Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

The city of Madison, Wi. adopted the Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS chs. 320–322, 328, and the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, SPS chs. 361–365. Madison General Ordinances, Chptr. 29 – Building Code, § 29.19 (adoption by reference) (accessed 4/2/2015). 

 

The codes in the International Fire Code and the Wisconsin Administrative Codes that are adopted by reference are the most current edition of the referenced code and any subsequent editions of the referenced codes. Madison General Ordinances, Chptr. 34 – Fire Prevention Code, § 34.01(13)(a) (accessed 4/2/2015).

Helpful resources for Madison, Wisconsin include the following.

• PLRB, Ordinance and Law Coverage Discussion for Wisconsin

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.

Madison 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(Madison, WI 27.051 - ENERGY CODE FOR RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTIES.)

...Items To Be Enforced Over Wisconsin Administrative Code. In addition to enforcing the Wisconsin Administrative Code by reference, the following items shall be enforced. In case of conflict between this Sec. 27.051(4) and the Wisconsin Administrative Code sections adopted by reference, this Sec. 27.051(4) shall prevail unless...

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Comments

The city of Madison, Wi. adopted the Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS chs. 320–322, 328. Madison General Ordinances, Chptr. 29 – Building Code, § 29.19 (adoption by reference) (accessed 4/2/2015). The code applies to “new structures and to alterations and additions to existing structures.” Id. at § 29.02. However, no part of § 29.02 or any other section of chapter 29 – building code specifically addresses pre-1980 buildings.

 

Specifically, MGO Ch. 29.19 provides:

“The Wis. Adm. Code Chapters SPS 320 (Uniform Dwelling Code —
Administration and Enforcement), SPS 321 (Uniform Dwelling Code — Construction Standards), SPS 322 (Uniform Dwelling Code — Energy Conservation), SPS 328 (Smoke Detectors), … and subsequent amendments, additions and recodifications thereto, are hereby adopted by reference except for those provisions in conflict with Chapter 29 of the Madison General Ordinances. In case of such conflict, the provisions of Chapter 29, Madison General Ordinances, shall apply, unless the conflicting provisions of the State Codes are mandatory.”

Madison General Ordinances, Chptr. 29 – Building Code, § 29.19 (adoptiong by reference) (accessed 4/2/2015).

 

The statewide HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing dwelling code sections are adopted in other chapters of the Madison General Ordinances. The city adopts:

 

SPS 323 (HVAC) in Madison General Ordinances Chptr. 30 – Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Code, § 30.01 (administration) (accessed 4/2/2015).

SPS 324 (Electrical) in Madison General Ordinances Chptr. 19 – Electrical Code, § 19.03 (administration) (accessed 4/2/2015).

SPS 325 (Plumbing) in Madison General Ordinances Chptr. 18 – Plumbing Code, § 30.01 (administration) (accessed 4/2/2015).

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.

“Chapters SPS 320, 321, 322 and 328 shall apply to all new one- and two-family residential buildings as well as additions and alterations to all existing one- and two-family residential buildings, to accessory buildings and to new portions of moved one- and two-family buildings.”

Madison General Ordinances, Chptr. 29 – Building Code, § 29.19 (adoption by reference) (accessed 4/2/2015).

 

The code applies to “new structures and to alterations and additions to existing structures.” Id. at § 29.02. No part of § 29.02 or any other section of chapter 29 – Building Code specifically addresses pre-1980 buildings; however, the language present in these ordinances seem to suggest that the code does apply to those and all other existing buildings.

 

Furthermore, Chapter 27 Minimum Housing and Property Maintenance Code. “This ordinance is adopted for the purpose of preserving and promoting the public health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the people of the City and environs. This includes, among others, physical, aesthetic, spiritual and monetary values.” Madison General Ordinances, Chptr. 27 – Property Maintenance Code, § 27.02 (Intent and Purpose) (accessed 4/2/2015).

Commercial Building Code

Madison 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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Wisconsin Commercial Bldg. Code (2015 IBC)(Madison, WI 11.08 - ADOPTION BY REFERENCE: STATE CODE.)

...reference and made a part hereof, as if fully set forth herein: (1) Wisconsin Administrative Code, Trans 305, Standards for Motor Vehicle Equipment. (2) A copy of the...

Comments

The city of Madison, Wi. adopted the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, SPS chs. 361–365. Madison General Ordinances, Chptr. 29 – Building Code, § 29.19 (adoption by reference) (accessed 4/2/2015).

 

The city of Madison, Wi. provides certain grandfathered ordinances (variances to the CBC). An ordinance that is grandfathered has passed the requirements laid out by the Legislature in Wisconsin Statute §101.02(7r)(b). The grandfathered ordinances are listed here:

 

34.01

 

(13) Adoption by Reference: State and National Codes.

(a) The codes in the International Fire Codes and the Wisconsin Administrative Codes that are adopted by reference are the most current edition of the referenced code and any subsequent editions of the referenced codes.

(b) lFC. The International Fire Code, subject to the modifications specified in this chapter.

(c) The following Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapters:

SPS 305 – Licenses, Certifications and Registrations

SPS 307 – Explosive Materials

SPS 310 – Flammable and Combustible Liquids

SPS 314 – Fire Prevention

SPS 316 – Electrical

SPS 318 – Elevators

SPS 328 Smoke Detectors

SPS 340 – Gas Systems

SPS 343 Anhydrous Ammonia

SPS 361-366 – Wisconsin Commercial Building

SPS 366 Existing Buildings

SPS 375-379 – Buildings Constructed Prior to 1914

SPS 381-387 – Plumbing

 

34.903 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.

 

(1) The following requirements are in addition to the requirements found in IFC section 903.3.5: Automatic sprinkler systems shall provide a minimum safety factor of ten percent (10%) or 5psi, whichever is greater, in the fire protection system hydraulic calculations below the water supply curve.

(2) The following language is substituted for IFC section 903.4.2: Approved audible and visual notification devices shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system. Such notification devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building located above the fire department connection. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.

 

34.904 COMMERCIAL COOKING SYSTEMS.

 

(1) The following requirements are in addition to the requirements found in IFC section 904.11.6: Duct and hood systems, including the fire extinguishing system, shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 96, as referenced in Wis. Admin. Code chs. SPS 361 to 365.

 

34.907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS.

 

(1) Smoke Alarms. Buildings built before 2009 shall comply with this section, all buildings built after Rev.6/15/12 2009 shall comply with IFC section 907.

(b) Required Installation.

1. On August 15, 2009 all residential buildings, except owner-occupied single family homes, shall have smoke alarms in place which meet one of the following requirements:

a. A smoke alarm with two (2) independent power sources consisting of a primary source that uses commercial light and power and a secondary source that consists of a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery.

2. On August IS, 2009 all owners of residential buildings, except owner-occupied single family homes, shall install and maintain a smoke alarm in each bedroom, in everysleeping area and within six ( 6) feet of each door leading to a bedroom or sleeping area of each unit and on each floor of the building. This subdivision does not apply to owners of hotels and motels.

3. If the residential building has smoke alarms powered by the building's commercial light and power, the smoke alarms may remain in service until such time the device must be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or sub. (3)(h). Replacement smoke alarms must meet the requirements of sub. (2)(a)l.

5. Smoke Alarm Installation. Smoke alarms should be installed in accordance with this section and other applicable state building codes. Single and multiple station smoke alarms shall be installed in compliance with the requirements of NFPA 72.

6. Approval. Any smoke alarm required by this section shall be listed by a Department approved listing source.

(e) This ordinance does not apply to any buildings 1hathave smoke detectors installed as required by other codes, ordinances, or standards and located in locations specified in sub. (2)(b).

(3) Alarm Notification Appliances. In IFC section 907.5.2.1.1 the sentence is in addition to: The minimum sound pressure levels shall be: 75dBA in occupancies in Groups Rand in 1-1; 90 dBA in mechanical equipment rooms and 70dBA in other occupancies.

 

(PDF version here)

Existing Buildings

“The Wis. Adm. Code Chapters … SPS 375-379 (Existing Buildings Code), and subsequent amendments, additions and recodifications thereto, are hereby adopted by reference except for those provisions in conflict with Chapter 29 of the Madison General Ordinances.” Madison General Ordinances, Chptr. 29 – Building Code, § 29.19 (adoption by reference) (accessed 4/2/2015).

 

The city of Madison, Wi. does not expressly adopt § SPS 366 as stated in § 29.19. However, according to SPS 361.60(2)(a)3 in order to satisfy the requirements to be a certified municipality, Cities, Villages, Towns and Counties shall “Adopt this code in its entirety by ordinance.” Wis. Adm. Code § SPS 361.60(2)(a)3. Furthermore, the code defines “this code” as chs. SPS 361 to 366, which is the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code. Wis. Adm. Code § SPS 361.04(15). Presumably, SPS 366 applies.

Other Building Codes