Updated : 04/22/2024
Overview
Watertown adopts the Wisconsin "Uniform Dwelling Code–SPS 320-325 and all amendments. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.03 Codes Adopted by Reference. Section 13.03 also provides that the adoption "shall apply to all additions and alterations of existing one and two family dwellings." Id. So, theoretcially, the dwelling code would not apply to repairs as they are note mentioned. Note, however, the code indicates that the municpal code extends to not only new buildings and structures erected within the City of Watertown but also to additions, alterations, repairs and changes of use or occupancy in all such buildings and structures. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.02 Scope of Code. This muddies the waters a little bit; however, the specific adoption seem to omit repairs. That would seemingly open a fair argument to say that it doesn't apply to repairs.
For commercial property, Watertown adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code-Chs. SPS 360-366, Wisconsin Administrative Code; Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning—Ch. SPS 364, Wisconsin Administrative Code; and Existing Buildings–Chs. SPS 366, Wisconsin Administrative Code. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.03 Codes Adopted by Reference.
Note that Wisconsin adopted the 2009 IBC. It applies to "code applies to all public buildings and places of employment" with certain exception. See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.02. The Code defines "public buildings" and "places of employment." Id.
Additional requirements and amendments can be found in Wis. Admin. Code § 362.
The highest authority is reserved by the state. See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.03. However, local jurisdictions may adopt stricter standard that are not in conflict. Id. Furthermore, local jurisdiction, including counties, may take on inspection and review responsibilities. See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.60.
Wisconsin adopted the2009 IEBC, subject to the modifications specified in chapter SPS 366.
Helpful resources for Watertown, Wisconsin include the following.
Residential Building Code
Wisconsin adopted a statewide mandatory residential code that will control. Authority for local amendments will be limited.See PLRB,
Wisconsin Building Codes for more information on state level codes.
Watertown adopted the Wisconsin Uniform Residential CodeYou can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.
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Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code(City of Watertown , WI Municipal Code)
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Comments
Watertown adopts the Wisconsin "Uniform Dwelling Code–SPS 320-325 and all amendments. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.03 Codes Adopted by Reference.
Existing Buildings
Existing buildings, meaning buildings that were built in accordance to code at the time of
construction, typically merit extra consideration in a current updated code.
Section 13.03 fo the Watertown Building Code provides that the adoption of the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, which only applies to new construction, additions and alterations for buildings constructed after 1980 absent amendment, "shall apply to all additions and alterations of existing one and two family dwellings." Id. Theoretcially, the dwelling code might not apply to repairs as they are note mentioned. Note, however, the code indicates that the municpal code extends to not only new buildings and structures erected within the City of Watertown but also to additions, alterations, repairs and changes of use or occupancy in all such buildings and structures. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.02 Scope of Code. This muddies the waters a little bit; however, the specific adoption seem to omit repairs. That would seemingly open a fair argument to say that it doesn't apply to repairs.
Commercial Building Code
Watertown adopted the 1996 BOCA National Building CodeYou can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.
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. 2020 Bldg. Code of New York State, except NYC (2018 IBC)(City of Watertown , WI Municipal Code)
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Comments
Watertown adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code-Chs. SPS 360-366, Wisconsin Administrative Code; Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning—Ch. SPS 364, Wisconsin Administrative Code; and Existing Buildings–Chs. SPS 366, Wisconsin Administrative Code. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.03 Codes Adopted by Reference.
Note that Wisconsin adopted the 2009 IBC. It applies to "code applies to all public buildings and places of employment" with certain exception. See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.02. The Code defines "public buildings" and "places of employment." Id.
Additional requirements and amendments can be found in Wis. Admin. Code § 362.
The highest authority is reserved by the state. See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.03. However, local jurisdictions may adopt stricter standard that are not in conflict. Id. Furthermore, local jurisdiction, including counties, may take on inspection and review responsibilities. See Wis. Admin. Code § 361.60.
Wisconsin adopted the2009 IEBC, subject to the modifications specified in chapter SPS 366.
Existing Buildings
Watertown adopts the Wisconsin Existing Buildings–Chs. SPS 366, Wisconsin Administrative Code. Watertown Code, Sec. 13.03 Codes Adopted by Reference. Wisconsin adopted the2009 IEBC, subject to the modifications specified in chapter SPS 366.
Other Building Codes
Municipal Code Sections
Ch. 8 – Streets and Sidewalks
Ch. 14 – Electrical Code
Ch. 15 – Plumbing Code
Ch. 16 – Fire Code
Ch. 21 – Commercial Property Maintenance Code
Ch. 29. – Historic Preservation
Also, under Chapter 13, the Municipal code provides:
13.03 CODES ADOPTED BY REFERENCE. (Rep. & Recr. #78-54) The following codes are adopted by reference and made a part hereof:
(1) Commercial Building Code-Chs. SPS 360-366, Wisconsin Administrative Code;
(Am. #95-13; Am. #97-36) (Am. #08-32) (Am. #12-07)
(2) Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning—Ch. SPS 364, Wisconsin Administrative Code; (Am. #95-13; Am. #97-36) (Am. #12-07)
(3) Existing Buildings–Chs. SPS 366, Wisconsin Administrative Code; (Am. #95-13; Am. #97-36) (Am. #08-32) (Am. #12-07)
(4) Uniform Dwelling Code–SPS 320-325 and all amendments thereafter. The Building Inspector and his delegated representatives are hereby authorized and directed to administer and enforce all of the provisions of the Uniform Dwelling Code commencing December 1, 1978. (Am. #91-21; Am. #97-36) (Am. #12-07)
a. The Uniform Dwelling Code, as adopted, shall apply to all additions and alterations of existing one and two family dwellings.
b. When a conflict exists between the local Chapter 13 Building Code and the Uniform Dwelling Code, the Uniform Dwelling Code shall take precedence over the local Chapter 13 Building Code.
c. Construction of all detached garages, with over 200 square feet of floor area, shall be governed by the Uniform Dwelling Code.
