The following definitions shall be applicable in this Title:
ACCESSORY BUILDING
A detached building or structure not used as a dwelling unit
but is incidental to that of the main building and which is located
on the same lot. Accessory building does not mean farm building.
ACCOMMODATION
Any room, apartment, house, building or structure, any part
of which is used for human habitation on a temporary or permanent
basis.
ADDITION
New construction performed on a dwelling which increases
the outside dimensions of the dwelling.
AIR CONDITIONING
The process of treating air to control simultaneously its
temperature, humidity, cleanliness and distribution to meet the requirements
of the conditioned space.
ALTERATION
An enhancement, upgrading or substantial change or modification
other than an addition or repair to a swelling or to electrical, plumbing,
heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other systems within a
dwelling.
APPRENTICE
A person other than a master or journeyman plumber, registered
as such with state division of health in compliance with the rules
and regulations governing apprentices.
BASEMENT
A portion of a building partly underground, but having less
than 1/2 of its clear floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade
of adjoining ground.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP)
Structural or nonstructural measures, practices, techniques
or devices employed to avoid or minimize soil, sediment or pollutants
carried in runoff to waters of the state.
BUILDING SYSTEM
Plans, specifications and documentation for a system of manufactured
building or for a type or system of building components, which may
include structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and variations
which are submitted as part of the building system.
BUSINESS DAY
Any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday.
CEASE AND DESIST ORDER
A court-issued order to halt land disturbing construction
activity that is being conducted without the required permit.
CEILING HEIGHT
The clear vertical distance from the finished floor to the
finished ceiling.
CELLAR
A portion of a building partly or wholly underground, with
1/2 or more than 1/2 of it clear floor-to-ceiling height below the
average grade of adjoining ground.
CONSTRUCTION SITE
An area upon which one or more land disturbing construction
activities occur, including areas that are part of a larger common
plan of development or sale where multiple separate and distinct land
disturbing construction activities may be taking place at different
times on different schedules but under one plan.
DEPARTMENT
The Department of Safety and Professional Services.
DISCRIMINATION/DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE
Any difference in treatment based upon race, color, religion,
sex, sexual preference, ancestry, handicap, marital status, place
of birth or national origin; or any act that is unlawful under this
Title.
DWELLING
Any building, structure, or portion thereof which is occupied
as, or designed for occupancy as, a residence by one or more families,
and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction
thereof of any such buildings or structure.
DWELLING UNIT
Any room or group of rooms located with a dwelling and forming
a single habitable unit, with facilities which are used or intended
to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating.
ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE
A person registered by the State of Wisconsin as an electrical
apprentice under § SPS 305.46, Wis. Adm. Code.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR (ACTIVE)
Any person who is skilled in the installation, planning,
designing, superintending or inspection of electrical wiring and equipment
and who is engaged in this work. Before any person shall be licensed
as an electrical contractor, such person must have served at least
two years as a journeyman electrician and meet all other qualifications
for an electrical contractor's license as determined by the Board
of Electrical Examiners.
ELECTRICAL WIRING
All equipment, wiring, material, fittings, devices, appliance,
fixtures, and apparatus used for the production, modification, regulation,
control, distribution, utilization, or safeguarding of electrical
energy for mechanical, chemical, cosmetic, heating, lighting, or similar
purposes, as specified under the state electrical wiring code. "Electrical
wiring" does not include the equipment, wiring, material, fittings,
devices, appliances, fixtures and apparatus used by a public utility,
an electric cooperative or a wholesale merchant operator for the purpose
of generating, transmitting, distributing or controlling heath, light,
power or natural gas to its customers or members.
ELECTRICAL WORK
The installation, superintending or inspection of electrical
material, fittings, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatus, wiring
and equipment for the production, modification, regulation, control,
distribution, utilization, or safeguarding of electrical energy for
mechanical, chemical, cosmetic, heating, lighting or similar purposes.
ELECTRICIAN, BEGINNING
A person registered by the State of Wisconsin as a beginning
electrician under § SPS 305.45, Wis. Adm. Code.
ELECTRICIAN, JOURNEYMAN (ACTIVE)
Any person other than an electrical contractor who is skilled
in the installation of electrical wiring and equipment for the production,
modification, control, distribution, utilization or safeguarding of
electrical energy for mechanical, chemical, cosmetic, heating, lighting,
or similar purposes, and who is engaged in this work. They shall have
had at least four years' practical experience. Two or more years in
an accredited trade school shall be equivalent to the first two years.
They shall be at least 18 years of age and shall pass such examination
as determined by the Board of Electrical Examiners. In no case shall
a licensed journeyman electrician do electrical work in the City of
Onalaska unless under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor,
who shall be responsible in accordance with this Electrical Code.
A person licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a journeyman electrician
under § SPS 305.44, Wis. Adm. Code.
ELECTRICIAN, MASTER
A person licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a master electrician
under § SPS 305.43, Wis. Adm. Code.
EROSION
The process by which the land's surface is worn away by the
action of wind, water, ice or gravity.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN
A comprehensive plan developed to address pollution caused
by erosion and sedimentation of soil particles or rock fragments during
construction.
EXTERMINATION
The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other
pests by eliminating their harborage places, by removing materials
that serve as food source or by other authorized elimination methods
approved by the Health Officer.
EXTRATERRITORIAL
The unincorporated area within three miles of the corporate
limits of a first, second, or third class City.
FAMILY
One or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations,
labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock
companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees
in bankruptcy and receivers.
FINAL STABILIZATION
That all land disturbing construction activities at the construction
site have been completed and that a uniform perennial vegetative cover
has been established, with a density of at least 70% of the cover,
for the unpaved areas and areas not covered by permanent structures,
or that employ equivalent permanent stabilization measures.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
Any person, as defined herein, engaged in the business of
lending money or guaranteeing loans.
FOUNDATION
The structural system used to transfer the weight of the
building to the earth.
FURNACE
A completely self-contained direct-fired automatically controlled,
vented appliance for heating air by transfer of heat of combustion
through metal to air and designed to supply heated air through ducts
to spaces remote from the appliance location.
HABITABLE ROOM
Any room used for sleeping, living or dining purposes, excluding
such places as kitchens, closets, pantries, bath or toilet rooms,
hallways, laundries, storage spaces, utility rooms and similar spaces.
HEATING SYSTEM
Any combination of building construction, machines, devices
or equipment, so proportioned, arranged, installed, operated and maintained
as to produce and deliver in place the required amount and character
of heating service.
HOMEOWNER
A person owning and occupying as their permanent address
a single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling.
HOT WATER
An adequate supply kept at a temperature of not less than
120° F.
HOUSE SANITARY DRAIN
All underground piping inside the building and to a point
three to five feet outside the building designed to convey sanitary
sewage to the house sanitary sewer.
HOUSE SANITARY SEWER
That part of the sanitary drainage system extending from
the sewer service lateral or other disposal terminal to within three
feet to five feet outside the building designed to convey sanitary
sewage to the house sanitary sewer.
HOUSE STORM DRAIN
All underground piping inside the building and to a point
three feet to five feet outside the building designed to convey sanitary
sewage to the house sanitary sewer.
HOUSE STORM SEWER
All underground piping designed to convey the discharge of
the house storm drain, surface drains, yard drains, cistern overflows
and all other clear water drains to the storm sewer service lateral
at the curb or other disposal terminal.
HOUSING
Any improved property, including any mobile home as defined
in § 66.0435, Wis. Stats., which is used or occupied, or
is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied, as a home
or residence.
INFESTATION
The presence within or around a dwelling of any insects,
rodents or other pests.
JOURNEYMAN, CONTRACTOR (INACTIVE)
An inactive contractor or journeyman holds a valid license
but is not actively engaged in the trade. At any time upon payment
of an annual fee, the license shall become active.
LAND DISTURBING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
Any man-made alteration of the land surface resulting in
a change in the topography or existing vegetative or nonvegetative
soil cover that may result in runoff and lead to an increase in soil
erosion and movement of sediment into waters of the state. Land disturbing
construction activity includes clearing and grubbing, demolition,
excavating, pit trench dewatering, filling and grading activities.
LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLER
Any person engaged in installing, repairing, or maintaining
equipment or systems that operate at 100 volts or less.
MANUFACTURE
The process of making, fabricating, constructing, forming
or assembling a product from raw, unfinished, semifinished or finished
materials.
MINOR REPAIR
Repair performed for maintenance on replacement purposes
on any existing one- or two-family dwelling which does 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 does not increase a given occupancy and use.
No building permit is required for work to be performed which is deemed
minor repair.
MORTGAGE BROKER
An individual who is engaged in or who performs the business
or services of a mortgage broker as defined by Wisconsin Statutes.
OCCUPANT
Any person living, sleeping, cooking or eating in or having
actual possession of a dwelling unit.
OPEN CONSTRUCTION
Any building, building component, assembly or system manufactured
in such a manner that it can be readily inspected at the building
site without disassembly, damage or destruction.
OPEN MARKET
The market which is informed of the availability for sale,
purchase, rental or lease of any housing accommodation, whether informed
through a real estate broker or by advertising by publication, signs
or by other advertising methods directed to the public or any portion
thereof, indicating that the property is available for sale, purchase,
rental or lease.
OPERATOR
Any person or group who has charge, care or control of a
building or part thereof in which dwelling units or rooming units
are let.
OWNER
Any person who, alone or jointly or severally with others,
shall have legal title of any dwelling, dwelling unit, with or without
accompanying actual possession thereof, or shall have charge, care
or control of any dwelling or dwelling unit, as owner, or agent of
the owner, or as executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix,
personal representative, trustee or guardian of the estate of the
owner.
OWNER-OCCUPIED DWELLING
A building used for human habitation in which the owner thereof
maintains their permanent living quarters.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
A narrative or measurable number specifying the minimum acceptable
outcome for a facility or practice.
PERMIT
A written authorization made by the City of Onalaska to the
applicant to conduct land disturbing construction activity or to discharge
post-construction runoff to waters of the state.
PERSON
Individuals, children, firms, associations, joint ventures,
partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries,
corporations and all other groups or combinations.
PLUMBERS
Master and journeyman plumbers licensed by the State Division
of Health.
PLUMBING
1.
All piping, fixtures, appliances and appurtenances in connection
with the water supply and drainage system within a building and to
a point from three feet to five feet outside of the building.
2.
The construction and connection of any drain or waste pipe carrying
domestic sewage from a point three feet to five feet outside the foundation
walls of any building and the connection to any sewer service lateral
at the curb or other disposal terminal, including private domestic
sewage treatment and disposal systems and the alteration of any such
system, drain or waste pipe except minor repairs to faucets, valves,
pipes, appliances and the removal of stoppages.
3.
The water service piping from the building to the curb box at
the street curb, alley or other terminal, and the connection of domestic
hot water storage tanks, water softeners and water heaters with the
water supply system.
4.
Water supply piping and plumbing appliances including water
pressure systems other than the City system and water mains and appurtenances
in connection therewith.
5.
The construction of all stormwater drains from a point within
three feet to five feet outside of the foundation wall of any building
to the storm sewer at the curb or other disposal terminal. The construction
and connection of all piping and appurtenances in connection with
the stormwater drains within a building and to a point three feet
to five feet outside the building.
PROBABLE CAUSE
Reasonable grounds to believe that a violation may have occurred
or may be occurring.
REAL ESTATE BROKER/REAL ESTATE SALESMAN
Any individual qualified by law who, for a fee, commission,
salary or for other valuable consideration, or who with the intention
or expectation of receiving or collecting same, lists, sells, purchases,
rents or leases any housing accommodations, including options thereupon,
or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate a loan, secured by a mortgage
or other encumbrance, upon transfer of any housing accommodation;
or who is engaged in the business of charging an advance fee or contracting
for collection of a fee in connection with a contract whereby he undertakes
to promote the sale, purchase, rental or lease of any housing accommodation
through its listing in a publication issued primarily for such purpose;
or an individual employed or acting on behalf of any of these.
REAL PROPERTY
Buildings, structures, lands, tenements, leaseholds, cooperatives
and condominiums.
REPAIR
The act or process of restoring to original soundness, including
redecorating, refinishing, nonstructural repairs or maintenance, or
the replacement of existing fixtures, systems or equipment with the
equivalent fixture, system or equipment.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY
Any entity holding fee title to the property or performing
services to meet the performance standards of this Title through a
contract or other agreement.
ROOMING HOUSE/ROOMING UNIT
Any dwelling or that part of any dwelling containing one
or more rooming units in which space is let to three or more persons
who are not related to the owner or operator. A rooming unit refers
to any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit used
or intended to be used for living and sleeping, but not for preparation
of food.
RUNOFF
Stormwater or precipitation including rain, snow or ice melt
or similar water that moves on the land surface via sheet or channelized
flow.
SEDIMENT
Settleable solid material that is transported by runoff,
suspended within runoff or deposited by runoff away from its original
location.
SEWER SERVICE LATERAL
That part of the drainage system extending from the curb
to the connection with the main sewer.
SINGLE-OCCUPANCY ROOM
Any room which the owner has leased or rented, or in any
way offered to lease or rent, to a sole individual; provided, however,
that the owner permanently occupies living quarters in the same dwelling.
SITE
The entire area included in the legal description of the
land on which the land disturbing construction activity is proposed
in the permit application.
STOP-WORK ORDER
An order issued by the City of Onalaska which requires that
all construction activity on the site be stopped.
STORY
That portion of a building located above the basement, between
the floor and the ceiling.
STRESS
Internal resistance to an external force expressed in load
per unit area; stresses acting perpendicular (compression or tension)
to the surface, shear stresses acting in the plane of the surface
or bending stresses which cause curving.
SUPPLIED
Paid for, furnished or provided by or under the control of
the owner or operator.
TECHNICAL STANDARD
A document that specifies design, predicted performance and
operation and maintenance specifications for a material, device or
method.
TEMPORARY HOUSING
Any tent, trailer or other structure used for human shelter
which is designed to be transportable.
UNIFORM DWELLING CODE
See Chs. SPS 320 to SPS 325 and 327, Wis. Adm. Code, of the
Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.
VENTILATING
The process of supplying or removing air by natural or mechanical
means, to or from any space.