Village of Orfordville, WI Building Construction

General permit requirement. No building of any kind shall be moved within or into the Village and no new building or structure, or any part thereof, shall hereafter be erected, or ground broken for the same, or enlarged, altered, moved, demolished, razed or used within the Village, except as herein provided, until a permit therefor shall first have been obtained by the owner, or his authorized agent, from the Building Inspector.

Alterations and repairs. The following provisions shall apply to buildings altered or repaired:

Alterations. When any existing building or structure accommodates a legal occupancy and use but is of a substandard type of construction, then alterations which involve beams, girders, columns, bearing or other walls, room arrangement, heating and air-conditioning systems, light and ventilation, or changes in the location of exit stairways or exits, or any or all of the above, may be made in order to bring such existing construction into conformity with the minimum requirements of this chapter applicable to such occupancy and use and given type of construction, when not in conflict with any other regulations.[1]

[1]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

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 existing stairways or exits, fire protection, or exterior aesthetic appearance and which do not increase a given occupancy or use, shall be deemed minor repairs.

Alterations; when not permitted. When any existing building or structure which, for any reason whatsoever, does not conform to the regulations of this chapter 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.

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 a building or structure shall cause such structural members to be restored to their required strength, failing in 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 chapter are complied with.

(e)

Extent of deterioration. The amount and extent of deterioration of any existing building or structure shall be determined by the Building Inspector.

Application. Application for a building permit shall be made in writing upon a form furnished by the Building Inspector or his designee and shall state the name and address of the owner of the land and also the owner of the building, if different, the legal description of the land upon which the building is to be located, the name and address of the designer, the use to which said building is to be put and such other information as the Building Inspector may require.

Site plan approval.

Site plan approval. All applications for building permits for any construction, reconstruction, expansion or conversion, except for one- and two-family residences in residentially zoned districts, shall require site plan approval by the Plan Commission in accordance with the requirements of this section. The applicant shall submit a site plan and sufficient plans and specifications of proposed buildings, machinery and operations to enable the Plan Commission or its expert consultants to determine whether the proposed application meets all the requirements applicable thereto in this chapter.

Administration. The Building Inspector shall make a preliminary review of the application and plans and refer them along with a report of his findings to the Plan Commission. The Plan Commission shall review the application and may refer the application and plans to one or more expert consultants selected by the Village Board to advise whether the application and plans meet all the requirements applicable thereto in this chapter. Within 30 days of its receipt of the application, the Village Board shall authorize the Building Inspector to issue or refuse a building permit.

Requirements. In acting on any site plan, the Plan Commission shall consider the following:

The appropriateness of the site plan and buildings in relation to the physical character of the site and the usage of adjoining land areas.

The layout of the site with regard to entrances and exits to public streets; the arrangement and improvement of interior roadways; and the location, adequacy and improvement of areas for parking and for loading and unloading and shall, in this connection, satisfy itself that the traffic pattern generated by the proposed construction or use shall be developed in a manner consistent with the safety of residents and the community, and the applicant shall so design the construction or use as to minimize any traffic hazard created thereby.

The adequacy of the proposed water supply, drainage facilities and sanitary and waste disposal.

The landscaping and appearance of the completed site. The Plan Commission may require that those portions of all front, rear and side yards not used for off-street parking shall be attractively planted with trees, shrubs, plants or grass lawns and that the site be effectively screened so as not to impair the value of adjacent properties nor impair the intent and purposes of this section.

Effect on municipal services. Before granting any site approval, the Plan Commission may, besides obtaining advice from consultants, secure such advice as may be deemed necessary from the Building Inspector or other municipal officials, with special attention to the effect of such approval upon existing municipal services and utilities. Should additional facilities be needed, the Plan Commission shall not issue the final approval until the Village has entered into an agreement with the applicant regarding the development of such facilities.

(5)

Appeals. Denials of building permits continent upon site plan approval may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals by filing a notice of appeal with the Village Clerk-Treasurer within 10 days of the denial.

Dedicated street and approved subdivision required.

[Amended 8-24-2020]

Except as provided in § 121-2D(2) below, building permits shall not be issued for construction on a parcel created by any division, subdivision, or comprehensive development of land until all required improvements have been made and installed and have been accepted by the Village Engineer.

The following shall apply if, in the discretion of the Village Board, it allows for building permits to be issued prior to the acceptance of the subdivision improvements by the Village:

The development agreement entered pursuant to § 281-43 or any amendment of said agreement shall:

[1]

Designate each lot, or space, upon which the subdivider proposes to construct a building;

[2]

Contain a provision whereby the subdivider agrees to indemnify and hold the Village harmless from any and all claims, actions, demands, or judgments for personal injuries or property damages, together with the actual expenses incurred in connection therewith, arising out of or in any way related to the issuance of such building permits within the subdivision or construction arising therefrom, including any such claim, action, demand, or judgment based upon the negligence of the Village or any of its officers, agents, servants, or employees; and

[3]

Be recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Rock County, Wisconsin.

The provisions of this § 121-2D(2), relating to the release of security prior to the completion of improvements, shall not apply when building permits are obtained prior to the completion, inspection and acceptance of all required improvements.

No building permit shall be issued for construction on any site created in violation of the requirements of this Code.

The building owner shall agree in a written affidavit that occupancy shall not occur, nor shall occupancy permits be issued, prior to the completion, inspection, and acceptance of all required improvements.

Utilities required.

Residential building. No building permit shall be issued for the construction of any residential building until sewer, water, grading and graveling are installed in the streets necessary to service the property for which the permit is required and a receipt for payment of electrical hookup is presented to the Building Inspector.

Nonresidential building. No building permit shall be issued for the construction of any building other than residential until contracts have been let for the installation of sewer, water, grading and graveling in the streets necessary to service the property for which the permit is requested.

Occupancy. No person shall occupy any building until sewer, water, grading and graveling are installed in the streets necessary to service the property, and an occupancy permit shall not be issued until such utilities are available to service the property.[2]

[2]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

Plans. With such application, there shall be submitted two complete sets of plans and specifications, including a plot plan showing the location and dimensions of all buildings and improvements on the lot, both existing and proposed, dimensions of the lot, dimensions showing all setbacks of all buildings on the lot, proposed grade of proposed structure (to Village datum), grade of lot and of the street abutting the lot, grade and setback of adjacent buildings (if adjacent lot is vacant, submit elevation of nearest buildings on same side of street), type of monuments at each corner of lot, watercourses or existing drainage ditches, easements or other restrictions affecting such property, seal and signature of surveyor or a certificate signed by the applicant and a construction erosion control plan setting forth proposed information and procedures needed for control of soil erosion, surface water runoff and sediment disposition at the building site. Plans, specifications and plot plans shall be drawn to a minimum scale of 1/4 inch to one foot (fireplace details to 3/4 inch to one foot). One set of plans shall be returned after approval as provided in this chapter. The second set shall be filed in the office of the Building Inspector. Plans for buildings involving the State Building Code shall bear the stamp of approval of the DSPS. One plan shall be submitted which shall remain on file in the office of the Building Inspector. All plans and specifications shall be signed by the designer. Plans for all new one- and two-family dwellings shall comply with the provisions of Sec. SPS 320.09(4).

[Amended 7-8-2024]

Waiver of plans; minor repairs.

Waiver. If the Building Inspector finds that the character of the work is sufficiently described in the application, he may waive the filing of plans for alterations, repairs or moving, provided the cost of such work does not exceed $2,000.

Minor repairs. The Building Inspector may authorize minor repairs or maintenance work on any structure or to heating, ventilating or air-conditioning systems installed therein valued at less than $250, as determined by the Building Inspector, which do not change the occupancy area, exterior aesthetic appearance, structural strength, fire protection, exits, light or ventilation of the building or structure without issuance of a building permit.

Approval of plans.

If the Building Inspector determines that the building will comply in every respect with all ordinances and orders of the Village and all applicable laws and orders of the State of Wisconsin, he shall issue a building permit which shall state the use to which said building is to be put, which shall be kept and displayed at the site of the proposed building. After being approved, the plans and specifications shall not be altered in any respect which involves any of the above-mentioned ordinances, laws or orders or which involves the safety of the building or the occupants, except with the written consent of the Building Inspector.

In case adequate plans are presented for part of the building only, the Building Inspector, at his discretion, may issue a permit for that part of the building before receiving the plans and specifications for the entire building.

Inspection of work.

The builder shall notify the Building Inspector when ready for inspections, and the Building Inspector shall inspect within two business days after notification all buildings at the following states of construction:

Footings and foundation. Prior to pouring of the foundation, the builder shall supply an adequate site plan.

General framing, rough electrical, plumbing and heating.

Insulation.

Completion of the structure.

If he finds that the work conforms to the provisions of this chapter, he shall issue an occupancy permit which shall contain the date and the result of such inspection, a duplicate of which shall be filed in the office of the Building Inspector.[3]

[3]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

Permit lapses. A building permit shall lapse and be void unless building operations are commenced within six months or if construction has not been completed within one year from the date of issuance thereof. Wisconsin Uniform Building Permits shall expire 24 months after issuance if the dwelling exterior has not been completed in accordance with Wis. Adm. Code § SPS 320.09(9)(a)5.

[Amended 7-8-2024]

Revocation of permits.

The Building Inspector may revoke any building, plumbing or electrical permit, occupancy permit, or approval issued under the regulations of this chapter and may stop construction or use of approved new materials, equipment, methods of construction, devices or appliances for any of the following reasons:[4]

Whenever the Building Inspector shall find at any time that applicable ordinances, laws, orders, plans and specifications are not being complied with and that the holder of the permit refused to conform after written warning has been issued to him.

Whenever the continuance of any construction becomes dangerous to life or property.

Whenever there is any violation of any condition or provisions of the application for permit or of the permit.

Whenever, in the opinion of the Building Inspector, there is inadequate supervision provided on the job site.

(e)

Whenever any false statement or misrepresentation has been made in the application for permit, plans, drawings, data specifications or certified lot or plot plan on which the issuance of the permit or approval was based.

(f)

Whenever there is a violation of any of the conditions of an approval or occupancy given by the Building Inspector for the use of all new materials, equipment, methods or construction devices or appliances.

[4]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

The notice revoking a building, plumbing or electrical permit, occupancy permit or approval shall be in writing and may be served upon the applicant for the permit, owner of the premises and his agent, if any, and on the person having charge of construction.[5]

[5]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

A revocation placard shall also be posted upon the building, structure, equipment or premises in question by the Building Inspector.

After the notice is served upon the persons as aforesaid and posted, it shall be unlawful for any person to proceed thereafter with any construction operation whatsoever on the premises, and the permit which has been so revoked shall be null and void, and before any construction or operation is again resumed, a new permit, as required by this chapter, shall be procured and fees paid therefor, and thereafter the resumption of any construction or operation shall be in compliance with the regulation of this chapter. However, such work as the Building Inspector may order as a condition precedent to the reissuance of the building permit may be performed, or such work as he may require for the preservation of life and safety.

Report of violations. Village officers shall report at once to the Building Inspector any building which is being carried on without a permit as required by this chapter.

Display of permit. Building permits shall be displayed in a conspicuous place on the premises where the authorized building or work is in progress at all times during construction or work thereon.

§ 121-3 State Uniform Dwelling Code adopted.

State code adopted. The Administrative Code provisions describing and defining regulations with respect to one- and two-family dwellings in Chs. SPS 320 through SPS 325 and SPS 327, Wis. Adm. Code, are hereby adopted and by reference made a part of this chapter as if fully set forth herein. Any act required to be performed or prohibited by an Administrative Code provision incorporated herein by reference is required or prohibited by this chapter. Any future amendments, revisions or modifications of the Administrative Code provisions incorporated herein are intended to be made part of this chapter to secure uniform statewide regulation of one- and two-family dwellings in this Village. A copy of these Administrative Code provisions and any future amendments shall be kept on file in the Village Clerk-Treasurer's office.

[Amended ]

Existing buildings.

The Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code shall also apply to the following buildings and conditions:

An existing building to be occupied as a one- or two-family dwelling, which building was not previously so occupied.

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 Village Assessor

Additions and alterations, regardless of cost, made to an existing building when deemed necessary in the opinion of the Building Inspector shall comply with the requirements of this chapter for new buildings. The provisions of § 121-2 shall also apply.

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 chapter.

Additions and alterations. Any addition or alteration, regardless of cost, made to a building shall be made in conformity with applicable sections of this chapter.

Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

ADDITION

New construction performed on a dwelling which increases the outside dimensions of the dwelling.

ALTERATION

A substantial change or modification other than an addition or minor repair to a dwelling or to systems involved within a dwelling.

DEPARTMENT

The Department of Safety and Professional Services.

[Amended 7-8-2024]

DWELLING

Any building, the initial construction of which is commenced on or after the effective date of this chapter, which contains one or two dwelling units; or

ONE- OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLING

An existing structure, or that part of an existing structure, which is used or intended to be used as a one- or two-family dwelling.

MINOR REPAIR

Repair performed for maintenance or 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 a minor repair.

A building structure which contains one or separate households intended to be used as a home, residence or sleeping place by an individual or by two or more individuals maintaining a common household to the exclusion of all others.

PERSON

An individual, partnership, firm or corporation.

UNIFORM DWELLING CODE

Those Administrative Code provisions and any future amendments, revisions or modifications thereto contained in the following chapters of the Wisconsin Administrative Code: Ch. SPS 320, Administrative and Enforcement; Ch. SPS 321, Construction Standards; Ch. SPS 322, Energy Conservation Standards; Ch. SPS 323, Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning; Ch. SPS 324, Electrical Standards; Ch. SPS 325, Plumbing and Potable Water Standards; and SPS 327, Camping Units.

[Amended 7-8-2024]

Method of enforcement.

Certified inspector to enforce. 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. The Building Inspector shall be certified for inspection purposes by the Department in each of the categories specified under Sec. SPS 326.06, Wis. Adm. Code.

[Amended 7-8-2024]

Subordinates. The Building Inspector may appoint, as necessary, subordinates as authorized by the Village Board.

Duties. The Building Inspector shall administer and enforce all provisions of this chapter and the Uniform Dwelling Code.

Inspection powers. The Building Inspector or an authorized certified agent may at all reasonable hours enter upon any public or private premises for inspection purposes and may require the production of the permit for any building, plumbing, electrical or heating work. No person shall interfere with or refuse to permit access to any such premises to the Building Inspector or his agent while in performance of his duties.

(5)

Records. The Building Inspector shall perform all administrative tasks required by the Department under the Uniform Dwelling Code. In addition, the Inspector shall keep a record of all applications for building permits in a book for such purpose and shall regularly number each permit in the order of its issue. Also, a record showing the number, description and size of all buildings erected indicating the kind of materials used and the cost of each building and aggregate cost of all one- and two-family dwellings shall be kept.

§ 121-4 Construction standards; codes adopted.

[Amended 3-23-2009; 7-8-2024]

Portions of State Building Code adopted. Chapters SPS 302.31, Plan Review Schedule of Fees, SPS 305, Credentials, and SPS 360 through 366, Commercial Building Code, Wis. Adm. Code (Wisconsin State Building Code), are hereby adopted and made a part of this chapter with respect to those classes of buildings to which this Building Code specifically applies. Any future amendments, revisions and modifications of said Chs. SPS 302.31, SPS 305, and SPS 360 to 366 incorporated herein are made a part of this Code. A copy of said Chs. SPS 302.31, SPS 305, and SPS 360 to 366 and amendments thereto shall be kept on file in the office of the Building Inspector, and Chs. SPS 375 through SPS 379, Buildings Constructed Prior to 1914.

State Plumbing Code adopted. The provisions and regulations of Ch. 145, Wis. Stats., relating to plumbing, and Wis. Adm. Code Chs. SPS 381 through 387 and SPS 325 are hereby made a part of this chapter by reference and shall extend over and govern the installation of all plumbing installed, altered or repaired in the Village. Any future amendments, revisions and modifications of said Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code herein are made part of this chapter.

State Electrical Code adopted.

Chapter SPS 324, Wisconsin Adm. Code, is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter and shall apply to the construction and inspection of new one- and two-family dwellings and additions or modifications to existing one- and two-family dwellings. Any future amendments, revisions and modifications of said Chapter SPS 324 are made a part of this chapter.

Chapter SPS 316, Wis. Adm. Code, is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter. Any future amendments, revisions and modifications of said Chapter SPS 316 are made a part of this chapter.

Conflicts. If, in the opinion of the Building Inspector and the Village Board, the provisions of the State Building Code adopted by Subsection A of this section shall conflict with the provisions of the Federal Housing Administration standards in their application to any proposed building or structure, the Inspector and/or the Village shall apply the most stringent provisions in determining whether or not the proposed building meets the requirements of this section.

§ 121-5 Electrical permits.

Permit. No electrical wiring or other equipment shall be installed without first securing a permit therefor from the Building Inspector, except that repairs or replacement of broken or defective sockets, switches or base receptacles may be made without a permit.

Application. The application for such permit shall be on a form furnished by the Building Inspector and shall state clearly the work planned, alterations to be made, and equipment and materials to be used, and all later deviations from such plan must be submitted to and approved by the Building Inspector.

Inspection of work. After roughing the wiring of any building and before any such work is covered up, or upon completion of any outside wiring construction work, it shall be the duty of the person doing the work to notify the Building Inspector, who shall inspect the same within 48 hours during the normal work week. An inspection shall also be made when the service entrance is installed. Upon completion of such wiring, the Inspector shall be notified and shall inspect the finished work. If he finds that the work conforms to the State Electrical Code, he shall issue a certificate of compliance which shall contain the date and an outline of the result of such inspection, a duplicate of which shall be filed by location in the office of the Building Inspector. It shall be unlawful to use any such electrical equipment until such certificate has been issued.

§ 121-6 Plumbing permits.

Permit. No plumbing or drainage of any kind shall be installed or altered, except that leakage or stoppage repairs may be made, without first securing a permit therefor from the Building Inspector.

Application. The application for such permit shall be on a form furnished by the Building Inspector and shall state clearly the work planned, alterations to be made, and equipment and the materials to be used. All later deviations from such plan must be submitted to and approved by the Building Inspector.

Licensed plumber required. All plumbing work shall be done only by a plumber licensed by the State of Wisconsin, except that a property owner may make repairs or installations in a single-family building owned and occupied by him as his home, provided that a permit is issued and the work is done in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

Inspection of work. Upon completion of the plumbing work on any premises, the person doing such work shall notify the Building Inspector before such work is covered up, and the Building Inspector shall, within 48 hours during the normal work week, inspect the work. Laterals shall be inspected as far as practicable within two hours after notice is given. If he finds that the work conforms to the State Plumbing Code, he shall issue a certificate of compliance which shall contain the date and an outline of the result of such inspection, a duplicate of which shall be filed by location in the office of the Building Inspector. No person shall use or permit to be used any plumbing or drainage until it has been inspected and approved.

§ 121-7 New methods and materials.

[Amended 7-8-2024]

All materials, methods of construction and devices designed for use in buildings or structures covered by this chapter and not specifically mentioned in or permitted by this chapter shall not be so used until approved in writing by the DSPS for use in buildings or structures covered by the Wisconsin State Building Code, except sanitary appliances, which shall be approved in accordance with the State Plumbing Code.

Such materials, methods of construction and devices, when approved, must be installed or used in strict compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and any rules or conditions of use established by the DSPS. The data, tests and other evidence necessary to prove the merits of such material, method of construction or device shall be determined by the DSPS.

§ 121-8 Unsafe buildings.

Whenever the Building Inspector and Village Board find any building or part thereof within the Village to be, in their judgment, so old, dilapidated or out of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human occupancy or use and so that it would be unreasonable to repair the same, they shall order the owner to raze and remove such building or part thereof or, if it can be made safe by repairs, to repair and make safe and sanitary, or to raze and remove at the owner's option. Such order and proceedings shall be as provided in § 66.0413, Wis. Stats.

§ 121-9 Disclaimer on inspections.

The purpose of the inspections under this chapter is to improve the quality of housing in the Village. The inspections and the reports and findings issued after the inspections are not intended as, nor are they to be construed as, a guarantee. In order to so advise owners and other interested persons, the following disclaimer shall be applicable to all inspections under this chapter: "These findings of inspection contained herein are intended to report conditions of noncompliance with code standards that are readily apparent at the time of inspection. The inspection does not involve a detailed examination of the mechanical systems or the closed structural and nonstructural elements of the building and premises. No warranty of the operation, use or durability of equipment and materials not specifically cited herein is expressed or implied."

§ 121-10 Utility and storage buildings.

Definition. A utility and/or storage building is accessory or subordinate to the principal or main building on a parcel or lot, which is used, designated or intended for the protection, shelter and enclosure of property.

Construction specifications. No person shall erect, construct, place, locate, add to, enlarge, improve, structurally alter or convert a utility or storage building upon a lot or parcel within the Village of Orfordville without having fully complied with the following specifications:

A building permit is required regardless of cost.

The building or structure must be anchored in any one of the following ways:

A three-inch cement slab to be poured with anchor bolts to hold the building in place.

Cement footings, eight inches by 16 inches, to be poured with anchor bolts to hold the building in place.

Corner posts to be imbedded in cement eight inches by eight inches by 16 inches and fastened to corners of buildings to hold the building in place.

The framing for support and strength of the utility building shall be sufficient to render the building suitable for use for storage purposes in the discretion of the Building Inspector.

§ 121-11 Razing buildings.

No building within the Village of Orfordville shall be razed without a permit from the Building Inspector. A snow fence or other approved barricade shall be provided as soon as any portion of the building is removed and shall remain during razing operations. After all razing operations have been completed, the foundation shall be filled at least one foot above the adjacent grade, the property raked clean, and all debris hauled away. Razing permits shall lapse and be void unless the work authorized thereby is commenced within six months from the date thereof or completed within 30 days from the date of commencement of said work. Any unfinished portion of work remaining beyond the required 30 days must have special approval from the Building Inspector.

All debris must be hauled away at the end of each day for the work that was done on that day. Combustible material shall not be used for backfill but shall be hauled away. There shall not be any burning of materials on the site of the razed building. If any razing or removal operation under this section results in, or would likely result in, an excessive amount of dust particles in the air creating a nuisance in the vicinity thereof, the permittee shall take all necessary steps, by use of water spraying or other appropriate means, to eliminate such nuisance. The permittee shall take all necessary steps, prior to the razing of a building, through the employment of a qualified person in the field of pest control or by other appropriate means, to treat the building as to prevent the spread and migration of rodents and insects therefrom during and after the razing operations.

§ 121-12 Basements and excavations.

Basement subflooring. First floor subflooring shall be completed within 60 days after the basement is excavated.

Fencing of excavations. The owner of any premises on which there exists an opening or excavation which is located in close proximity to a public sidewalk or street right-of-way as to constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic shall erect a fence, wall or railing at least four feet high between such opening or excavation and the public right-of-way.

Closing of abandoned excavations. Any excavation for building purposes or any uncovered foundation which shall remain open for more than three months shall be deemed abandoned and a nuisance, and the Building Inspector shall order that unless the erection of the building or structure on the excavation or foundation shall commence or continue forthwith, suitable safeguards shall be provided to prevent accidental injury to children or other frequenters or that the excavation or foundation be filled to grade. Such order shall be served upon the owner of record or the owner's agent, where an agent is in charge of the premises, and upon the holder of an encumbrance of record in the manner provided for service of a summons in the Circuit Court. If the owner or the holder of an encumbrance of record cannot be found, the order may be served by posting it on the premises and publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Village for two consecutive publications at least 10 days before the time for compliance stated in the order commences to run. Such time shall be not less than 14 nor more than 20 days after service. If the owner of the land fails to comply with the order within the time required, the Building Inspector shall cause the excavation or foundation to be filled to grade. The cost of such abatement shall be charged against the real estate and entered on the next succeeding tax roll as a special charge and shall bear interest at a rate established by the Village Board from the date of the report by the Building Inspector on the cost thereof, pursuant to the provisions of § 66.0627, Wis. Stats.

§ 121-13 Discharge of clear waters.

Discharge. No person shall cause, allow or permit any roof drain, surface drain, subsoil drain, drain from any mechanical device, gutter, ditch, pipe, conduit, sump pump or any other object or thing used for the purposes of collecting, conducting, transporting, diverting, draining or discharging clear water from any part of any private premises owned or occupied by said person to discharge into a sanitary sewer.

Nuisance. The discharge into a sanitary sewer from any roof drain, surface drain, subsoil drain, drain from any mechanical device, gutter, ditch, pipe, conduit, sump pump or any other object or thing used for the purposes of collecting, conducting, transporting, diverting, draining or discharging clear water from any part of any private premises is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and a hazard to the health, safety and well-being of the residents of the Village and to the protection of the property.

Groundwater. Where deemed necessary by the Building Inspector, every house shall have a sump pump installed for the purpose of discharging clear waters from foundation drains and ground infiltration and, where the building is not serviced by a storm sewer, shall either discharge into an underground conduit leading to a drainage ditch, gutter, or dry well or shall discharge onto the ground surface in such other manner as will not constitute a nuisance as defined herein.

Stormwater. All roof drains, surface drains, drains from any mechanical device, gutters, pipe, conduits or any other objects or things used for the purpose of collecting, conducting, transporting, diverting, draining or discharging stormwaters shall be discharged either to a storm sewer, a dry well, an underground conduit leading to a drainage ditch or onto the ground surface in such other manner as will not constitute a nuisance as defined herein.

Storm sewer lateral. Where municipal storm sewers are provided and it is deemed necessary by the property owner and/or the Village to discharge clear waters from a parcel of land, a storm sewer lateral shall be installed and connected to the storm sewer main at the expense of the owner.

Conducting tests. If the Building Inspector or his designated agent suspects an illegal clear water discharge as defined by this chapter or by any other applicable provision of the Wisconsin Administrative Code as it may, from time to time, be amended, he may, upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times, enter the private premises where such illegal clear water discharge is suspected and conduct appropriate tests to determine whether such suspected illegal clear water discharge actually exists.

§ 121-14 Duplex service connections.

Each unit of a duplex shall have a separate water and sewer services.

§ 121-15 Moving buildings.

General requirements.

No person shall move any building or structure upon any of the public ways of the Village without first obtaining a permit therefor from the Village Clerk-Treasurer and upon the payment of the required fee. Every such permit issued by the Village Clerk-Treasurer for the moving of a building shall designate the route to be taken and the conditions to be complied with and shall limit the time during which said moving operations shall be continued. [1]

[1]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

A report shall be made by Village employees with regard to possible damage to trees. The estimated cost of trimming, removal and replacement of public trees, as determined by the Village, shall be paid to the Village Clerk-Treasurer prior to issuance of the moving permit.

Issuance of a moving permit shall further be conditioned on approval of the moving route by the Village Board.

Continuous movement. The movement of buildings shall be a continuous operation during all the hours of the day and at night, until such movement is fully completed. All such operations shall be performed with the least possible obstruction to thoroughfares. No building shall be allowed to remain overnight upon any street crossing or intersection or so near thereto as to prevent easy access to any fire hydrant or any other public facility. Lights shall be kept in conspicuous places at each end of the building during the night.

Street repair. Every person receiving a permit to move a building shall, within one day after said building reaches its destination, report that fact to the Public Works Department, which shall inspect the streets, highways and curbs and gutters over which said building has been moved and ascertain their condition. If the removal of said building has caused any damage to any street or highway, the person to whom the permit was issued shall forthwith place it in as good repair as it was before the permit was granted. On the failure of said permittee to do so within 10 days thereafter to the satisfaction of the Village Board, the Village shall repair the damage done to such streets and hold the person obtaining such permit and the sureties on his bond responsible for the payment of the same.[2]

[2]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

Conformance with code. No permit shall be issued to move a building within or into the Village and to establish it upon a location within said Village until the Building Inspector has made an investigation of such building at the location from which it is to be moved and is satisfied from such investigation that said building is in a sound and stable condition and of such construction that it will meet the requirements of this Building Code in all respects. A complete plan of all further repairs, improvements and remodeling with reference to such building shall be submitted to the Building Inspector, and he shall make a finding of fact to the effect that all such repairs, improvements and remodeling are in conformity with the requirements of this Building Code and that, when the same are completed, the building as such will so comply with said Building Code. In the event a building is to be moved from the Village to some point outside the boundaries thereof, the provisions with respect to the furnishing of plans and specifications for proposed alterations to such building may be disregarded.

Bond.

Before a permit is issued to move any building over any public way in the Village, the party applying therefor shall give a bond to the Village of Orfordville in a sum to be fixed by the Building Inspector and which shall not be less than $1,000, said bond to be executed by a corporate surety or two personal sureties to be approved by the Village Board or designated agent conditioned upon, among other things, the indemnification to the Village for any costs or expenses incurred by it in connection with any claims for damages to any persons or property and the payment of any judgment, together with the costs and expenses incurred by the Village in connection therewith arising out of the removal of the building for which the permit is issued.

Unless the Building Inspector, upon investigation, shall find it to be a fact that the excavation exposed by the removal of such building from its foundation shall not be so close to a public thoroughfare as to permit the accidental falling therein of travelers or the location, nature and physical characteristics of the premises and the exposed excavation such as to make intrusion upon the premises and the falling into such excavation of children under 12 years of age unlikely, the bond required by Subsection E(1) shall be further conditioned upon the permittee erecting adequate barriers and, within 48 hours, filling in such excavation or adopting and employing such other means, devices or methods approved by the Building Inspector and reasonably adopted or calculated to prevent the occurrences set forth herein.

Insurance. The Building Inspector shall require, in addition to said bond above indicated, public liability insurance covering injury to one person in the sum of not less than $100,000 and for one accident in a sum not less than $200,000, together with property damage insurance in a sum not less than $50,000, or such other coverage as deemed necessary.

§ 121-16 Fees.

The Village Board of the Village of Orfordville shall by resolution establish fees for building permits from time to time. A schedule of such fees shall be on file with and available in the office of the Village Clerk-Treasurer.

§ 121-17 Severability.

If any section, clause, provision or portion of this chapter, or of the Wisconsin Administrative Code adopted by reference, is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall not be affected.

§ 121-18 Violations and penalties.

Any building or structure hereafter erected, enlarged, altered or repaired or any use hereafter established in violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed an unlawful building, structure or use. The Building Inspector shall promptly report all such violations to the Village Board and Village Attorney, who shall bring an action to enjoin the erection, enlargement, alteration, repair or moving of such building or structure or the establishment of such use of buildings in violation of this chapter or to cause such building, structure or use to be removed. Violations may also be subject to a penalty as provided in Chapter 1, General Provisions, § 1-5. In any such action, the fact that a permit was issued shall not constitute a defense, nor shall any error, oversight or dereliction of duty on the part of the Building Inspector or other Village officials constitute a defense. Compliance with the provisions of this chapter may also be enforced by injunctional order at the suit of the owner or owners of any real estate within the jurisdiction of this chapter.

Notice of violation.

If an inspection reveals a noncompliance with this chapter or the Uniform Dwelling Code, the Building Inspector shall notify the applicant and the owner, in writing, of the violation to be corrected. All cited violations shall be corrected within 30 days after written notification unless an extension of time is granted pursuant to § SPS 320.10(1)(c), Wis. Adm. Code.

[Amended 7-8-2024]

If, after written notification, the violation is not corrected within 30 days, a stop-work order may be served on the owner or his or her representative and a copy thereof shall be posted at the construction site. Such stop-work order shall not be removed except by written notice of the Building Inspector after satisfactory evidence has been supplied that the cited violation has been corrected.

Each day each violation continues after the thirty-day written notice period has run shall constitute a separate offense. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the Village from maintaining any appropriate action to prevent or remove a violation of any provision of this chapter or the Uniform Dwelling Code.