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| You may choose the number of article you are interested in or scroll down: 1. S&B changes process to improve consistency of handling of building plan reviews; 2. Fire alarm and suppression plan reviews to begin March 1; 3. Congress funds FIRE Act - Limited time to apply; 4. Material Approvals; 5. What lighting plans must be available on request?; 6. Clarifying January's multipurpose piping article; 7. Model Building, Fire Codes Adoption Update; 8. Seminars for designers, inspectors, and other people working in HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection; 9. UDC code changes are effective April; 10. Employment Opportunity - City of Oshkosh Buildings Systems Inspector (Building and HVAC Emphasis); 11. Certified Municipalities; 12. Contacts at S&B.
1. S&B changes process to improve consistency of handling of building plan reviews
By Randy Baldwin, director, Bureau of Integrated Services, 608-267-9152, rbaldwin@commerce .state.wi.us Plan review consistency among Safety and Buildings Division building plan reviewers was the leading area of concern when the S&B recently asked frequent plan review submitters what the division needs to improve in. I think there are three facet of reviews that we will concentrate on to improve buildings plan review consistency: 1) Consistency of action taken; 2) Consistency in calling the submitter when plans can't be approved; and 3) Consistency of issues cited. 1. Consistency of action taken: Data and discussion indicates an internal struggle for S&B reviewers between not wanting to hold up the start of construction and making sure the plan is code complying. Some reviewers have leaned toward expediently conditionally approving everything, with several pages of conditions. Others usually did not approve a plan until all the major elements were correctly shown on the plans in the reviewer's hands. In my mind, neither group quite reached the stated purpose of plan review. To aid in consistency and improve service to the submitter, a new plan review action has been created - "Footing and Foundation Approved, The Rest of the Plan is on Hold." This action will be taken in cases where the plans are in compliance for basic footing foundation design, location on the property, use, number of stories, etc., but have other elements that are incorrect. The reviewer will stamp the plans as approved for footing and foundation only and distribute as requested on the application form. The letter will request revised plans and list non-complying elements, as well as missing information that needs to be addressed in the resubmittal. As for all holds, the resubmittal fee is $50, plus the usual $100 plan review processing fee, which equals $150. The revised plans will be reviewed within five working days of receipt. 2. Calling when a plan cannot be approved: Reviewers have again been directed to call whenever a plan cannot be approved. For a plan which has many non-compliant elements, the reviewer will fax a letter to the submitter before calling, to give the reviewer and submitter a chance to go through the items during the telephone call. I have asked the reviewers to document their calls in our plan review database. Submitters not receiving phone calls need to let the reviewer's supervisor know (see list of bureau supervisors on this page). If the telephone call results in a situation in which missing information can be faxed in to address all the issues, the review action can be completed and a resubmittal (and fees) will not be needed. 3. Consistency of issues cited: All building review letters for a three-month period are being evaluated for the issues I mention here. The division wants to improve our service. Our plan review parameters will be rewritten to clarify points of inconsistency. The review letter format and style is being evaluated for improvement in visually allowing the reader to distinguish between the non-compliant issue causing the plan to be held and "reminder" type issues that are minor but should be addressed as long as the plan is being held for other reasons. Hopefully, these actions will help address submitters' concern with S&B consistency in processing plan reviews. (Of course, don't forget the best way to make reviewers consistent is to submit complete, code complying plans in the first place. If there is less to fuss about, there is less chance of delay.) S&B supervisors will be meeting with staff as individuals and in discussion groups to improve understanding of consistency directives.
2. Fire alarm and suppression plan reviews to begin March 1
Fire alarm and fire suppression system plan review will begin March 1 in the Safety and Buildings Division offices in Waukesha and Madison. The division has been working since last summer with an advisory group and with potential municipal/fire department plan review entities to get the review system in place. Although plan review standards have been developed and procedures are being readied, the approval of specific municipal plan review agents for these fire safety systems has not occurred as of this WBCR's deadline. S&B will begin doing plan reviews of system types and occupancies identified below. Detailed system installation plans will need to be submitted according to the standards delineated by the division. Submittal information is available from either of the S&B fire safety plan reviewers, Bill Sullivan, 608-266-9643, wsullivan@commerce.state.wi.us, or Keith Glaunert, 262-548-8604, kglaunert@ commerce.state.wi.us. Building plans for projects with fire protection systems will not be separately held from approval because the fire protection system plans have not been approved, but the fire protection system may not be installed until the plans are approved. Fire protection system plans for the following occupancies shall be submitted for examination and approval:
Atrium located in any type of occupancy
Educational Group E - K to 12 Schools
Institutional Group I-1 - CBRFs within the scope of Comm 57*
Institutional Group I-3 - Detention Facilities
Residential Group R-1 - Hotels & Motels
*Comm 57, Residential Occupancies, includes new Community Based Residential Facility buildings serving nine or more unrelated adults and CBRFs serving more than 20 unrelated adults to be located in an existing building. The following types of fire detection, prevention and suppression systems, features, and components shall be submitted and examined for approval: Alternate Fire Suppression Systems, Atrium Fire Protection Systems, Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems, Fire Alarm Systems, Manual-Wet Sprinkler Systems, Portable Standpipe and Hose Systems. The systems, features, and components listed above will be reviewed only in the types of occupancies listed above and only for those projects that require building plan examination and approval, as specified in Comm 50.12.
3. Congress funds FIRE Act - Limited time to apply
The U.S. federal Congress passed, and then-President Clinton signed into law, an appropriations bill for fiscal year 2001 that contains provision for $100 million to fund the Firefighter Assistance section of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. This program, generally referred to as the FIRE Act, was authorized in 2000 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Now that the program is funded at the full authorization of $100 million, the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was take at least two months to establish an office to administer and develop the program. The application deadline and processing timetable are still under development, however all grants must be awarded by Sept. 30, 2001. Fire departments will be able to submit applications in no more than two grant categories to:
- Train firefighting personnel;
- Establish wellness and fitness programs for firefighting personnel;
- Buy firefighting vehicles, including fire trucks;
- Buy firefighting equipment, including equipment for communications and monitoring ;
- Buy personal protective equipment; and
- Fund fire prevention programs. FEMA will also make grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with national, state, local, or community organizations that are recognized for their experience and expertise with respect to fire prevention or fire safety programs and activities, for the purpose of carrying out fire prevention programs. FEMA will set up a small grants administration office in its Washington headquarters. The US Fire Administration will manage the office. A toll-free information line was to be set up and additional material on the new grant program posted, as it became available, on the USFA web site at www.usfa.fema.gov. Email questions about the program can be sent to http://www.usfa.fema.gov/about/press/01-012.htm or call 301-447-1608.
4. Material Approvals
Per Comm 10.125, Comm 20.18, and Comm 50.19, the following have been issued material approvals in September through December, 2000. The approvals are valid for five years. Copies of the full approvals are available from the Safety and Buildings Division Integrated Services Bureau, PO Box 2658, Madison, WI 53701-2658. - Thermalite Cold Storage Rm, 960065-I (Revised), Thermalrite by Crown Tonka Calif.,Inc., 6514 East 26th St., Commerce, CA 90040
- Flavor Crisp Pressure Fryer, 200071-H, Replaces 950005-H, Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc., 4350 McKinley St., Omaha, NE 68112
- Dual Use Boilers, 200027-H (Revised), Laars Heating Systems, 20 Industrial Way, Rochester, NH 03867-4296
- Furnace, 200073-H, Replaces 950058-H (Revised), Goodman Manufacturing Company,L.P., 1501 Seamist Drive, Houston, TX 77008
- Wood I-Joist, 200060-W, Replaces 970037-W, Superior Wood Systems, Inc., 1301 Garfield Ave.,P.O.Box 1208, Superior, WI 54880
- Furnace, 200074-H, Replaces 980036-H, Rheem Manufacturing Company, Air Conditioning Division, P.O.Box 17010, Fort Smith, AR 72917-7010
- Insulated Concrete Forms, 200062-I, Reddi-Form Systems, LLC, P.O Box 249, Cascade, WI 53011
- Furnace, 200075-H, Replaces 950058-H, (Revision 2), Goodman Manufacturing Company, 1501 Seamist Drive, Houston, TX 77008
- Water Heaters and Boilers, 200065-H, RBI Water Heater, 260 N. Elm St., Westfield, MA 01085
- Tuff-R Insulating Sheathing, 200076-I, Replaces 950034-I, Celotex Corporation, P.O. Box 31602, Tampa Bay, FL 33631-3602
- Faswall Concrete Forms, 200066-O, K-X Faswall Corp., 903 Clear Lake Rd., England, AR 72046
- Thermomaxo Insulation Board, 200077-I, Replaces 950026-I, Celotex Corporation, P.O. Box 31602, Tampa Bay, FL 33631-3602
- IFC Roof Panels, 200067-I, Hunter Panels, LLC, 15 Franklin St., Portland, ME 04074
- Metal Wall and Roof Panels, 200078-I, Replaces 950054-I, Metl-Span Corp., 1497 North Kealy, Lewisville, TX 75067
- Vapor Barrier Paint, 200068-O, The Sherwin Williams Co., 11410 Alameda Dr., Strongsville, OH 44136
- TEC EIFS, 200080-I, Replaces 950028-I, TEC Specialty Products,Inc., 315 South Hicks Road, Palatine, IL 60067
- Furnace, 200069-H, Armstrong Air Conditioning, 421 Monroe St., Bellevue, OH 44811
- Make-Up Air Heaters, 200082-H, Replaces 950012-H, The King Company, 227 Browntown Rd., Bishopville, SC 29010
- Modular Office, 200083-A, Whitley Manufacturing Co., 201 W. First St., South Whitley, IN 46787
- Wood Heaters, 200084-W, Replaces 950013-W, Superior Wood Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 1208, Superior, WI 54880
5. What lighting plans must be available on request?
by Randy Dahmen, Safety and Buildings Division Lighting Consultant, 608-266-3162, rdahmen@commerce.state.wi.us Question: Prior to installation, lighting plans and calculations shall be prepared in compliance with the energy code. The plans shall be available at the job site as requested by the department representative or local official. What kind of information must be prepared and available on request?
Answer: Plans and any other information needed to show compliance with any code requirement may be requested by an inspector. Here are the code requirements that address lighting efficiency:
1. Area controls Comm 63.50(1)
2. Lighting reduction controls Comm 63.50(2)
3. Daylight controls Comm 63.50(3)
a. Windows
b. Skylights
4. Shut-off controls Comm 63.50(4)
5. Display lighting controls Comm 63.50(5)
6. Exterior lighting controls Comm 63.50(6)
7. Hotel/Motel/Guest room Comm 63.50(7)
8. Device performance requirements Comm 63.51
9. Exterior lighting Comm 63.42
a. Exterior lighting power allowance Comm 63.43
b. Exterior lighting power used
10. Interior lighting
a. Interior lighting power allowance.
I. Complete building method Comm 63.47
II. Area category method Comm 63.48
III. Activity method Comm 63.49
b. Lighting control credits (Opt.) Comm 63.45(2)
c. Interior lighting power used
11. Multiple interlocked systems Comm 63.45(1)
12. Track lighting Comm 63.45(4)(a)
13. Incandescent sockets Comm 63.45(4)(b)
14. Exit signs Comm 63.52
15. Tandem wiring Comm 63.53
6. Clarifying January's multipurpose piping article
Last month's WBCR included an article about multipurpose piping installations which addressed several questions about who may install the automatic fire sprinkler system for a single residential unit located above a commercial occupancy. The following information is intended to clarify a points about the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) applies to the residential unit mentioned in the article. Note that application of the UDC is time-specific. For the most part, the UDC applies to one- and two- family dwellings of which the initial construction was begun on or after June 1, 1980. Last month's article did not mention a construction timeframe for the particular scenario. The article is accurate in that the current state UDC does not specify any regulations for the design and installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system. However, if the particular single residential unit or any home was built prior to June 1, 1980, then local ordinances, if any, would apply, not the UDC. So, for older existing homes, municipalities may have or may enact specific regulations or parameters for the design or installation of the fire sprinkler systems. (The local ordinances may not dictate who may install such systems; the state statutes govern this issue.) A tidbit from last month's article
"An 'automatic fire sprinkler system' is defined in 145.01(1), Stats. A plumber may not install an automatic fire sprinkler system in any building. 'Plumbing' is defined in 145.01(10), Stats. A 'multipurpose piping system' supplies water to plumbing fixtures and to residential sprinklers in one- or two-family dwellings. By definition, that is a water distribution system, which is included in the definition of plumbing. A sprinkler fitter may not install a multipurpose piping system in any building."
7. Model Building, Fire Codes Adoption Update
by J.B. Smith, Safety and Buildings Division Commercial Buildings Program Manager, 608-266-0251, jsmith@commerce.state.wi.us WBCR readers have had the opportunity to review many articles about possible model code adoption in Wisconsin, especially in the December special edition. For that reason, I won't provide a great deal of old information on the code adoption package. S&B WebSite information on the process is at http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CommercialBuildingsModelCodeAdoption.html. I am writing this article just after attending the first of four public hearings on model code adoption. I'm pleased to say that the hearing had approximately 50 persons in the audience. The hearing went well; we received numerous comments, both written and oral. Most of the comments focussed on supporting or not supporting the concept of the proposed package; the only technical comments regarded the subjects of controlling outdoor "uplighting" and coordinating accessibility requirements with the requirements of other state agencies. Immediately following the "public hearing" we opened up the floor to a period of questions and answers. Although there were a couple of technical questions about the International Code Council model codes and the "Wisconsinisms," the majority of the follow-up questions were about the next steps in the rulemaking process. If you have such a question, you can contact me. We also had questions on our plans for implementation and training. Training is very important, and I stress S&B's commitment to it. Although by the time you read this it may be too late to sign up to attend, note the this year's annual spring UW-Madison Code Refresher was organized in part around info on the ICC codes. ICC subjects include Means of Egress, Hazardous Material, Use and Occupancy Requirements, and Types of Construction - Allowable Heights and Areas. We will also include an introduction to model codes in the subjects covered during inspector associations' "March Inspector Updates."
8. Seminars for designers, inspectors, and other people working in HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection
Plumbing and Electrical continuing education presented by the Wisconsin Society of Professional Designers of Engineering Systems Friday, February 23, 2001 at the Radisson Paper Valley Inn in Appleton, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Register by February 16 Four different sessions at the same time, you choose the one of your interest:
1. "New HVAC Code Proposals - Adoption of the International Mechanical Code and International Mechanical Code" - by Berni Mattsson, Safety and Buildings Division HVAC and Energy Program Manager;
2. "Recent Electrical Code Changes" - by Joe Hertel, Safety and Buildings Division Electrical Program Manager **;
3. "Recent Code Changes, New Technology, and Water Reuse in Our Future" - by Lynita Docken, Safety and Buildings Division Plumbing Program Manager** ;
4. "New Code Proposals and Recent Changes" - by John Lippitt, Safety and Buildings Division Fire Safety Program Manager
**Two-hour sessions of continuing education for Electricians or Plumbers For more information, contact Tony Rosecky, 1-920-731-7332 Mail this registration form and a check to WSPDES, PO Box 2845, Appleton WI 54912-2845 Print Attendee Name(s): _______________________________________________ Fee is $20 per seminar per person for WSPDES members and $30 for non-members. Fee total ________________ Send check made out to WSPDES At-the-door registration is $20 more per seminar
9. UDC code changes are effective April
Effective April 1, 2001, there will be numerous code changes in the Uniform Dwelling Code (One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code), Comm 20 - 25. To view the final draft language and a summary of the changes, with examples, you can go to the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-HomePage.html, and choose *April 2001 UDC Code Change Info* located near the top of the page. Another option would be to go to the WebSite One- and Two-Family Dwelling Program page, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-OneAndTwoFamilyProgram.html. Printed copies of the code changes probably will not be available for mailing/distribution until some time in March. That includes the Safety and Building's "UDC Code and Commentary." The hope is to have the "Code and Commentary" printed for distribution at the UDC inspector training courses. If you have any questions on the proposed changes, contact Larry Swaziek, 608-267-7701, lswaziek@commerce.state.wi.us.us, Leroy Stublaski, 608-267-7701, lstublaski@commerce.state.wi.us, or Tom Kasper, 608-267-7586, tkasper@commerce.state.wi.us.
10. Employment Opportunity - City of Oshkosh Buildings Systems Inspector (Building and HVAC Emphasis)
Challenging position involving plan review, permit issuance, and inspection of building activity in order to secure compliance with building, electric, HVAC, plumbing, and zoning codes. This position's primary duties will include one- and two-family building and commercial building/HVAC plan review, permit issuance, and inspection. Requires three years experience in building construction, architectural/structural design, or inspection activity. State certification in inspection areas of UDC Construction, UDC HVAC, UDC Electric, UDC Plumbing, Commercial Building is required (or ability to obtain with one year of employment). A degree in construction management, structural design, or similar may be substituted for experience. 2000 salary range $37,717 - $44,864 per year plus excellent benefits. Send resume to Director of Administrative Services, PO Box 1130, 250 Church Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. EOE, M/F/H. 11. Certified Municipalities 12. Safety and Buildings Division Contacts |
