Wisconsin Code Adoption Legacy

WISCONSIN’S LEADERSHIP FROM DEVELOPMENT TO ADOPTION

Continued adoption of the most contemporary codes is beneficial to all engaged in the built environment.  Adoption of the current model codes is directly tied to providing Wisconsin’s building industry the most relevant and current regulatory opportunities.  Those opportunities are directly tied to the continued evolution of the models based on ongoing industry expectations. Without that opportunity Wisconsin’s construction industry is left with uncertainty as we continue to fall behind in a very competitive industry and market.

Our Wisconsin building code history recognizes us as the national standard.  In 1911 the State of Wisconsin enacted the “Safe Place” statutes. A product of that statute was the adoption of the 1914 building code, which made Wisconsin the first state in the country with a building code. That building code is the same building code we have today and has evolved over the past 100 years. Current requirements are found under the administrative code chapters SPS 361 - 366. Chapter SPS 314 is the fire prevention code where chapters SPS 361 - 366 address construction and alteration requirements.

By virtue of the state’s lead in building code development a number of building codes and rules around the country were modeled after the State of Wisconsin. The building code format, topics and specific requirements were also modeled after Wisconsin’s performance based model. Evolving technology and engineering sciences over time began to play a greater role in code requirements as well, this results in the evolution of model building codes.

As early as 1970 the State of Wisconsin Safety and Buildings Division had been paying close attention to the end users of the building code. During the 1970’s the question of adopting a model code was not supported. Builders, owners and designers all agreed that the Wisconsin code was superior to any model code package. Later as national standards from testing methods to performance models continued to evolve the question of adoption was addressed again. Even though the model codes and standards continued to evolve into the 1980’s we were not ready to replace the Wisconsin codes.

By 1990 the country was involved with four primary model code organizations. The development of these model codes based on proven test methods, years of statistical data as well as performance criteria suddenly caused many of us to take a closer look at the Wisconsin code. Now the question of which model code was best kept us from committing to change. Having heard that very concern from a number of professional organizations, the International Code Council was formed in 1996. The ICC met the challenge bringing together three of the model building codes being used nationwide. The final product of this process gave us the International Building Code. A building code that evolved from its earliest ancestor in Wisconsin has now been adopted by that same state. In 2001 the WCBC first adopted and modified a model building Code, with an effective date of July 2002. At that time Wisconsin adopted the 2000 editions of the International Building Code (IBC), International Energy Conservation Code, International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and the International Mechanical code (IMC). The International Existing Building Code would be included with the adoption of the 2006 editions of the model codes.

The International Code Council since 1996 has served as the standard for developing and maintaining all model codes on an established three year cycle. That comprehensive process is based on the engagement of all stakeholders. Committee work as well as hearings for code change proposals engage the built environment stakeholder community from owners to designers to product representatives to builders and contractors and of course regulatory agencies. The final action hearing votes regarding any proposed change to the continuum of the documents is restricted to the regulatory stakeholder community. Once all of the committee work is completed and hearings are completed the final decision for any code change rests with those charged with enforcement, enforcement with the sole purpose of health, safety and welfare.

The established three year code development cycle is structured around continued changes in not only how we use buildings but in response to technologies and performance. That technology and performance is based on the constantly changing construction means, methods and products. That evolution coupled with the deliberate proposed change process previously described results in a regulatory model that serves all stakeholders based on contemporary practice.

As stated in the beginning, it is essential that Wisconsin continue to adopt the most contemporary codes. It is not only beneficial to all engaged in the built environment but directly tied to health, safety and welfare.  Over many years of providing training on model building codes I compare the evolution of buildings to our automobiles, both complex machines in their own right. The model T or even the hot rods of the 50's do not compare to the hybrid or electric vehicles of today.  Think of the building codes and standards as the tools necessary for those complex machines we call buildings. Yes, the basic elements remain the same but the complexity beyond those early machines has grown reciprocally.  Adoption of the current 2021 model codes is directly tied to providing Wisconsin’s building industry the most relevant and current regulatory tools. Without those tools Wisconsin’s design and construction industry is left with uncertainty as we continue to adapt with that same old toolbox.

About the Author:  Henry Kosarzycki, AIA is a code architect with Flad & Associates and has been appointed to the AIA National Codes and Standards Committee beginning in 2025.  Henry is an original member of the International Code Council Committee on Healthcare where he continues to serve. He has also served on several International Code Council work groups and initiatives, including the International Green Construction Code. In addition, Henry served and chaired the National Institute of Building Sciences National Council on Building Codes and Standards and has more than 37 years of architectural code experience in both the public and private sectors.