Legislature Approves Adoption of Updated International Building Code

For Immediate Release: November 12, 2007
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661

MADISON - By a 9-1 vote, the state legislature's Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) approved the adoption of the updated International Building Code (IBC) submitted by the Department of Commerce, Deputy Secretary Aaron D. Olver announced today.

"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," Olver said.

JCRAR took a staged approach to the threshold in the size of new multifamily dwellings that will require automatic sprinklers. The committee adopted provisions that require automatic sprinklers to be installed in multifamily dwellings of more than eight units approved after March 1, 2008. New multifamily dwellings of three or more units approved after January 1, 2011 will require automatic sprinklers in conformance with current provisions of the IBC.

The new rules specify sprinkler coverage for three- and four-unit dwellings served by private wells. Such buildings can use a sprinkler system conforming to private well capacity while protecting lives and property from fire.

Automatic sprinkler systems need not be installed in townhouses of fewer than three stories that contain fewer than 20 units, comprise less than 16,000 square feet, and meet certain other criteria.

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.

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