Updated : 04/22/2024
Overview
The city of Burlington, Wi. adopted the Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS chs. 320–325. Burlington, Wi. Mun. Code § 115-4 (accessed 4/8/2015). The city also expressly adopted the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code. Burlington, Wi. Mun. Code § 115-3 (accessed 4/8/2015). The City refers to these regulations as the Burlington Uniform Building Code. Burlington, Wi. Mun. Code § 115-1 (accessed 4/8/2015).
The city also adopted the 2006 Internationa Fire Code, and the Fire Prevention Code (NFPA) 2006, as part of the city's Fire Protection Code. The statewide 2012 Fire code would likely prevail in case of conflict. Burlington, Wi. Mun. Code § 155-13, 155-14 (ICC adopted, NFPA adopted) (accessed 4/7/2015).
In addition, existing buildings are covered in § 115-5 the following provisions apply to both Commercial and Residential buildings:
C. Existing buildings.
(1) This code shall also apply to buildings and conditions described in this subsection:
(a) An existing building to be occupied as a one- or two-family dwelling which building was not previously so occupied.
(b) An existing structure that is altered or repaired, when the cost of such alteration or repair during the life of the structure exceeds 50% of the equalized value of the structure, said value to be determined by the Assessor of the City.
(2) Additions and alterations, regardless of costs, made to an existing building shall comply with the requirements of this code. The provisions of Subsection D of this section shall also apply.
(3) Roof coverings. Whenever more than 25% of the roof covering of a building is replaced in any twelve-month period, all roof covering shall be in conformity with applicable sections of this code.
Burlington, Wi. Mun. Code § 115-5 C (accessed 4/8/2015).
D. Alterations and repairs. The following provisions shall apply to buildings altered or repaired:
(1) Alterations. When not in conflict with any regulations, if alterations are made to any existing building or structure accommodating a legal occupancy and use but of nonconforming type of construction which involve either the structural members of floors or roofs, beams, girders, columns, bearing or other walls, room heating and air-conditioning systems, arrangement, light and ventilation, changes in location of exit stairways or exits or any of the above, then such existing construction shall be made to conform to the minimum requirements of this code applicable to such occupancy and use and given type of construction.
(2) Repairs. Repairs for purposes of maintenance or replacements in any existing building or structure which do not involve the structural portions of the building or structure or which do not affect room arrangement, light and ventilation, access to or efficiency of any exit stairways or exits, fire protection or exterior aesthetic appearance and which do not increase a given occupancy and use shall be deemed minor repairs.
(3) When alterations are not permitted. When an existing building or structure which for any reason whatsoever does not conform to the regulations of this code has deteriorated from any cause whatsoever to an extent greater than 50% of the equalized value of the building or structure, no alterations or moving of such building or structure shall be permitted. Any such building or structure shall be considered a menace to public safety and welfare and shall be ordered vacated and thereafter demolished and debris removed from the premises.
(4) Alterations and repairs required. When any of the structural members of any building or structure have deteriorated from any cause whatsoever to less than their required strength, the owner of such building or structure shall cause such structural members to be restored to their required strength, failing which the building or structure shall be considered a menace to public safety and shall be vacated, and thereafter no further occupancy or use of the same shall be permitted until the regulations of this code are complied with.
(5) Extent of deterioration. The amount and extent of deterioration of any existing building or structure shall be determined by the Building Inspector.
(6) Use of unsanitary building. It shall be unlawful to occupy or use or permit the occupancy or use of any building or structure that is unsanitary or dilapidated, or deteriorated, or out of repair, thereby being unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, until the regulations of this code have been complied with.
Burlington, Wi. Mun. Code § 115-5 D (accessed 4/8/2015).
Helpful resources for Burlington, Wisconsin include the following.