A.Â
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to provide uniform minimum
construction regulations for alterations and remodeling of existing
one- and two-family dwellings built prior to June 1, 1980.
B.Â
Scope.
(1)Â
This article shall apply to all existing one- and two-family dwellings
constructed prior to June 1, 1980, for Building Code regulations and
December 1, 1978, for Energy Code regulations.
(2)Â
The provisions of this article are not retroactive.
(3)Â
The Uniform Dwelling Code, Chs. SPS 320 to 325, Wis. Adm. Code, is
incorporated by reference and shall apply to all construction except
as modified by this chapter.
(4)Â
These provisions shall not apply to any building repair as defined
herein.
(5)Â
Energy calculations are not required for new additions to one- and
two-family dwellings constructed prior to December 1, 1978. Upon request
by the Building Inspector, a recognized heating professional shall
provide a written statement that the heating system is capable of
maintaining the indoor design temperature during outdoor design conditions
per § SPS 322.07, Wis. Adm. Code.
C.Â
BUILDING, NEW
BUILDING, STRUCTURAL REPAIR
BUILDINGS, ADDITION
BUILDINGS, ALTERATION/REMODEL
BUILDINGS, EXISTING
BUILDINGS, REPAIR
CEILING HEIGHT
Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
Any construction that results in the creation of a structure
for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, chattel
or movable property of any kind.
The reconstruction or replacement of any load-bearing component
that has been damaged, deteriorated or is failing.
New construction performed on a dwelling, which increases
the outside dimensions of the dwelling.
An enhancement, upgrade, substantial change or modification
other than an addition, a repair or modifications to electrical, plumbing,
heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other systems within a
dwelling.
Any structure that is already constructed or one for which
a legal permit has been issued prior to the adoption of this code.
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.
The clear vertical distance from the finished floor to the
finished ceiling. Any part of any room where the ceiling height is
less than five feet, shall not be considered in computing the total
floor area of the room for the purpose of determining the habitable
occupancy or thereof.
D.Â
Permit application.
(1)Â
Any person desiring a building permit as required by this chapter
shall file with the Building Inspector an application therefor, in
writing, on a permit form to be furnished for that purpose along with
required fee.
(2)Â
Application shall show the use or occupancy of all parts of the building.
(3)Â
Application for a permit shall be accompanied by two complete sets
of plans and/or specifications. The plans shall consist of the following
where applicable:
(a)Â
Floor plans: showing general layout and egress path for the
remodeled area(s), the square footage, size and span of existing attic
floor joists, location of lower floor bearing walls, area(s) that
will have the ceiling raised (dormers), wall locations, window location
including size of headers, door sizes and locations, location of smoke
and carbon monoxide detectors, stairways, heating system or devices,
and any related architectural features.
(b)Â
Elevations: showing the sizes, location and configuration of
doors, windows and skylights; exterior wall covering material; roof
design and exterior material; any architectural features relating
to the dwelling's existing architectural style.
(c)Â
Cross section: showing all construction details, framing, insulation,
materials, interior finishes, ceiling heights and structural features.
(4)Â
The application, plans and specifications filed by an applicant for
a permit shall be reviewed by the Building Inspector, and if found
to be in conformity with the requirements of this chapter and all
other laws or ordinances applicable thereto, the Building Inspector
shall, upon receipt of the required fees issue a permit therefor.
(5)Â
When the Building Inspector issues the permit, all sets of plans
and specifications shall be stamped "conditionally approved." One
such approved set of plans and specifications shall be retained by
the Building Inspector as a public record, and one such approved set
of plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant. One
approved set shall be kept on such building or work site at all times
during which the work authorized thereby is in progress and shall
be open to inspection by public officials. Such approved plans and
specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without permission
from the Building Inspector.
(6)Â
The contractor shall submit a copy of their valid dwelling contractor
financial responsibility credential prior to permit issuance.
E.Â
Fees.
(1)Â
Before issuance of a permit, the owner or their agent shall pay to
the municipal treasury a permit fee. These fees shall be as established
by the municipality.
(2)Â
Double fees: Upon failure to obtain a permit before work on a building
has been started, except in emergency cases, the total fees shall
be double the fees charged.
(3)Â
Reinspection fee: Where additional inspections are made necessary
by reason of neglect in work found faulty, defective or incomplete
at the time of inspection, or at the expiration of time permitted
in an order of noncompliance, a reinspection fee may be charged.
F.Â
Inspections.
(1)Â
Rough inspection: to be made after the roof, all framing, fire-blocking
and bracing is in place and all chimneys and vents are complete. No
drywall or any insulation between the studs shall be applied to any
building until the rough inspection, electrical inspection, plumbing
and heating inspections have been made and the work approved.
(2)Â
Insulation inspection: to be made after all insulation has been installed,
with vapor barrier in place and before any of the walls and ceilings
are covered.
(3)Â
Final inspection: upon the completion of any building, structure,
or construction for which a permit was issued and before the same
is occupied or used, a final inspection shall be made by the Building
Inspector, and until such building or structure is in compliance with
all the requirements of this chapter and terms of the permit, no occupancy
shall be permitted.
(4)Â
Written approval: no work shall be done on any part of the building
or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection
without first obtaining the written approval of the Building Inspector.
Such written approval shall be given only after an inspection shall
have been made for each successive step in the construction as indicated
by each of the inspections.
(5)Â
Inspection notice.
(a)Â
The applicant or authorized representative shall request inspections
from the municipality or the registered UDC inspection agency enforcing
this code.
(c)Â
Construction may proceed if the inspection has not been completed
within two full business days after notification is received or as
otherwise agreed between the applicant and the municipality or registered
UDC inspection agency.
(6)Â
Inspection types. The following sequence of inspections shall be
performed for the purpose of determining if the work complies with
this code.
(a)Â
Footing, rebar reinforcement and foundation inspection. The
excavation shall be inspected after the placement of forms, shoring
and reinforcement, where required, and prior to the placement of footing
materials. Where below-grade drain tiles, stone, waterproofing and/or
exterior insulation is required, the foundation shall be inspected
prior to backfilling.
(b)Â
Rough inspection. A rough inspection shall be performed for each inspection category listed in Subsection F(6)(b)[1] through [5] after the rough work is constructed but before it is concealed. All categories of work for rough inspections may be completed before the notice for inspection is provided. The applicant may request one rough inspection or individual rough inspections. A separate fee may be charged for each individual inspection.
(c)Â
Insulation inspection. An inspection shall be made of the insulation
and vapor retarder after they are installed but before they are concealed.
(d)Â
Final inspection.
G.Â
Construction requirements.
(1)Â
Basement conversion to habitable space.
(a)Â
Existing stairways shall conform to the following (note: a new,
relocated or reconfigured stairway shall conform to the requirements
of § SPS 321.04, Wis. Adm. Code):
[1]Â
Riser height shall be eight inches maximum.
[2]Â
Tread depth shall be nine inches minimum.
[3]Â
Headroom shall be 72 inches minimum.
[4]Â
Stair width shall be 36 inches minimum.
[5]Â
Handrails and guardrails shall be installed in accordance with
§ SPS 321.04(3), Wis. Adm. Code. (Exception: Existing handrails
and guardrails do not require modifications unless the stairway is
new, relocated or reconfigured. In such conditions, the handrails
and guardrails shall conform to the requirements of § SPS
321.04, Wis. Adm. Code.)
[6]Â
Stairway landings shall have minimum dimensions of 36 inches
by 36 inches.
(b)Â
Light and ventilation: All habitable rooms shall be provided
with natural light and ventilation in accordance with § SPS
321.05, Wis. Adm. Code.. Balanced mechanical ventilation may be used
in lieu of natural ventilation.
(c)Â
Ceiling height: All habitable rooms shall have a minimum ceiling
height of seven feet for a minimum of 50% of the floor area. Beams
and ducts may not encroach more than eight inches into ceiling area
below the minimum ceiling height.
(d)Â
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Smoke and carbon monoxide
detectors shall be installed in the remodeled areas in accordance
with §§ SPS 321.09 and 321.097, Wis. Adm. Code. In
addition to being wired to house current and interconnected, each
smoke detector installed in the remodeled areas shall have a battery
backup power.
(e)Â
Basement bedrooms shall be constructed as follows:
[1]Â
Doors shall be a minimum of 32 inches in width unless at least
50% of the bedroom doors in the dwelling are a minimum of 32 inches
or have a minimum net clear opening width of 30 inches.
[2]Â
Light and ventilation: All habitable rooms shall be provided
with natural light and ventilation in accordance with § SPS
321.05, Wis. Adm. Code. Balanced mechanical ventilation may be used
in lieu of natural ventilation.
[3]Â
Exits: Either an egress window within each bedroom or two exits
from the basement level common area shall be provided. An egress window
and areaway shall be designed in accordance with § SPS 321.03(6),
Wis. Adm. Code.
[4]Â
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Smoke and carbon monoxide
detectors shall be installed in the remodeled areas in accordance
with §§ SPS 321.09 and 321.097, Wis. Adm. Code. In
addition to being wired to house current and interconnected, each
smoke detector installed in the remodeled areas shall have a batter
backup power.
(2)Â
Unfinished attic conversion to habitable space, third floor levels.
(a)Â
Design floor load: All new floor areas shall be designed in
accordance with § SPS 321.02, Wis. Adm. Code (40 pounds
per square foot plus dead load).
(b)Â
Exits: Two interior stairways spaced apart 1/3 of the longest
diagonal dimension of the floor in plain view or 20 feet from the
third floor level to the second floor level are required.
(c)Â
Lofts shall comply with § SPS 321.03(4), Wis. Adm.
Code.
(d)Â
Existing stairways shall conform to the following (note: a new,
relocated or reconfigured stairways shall conform to the requirements
of § SPS 321.04, Wis. Adm. Code):
[1]Â
Riser height shall be eight inch maximum.
[2]Â
Tread depth shall be nine inches minimum.
[3]Â
Headroom shall be 72 inches minimum.
[4]Â
Stair width shall be 36 inches minimum.
[5]Â
Handrails and guardrails shall be installed in accordance with
§ SPS 321.04(3), Wis. Adm. Code.
[6]Â
Stairway landings shall have minimum dimensions of 36 inches
by 36 inches.
(e)Â
Light and ventilation: All habitable rooms shall be provided
with natural light and ventilation in accordance with § SPS
321.05, Wis. Adm. Code. Balanced mechanical ventilation may be used
in lieu of natural ventilation.
(f)Â
Ceiling height: Ceiling height in all habitable rooms shall
be provided in accordance with § SPS 321.06, Wis. Adm. Code.
(g)Â
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Smoke and carbon monoxide
detectors shall be installed in the remodeled areas in accordance
with §§ SPS 321.09 and 321.097, Wis. Adm. Code. In
addition to being wired to house current and interconnected, each
smoke detector installed in the remodeled areas shall have battery
backup power.
(i)Â
Bedrooms shall be designed as follows:
[1]Â
Doors shall be a minimum of 32 inches in width unless at least
50% of the bedroom doors in the dwelling are a minimum of 32 inches
or have a minimum net clear opening width of 30 inches.
[2]Â
Light and ventilation: All habitable rooms shall be provided
with natural light and ventilation in accordance with § SPS
321.05, Wis. Adm. Code. Balanced mechanical ventilation may be used
in lieu of natural ventilation.
[3]Â
Exits: Two exit stairways from the third floor level are required.
[4]Â
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Smoke and carbon monoxide
detectors shall be installed in the remodeled areas in accordance
with §§ SPS 321.09 and 321.097, Wis. Adm. Code. In
addition to being wired to house current and interconnected, each
smoke detector installed in the remodeled areas shall have battery
backup power.
(j)Â
Remodeled bathrooms. Newly constructed or remodeled bathrooms
shall be provided with a minimum 32 inches wide bathroom entrance
door. Note: Only one thirty-two-inch bathroom door per dwelling unit
is required, provided it serves a full bathroom.
(k)Â
Fuel-fired appliances. All fuel-fired equipment shall be provided
with combustion and ventilation air in accordance with § SPS
323.06, Wis. Adm. Code.