivForms.html, or (as of January 1, 2003, for a fee) by contacting Christine Severson, cseverson@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-267-2497. Someone can create their own form, providing the information and format are the same as S&B's. Technical questions about devices can be directed to plumbing plan reviewers or plumbing consultants.   3. Julie Moffett chosen S&B unit supervisor
Julie Moffett has been chosen supervisor of the Safety and Buildings Division's Madison unit that processes credential applications, administers continuing education records, and provides title services for manufactured/mobile homes.   4. Error in building code reference
On page B-537R of the Enrolled copy of the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, IBC 3006.5, Elevator Shunt Trip, tells you to look at NFPA 72 section 3-8.15. That reference to the 1999 adopted version of NFPA is incorrect. The correct reference is to NFPA 72 Section3-9.4.   5. Wisconsin part of BOCA history
Building Officials and Code Administrators International, a model code organization, in a recent retrospective noted that a Wisconsin official was part of the organization's founding. Sidney J. Williams, State Building Inspector of Wisconsin, was elected secretary of BOCA at the organization's 1915 founding session in New York City. Wisconsin officials - staff of the Safety and Buildings Division of the Department of Safety and Professional Services - are still working with BOCA and other code organizations on construction and safety matters of common interest. S&B staff were part of the deliberations as BOCA and other model code organizations formed the International Code Council and drafted international model building codes. Wisconsin has recently adopted some of these ICC model codes. Previously competing code organizations have come together again for common construction and safety interests and S&B staff are part of the efforts.   6. Inspection, Zoning, and Planning Services Wanted
The Town of Dover, Racine County, is seeking applicants for the job of Building Inspector. Inspector may work as an independent contractor. Applicant must be certified for construction, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing for both commercial and residential by the state Dept. of Commerce. The town is also seeking someone to provide zoning and planning services. These responsibilities may be submitted under separate proposals, or they may be combined. For further information, please call the Town of Dover Clerk/Treasurer, 262-878-2200, ext. 10. A summary of the service requirements will be provided. Deadline for submittal is January 31, 2003.   7. Residential Building Inspector Wanted
The City of Verona is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Residential Building Inspector. The full-time position is responsible for inspecting homes to assure code compliance. Candidates must have certifications in UDC Building, HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing. Salary $34T - $38T, plus excellent fringe benefits. A position description is on the city's Web site: www.ci.verona.wi.us. Send letter of interest and resume including references to: Zoning Administrator, 111 Lincoln St, Verona, 53593. Position will remain open until a candidate is selected. EOE.   8. UDC, Electrical changes to Legislature
Final drafts have gone to the state Legislature for committee review of proposed code changes to Comm 20-25, the Uniform Dwelling Code, and Comm 16, the Electrical Code, following public hearings held last year. Targeted effective dates for the code changes are August 1 for the UDC (later in the year than had previously been anticipated) and May 1 for Comm 16. Both dates are dependent upon committees' and the Department of Safety and Professional Services secretary's actions. The legislative drafts of the proposed changes are available on the Safety and Buildings Division WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivCodeDevelopment.html.   9. Seismic Design Category and Plan Submittal Requirements
There is a simple guide for determining a commercial building project site's Seismic Design Category (SDC): For a large area of Wisconsin, per Comm Figure 62.16-2, a site north of the 4 percent gravity contour line will be considered SDC 'A.' Therefore, with wind load controlling the design, no seismic design information is required to be submitted. However, for areas in the southern quarter of the state, determination of the SDC and some structural analysis to determine the seismic loads will be required. What, if any, additional data is required to be included with a plan review submittal? Several Safety and Buildings staff have collaborated to put together a synopsis of the seismic design and submittal requirements of the Wisconsin Enrolled Commercial Building Code. Look for the synopsis on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-LibraryIndex.   10. Plumbing Code changes sent to Legislature for review, some final proposals noted here
by S&B Plumbing Program Manager, Lynita Docken, Ldocken@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-785-9349 Proposed code changes to Comm 81-84, the Plumbing Code, have been sent to the state Legislature for review by committees in both chambers. The committees may accept the proposals, ask for modifications to the proposals, or extend their period of review. Review could begin in January. The Commerce Department secretary would then decide whether the rules are to be adopted. Effective dates depend upon what happens at these various steps. In the meantime, Safety and Buildings Division staff want to note what was changed in the proposals from the public hearing draft to the draft sent to the Legislature. A more developed version of this information is on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-Library Index.html. The advisory plumbing code council, division administration, and several staff in the plumbing program looked at the public hearing comments and modified the hearing proposals for the final draft. + It was clarified that if you're installing a single water treatment product that's been approved by the product section at Safety and Buildings, there is no additional plan review required prior to installation. A water treatment system does require plan review. + The 2 parts of the potable water definition are now: (a) safe for drinking, personal or culinary use, and (b) free from impurities present in amounts sufficient to cause disease or harmful physiological effects. +The proposal to eliminate Water Quality Management letter requirements for some S&B plan reviews was not forwarded to the Legislature. + References to specific plumbing installation setbacks from wells were removed and direction provided to use Department of Natural Resources setback rules. + The draft was revised to simply require an exterior cleanout upstream of the creation of a Private Interceptor Main Sewer, rather than specify the manhole's location. + There was an increase in requirements for labeling of potable water supply if there is more than one quality water in a building. + Special considerations for heating nonpotable water were removed from the legislative draft. + A proposal in the hearing draft to require cold water supplies to be maintained in a cold state to prevent bacterial growth was removed. + Several requirements for small diameter plastic pipe labeling were added to the draft after public hearing. + The requirement for flux that meet a specific standard was removed from the draft and was replaced with language that requires use of flux approved by NSF.   11. Cleanouts, manholes, and offsets: What does "change in direction" mean?
There are several requirements in Comm 82.35(3) that require a manhole or storm drain inlet at every "change in direction" or at every "change in direction of 45 degrees or more". What does "change in direction" mean? For example, is a manhole required in a 8-inch sanitary sewer that makes a change in elevation with 45 degree elbows? Since the Comm 82.35 requirements have an intent to help protect the sewer from clogging, it's been determined that a change in direction is meant to apply to a horizontal change in direction, and a change in "elevation" is not included in the term "change in direction". A manhole would not be required for the 8-inch sanitary sewer change in elevation created with 45 degree elbows. If you have more questions regarding these code sections, contact a plumbing reviewer or consultant. By comparison: The International Plumbing Code only requires a cleanout under the offset in our example if the change in direction is within a building. The Uniform Plumbing Code has a requirement for a cleanout when a change in direction is (in aggregate) over 135 degrees.   12. Wieser POWTS Continuing Ed January 15, 2003, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wieser Concrete Products - Truck Stop - W3716 Hwy 10 -Maiden Rock - 800-325-8456 Pre-registration appreciated Cost at door $10 per person Includes Lunch Topics: Code Update - Scatt Unit - Dyno 2 - County Update - Zabel - Wieser - Advantex - Pumps - Gravles Chamber - Optional Plant Tour 6 hours credit to POWTS I, MP, MPRS, JP, JPRS, ST, POWTS M   13. WOWRA POWTS Continuing Ed
Select this image to enlarge it. 14. Plumbing and POWTS con ed January-March   15. Stormwater manual that is part of upcoming S&B continuing education class is on WebSite
The Stormwater Manual S&B staff will be using for several of the upcoming plumbing continuing education classes will be on the S&B WebSite in mid-November. Anyone who wants to view the manual in advance of the class can find it linked from the S&B WebSite Library, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-LibraryIndex.html. 16. POWTS Con Ed   17. The UW-Madison Small Scale Waste Management Project offers four half-day educational sessions for POWTS professionals in early 2003
1. "Evaluation of existing onsite systems" 2. "Design of distribution systems"
3. "Soil and site evaluation review and update" 4. "Pores, fluids and wastewater infiltration" Arlington, January 23 - Rice Lake, January 30 - Fond du Lac, February 6 - Tomahawk, February 18 SSWMP expects approval by the Safety and Buildings Division of three continuing education credit hours for each half-day session, for Powts Inspector, POWTS Maintainer, Soil Tester, and some plumber credentials. Brochures advertising the courses will be available in December. For more information, contact Jim Peterson, UW Environmental Resources Center, 1545 Observatory Drive, Madison, 53706; 608-262-3799; FAX 608 -262-2031; jopeters@facstaff.wisc.edu 18. Cross Connection Control Surveyor Training (document deleted)   19. A & K Services Plumbing Continuing Education Ashland - Chippewa Falls - New Richmond
(Classes also available at your location in Northwest Wisconsin) Advanced Registration Required 2003 Plumbing Code Changes Part 1 - This 3-hour course will cover code changes to Comm 81- 84 that are expected to become effective in the spring of 2003. Part 1 will cover definitions, plumbing principles, plan review, testing and maintenance, sanitary drain systems, vent systems, trap and fixture connections, and indirect and local wastes. 2003 Plumbing Code Changes Part 2 - This 3-hour course will cover code changes to Comm 81- 84 that are expected to become effective in the spring of 2003. Part 2 will cover interceptors and catch basins, cleanouts, storm and clear water drain systems, sanitation facilities, discharge points, water supply systems, cross connection control, health care facilities, mobile homes, water quality standards, and Comm 84. All Classes Start at 6 p.m. - Meal Included Ashland - Hotel Chequamegon, 101 West Lake Shore Drive, Ashland Chippewa Falls - The Fill Inn Station, 104 West Columbia, Chippewa Falls New Richmond - Suzanna's Restaurant, 1220 S. Knowles, New Richmond Detach the registration form below and mail with your check to: A & K Services, P O Box 1012, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. Advanced registration is required. Make checks payable to: A & K Services. Questions? Call (715) 723-5320 Fee - $39 per class - Meal Included Name: ____________________________________ Phone: ___________________ Address: __________________________________ License Type: _____________ Please indicate which classes you will be attending: Fee - $39 per class - Meal Included Ashland _______2003 Plumbing Code Changes Part 1 March 3 Ashland _______2003 Plumbing Code Changes Part 2 March 17 Chippewa Falls _______2003 Plumbing Code Changes Part 1 February 24 Chippewa Falls _______ 2003 Plumbing Code Changes Part 2 February 27 New Richmond _______2003 Plumbing Code Changes Part 1 March 6 New Richmond _______2003 Plumbing Code Changes Part 2 March 20   20. Delegated Agents
Some municipalities in Wisconsin have authority to do building plan review, inspections, and otherwise carry out code-related functions as delegates of the Department of Safety and Professional Services. For information and a list of current delegated municipalities, see the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/
SB-CommercialBuildingsCertifiedMunicipalities.html. 21. You will find the 2003 S&B credential exam schedule on the Internet: http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialExams2003.html   22. email technical code questions to:
- Commercial buildings, Comm 61-65 bldgtech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Fire protection systems fireprotech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Plumbing, cross connection plbgtech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Private onsite wastewater treatment powtstech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Public swimming pools pooltech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Building and plumbing products productech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Licenses, certifications, registrations madisoncred@commerce.state.wi.us
- Manufactured/mobile homes manf-homes@commerce.state.wi.us
- One- and Two-family Dwelling Code udctech@commerce.state.wi.us 23. Wisconsin Construction Codes Report
The WCCR is a monthly publication of the Safety and Buildings Division, Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, delivered to about 13,000 readers - people who hold S&B plumbing, POWTS, and fire sprinkler credentials, to local inspectors, and to fire departments. For a year's subscription, send $20 to S&B Material Orders, PO Box 2509, Madison, 53701. Be sure to provide return mail info and note what you are ordering. WCCR on the WebSite - http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivPublications.html.

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