Secretary Burke to Testify on Adopting Updated International Building Code (IBC)

For Immediate Release: August 20, 2007
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661

MADISON - Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Mary P. Burke will testify in favor of adopting the updated IBC on August 21 at 10 a.m. in Room 400 NE, State Capitol, before the Assembly Housing Committee. The updated IBC includes a provision requiring the installation of sprinklers in all multi-family dwellings of three or more units.

"Adopting the updated IBC, including the sprinkler provisions, will ensure that Wisconsin's building codes reflect best practices, the use of new technologies, and most of all, safety in built environments for our citizens," said Secretary Burke. "Sprinklers have proven over and over that they save lives and property."

The updated IBC enjoys strong support from the fire service, fire chiefs and firefighters. It also has gained the approval of Wisconsin's code advisory councils.

Upon adoption of the updated IBC, Wisconsin will join 24 other states - and many of its own communities (including Appleton, Franklin, Greenfield, Shorewood Hills, Sussex, West Allis and Muskego) - in recognizing that for multi-family buildings of more than two units, sprinklers are the best way to save lives.

Sprinklers are also a good way to save money in the form of lowered insurance premiums. According to published accounts, insurance companies offer discounts from 5 to 40 percent off premium costs for sprinklered buildings, depending on the company and a number of variables such as location and construction materials.

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