Modular Dwelling Program FAQs
What are the applicable codes for the modular dwelling program?
WI State Statute Subchapter III - 101.70 establishes statewide standards and inspection procedures for the manufacture and installation of modular homes.
SPS 320-325 Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC), construction standard for 1-2 family dwelling units, applies uniformly statewide
SPS 381-387 Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code, standards for all plumbing
SPS 305 Wisconsin Credentials Code, requirements for obtaining Wisconsin certified inspector credentials
SPS 316 Wisconsin Electrical Code-Volume II, includes Wisconsin adopted modifications to the National Electric Code
NFPA 70 National Electric Code 2017 edition
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Model Documents for the Evaluation, Approval, and Inspection of Manufactured Buildings (adopted by reference in the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code provides guidelines for developing and implementing a compliance assurance program)
What is the Compliance Assurance Manual?
The Compliance Assurance Manual (CAM) describes the methods and procedures that the manufacturer and their inspection agency will use to ensure that the dwellings they build will be constructed and inspected in accordance with Wisconsin state statutes and administrative codes.
How do I know what information to include in the Compliance Assurance Manual?
DSPS provides a checklist of required information used to evaluate and/or write the Compliance Assurance Manual (CAM). Find the checklist on the Modular Homes Publications page. We recommend that the manufacturer follows the checklist format when preparing the manual to reduce DSPS review time.
Note the CAM must also identify:
Any employees or associated third-party entities performing inspections on behalf of the manufacturer (including all relevant licenses/license numbers)
Any employees or associated third-party entities that are performing plan reviews on behalf of the manufacturer (including all relevant licenses/license numbers)
Any employees or associated third-party entities that are submitting approved plans to the Department (including all licenses/license numbers)
When do I need to submit the Compliance Assurance Manual?
The Compliance Assurance Manual (CAM) is submitted for:
A new manufacturer requesting to construct and ship dwelling units placed in the state of Wisconsin.
An approved modular manufacturer with revisions to an approved CAM. In this case, the submittal can be the full manual or only the revised pages. Examples of revisions include:
Significant changes to the manufacturer's program.
Change of ownership.
Change to the third-party inspection agency.
Change to manufacturing process or procedure.
Does DSPS need to review the manufacturer's plans?
Yes, a plan set must be submitted to DSPS by the third-party inspection agency after they have reviewed and conditionally approved the building system. Once the inspection agency approves the documents, the manufacturer can proceed with construction.
DSPS will perform a cursory review to ensure accuracy and completeness. Quality and completeness of the submittals may vary and could lead to DSPS requiring additional information.
What information needs to be included in the plan submittal?
A plan set is to be a full building system submittal which includes plans, calculations, and any other construction-related documents. Specifically, you must include:
Cover letter or Permission to Start letter identifying:
Any third-party agents or entities handling Wisconsin compliance for the manufacturer.
Legal name and any other names (DBAs) of the manufacturer.
Model or dwelling names/numbers.
Plumbing product approval numbers.
Any other unique or important details, etc.
Plumbing Product Approval Letter from DSPS. Include the letter in its entirety.
Full plan set showing:
Natural light and ventilation tables.
Egress requirements.
Wall bracing details.
Complete truss plans and details. Include the snow load requirements in compliance with the county where the dwelling will be placed. See SPS 321.27.
ResCheck results.
Include the entire thermal envelope. See Wis. Admin. Code SPS 322.31.
Include the ResCheck certification requirements in compliance with the county where the dwelling will be placed. See SPS 321.27.
Once I've submitted the Compliance Assurance Manual and building system submittal, am I done?
Those submissions are required to become an approved modular dwelling manufacturer in Wisconsin however you must also submit monthly certifications about shipments of modular dwellings to Wisconsin.
The manufacturer must submit SBD-6229, Monthly Modular Construction Compliance Certificate, by the 10th of the month following the month they are reporting. These certificates:
Provide DSPS with a record of the insignia usage and to confirm that the manufacturer certifies that the units have been constructed and inspected accordance with appropriate state codes.
Provide other useful information including monthly production numbers and a means of correlating manufacturer seal numbers with insignia numbers.
Are used when performing audits or complaint investigations.
Assist in tracking if a manufacturer is still in business.
Provide a method for manufacturers to confirm that the Compliance Assurance Manual submitted to DSPS remains accurate.
What happens if I don't submit the SBD-6229, Monthly Modular Construction Compliance Certificate?
If a manufacturer does not submit the certificate for three consecutive months, DSPS will send the manufacturer a letter warning them that the certificates are required and failure to do so will result in suspension or revocation of their approval, deeming them ineligible to purchase WI Insignias.
If I am an approved Wisconsin manufacturer, will DSPS contact me for any other reason?
DSPS performs auditing of modular dwelling manufacturers and submissions. This may include potential re-review of plans, verification of credentials, and review of third-party approvals. Compliance auditing applies for any mass-produced modular dwelling that can be installed in Wisconsin.