Safety and Buildings Division, articles from the July 2002 Wisconsin Construction Codes Report To go to an article, you may select the number of the title that interests you, or you may scroll down:
1. Testing, not tasting, indicates drinking water quality;
2. How to check the status of a license, certification, registration;
3. S&B WebSite has links to help you find local officials and programs;
4. Summary offered of new code sections affecting typical multi-family dwellings;
5. Elevator Code Seminar;
6. S&B commercial inspectors have one- and two-family (UDC) responsibilities;
7. Changes to presumptive soil bearing values with new commercial code;
8. How many people hold S&B plumbing credentials?;
9. Get the latest replacement pages for the "Enrolled Commercial Building Code";
10. The Safety and Buildings Division Plumbing Advisory Code Council is considering some very important stormwater topics;
11. Comm 83 supported by appeals court, then petition made to state supreme court;
12. The Plumbing Products Register;
13. Certified Municipalities;
14. Safety and Buildings Division codes:
15. Credential Questions;
16. Contact information for plan review submittals

1. Testing, not tasting, indicates drinking water quality
Water from the 800,000 private wells that serve private homes in Wisconsin can vary greatly in color, taste, and even smell, but such physical senses are not the best way to monitor the safety of that water, according to state drinking water and groundwater officials. "Many people don't realize testing is the only way to be certain water from a private well is safe to drink. You can't tell by simply tasting it," says Christine Mechenich, of the Department of Natural Resources, who chairs the Education Sub-Committee of the Groundwater Coordinating Council (GCC), an interagency organization dedicated to protection of Wisconsin's groundwater. The Department of Commerce's representative on the GCC is Eric Scott, a hydrogeologist with the Petroleum Environmental Cleanup Fund. Mechenich, who teaches groundwater education programs, said she often starts her workshops for private well owners by having the attendees making a list of the most common health-related contamination problems. Then they make a list of the most common substances that may cause water to taste bad, smell bad or have an "off" color. "People are surprised to see there is no overlap in the lists," Mechenich said. Many of the most common health threats to drinking water cannot be identified without sampling and testing the water supply at a certified lab, according to the DNR staff. They also say testing is strongly recommended if changes in color, taste or smell suddenly occur in a water supply. The DNR recommends all private wells be tested annually for the most commonly discovered contaminant, coliform bacteria. "The presence of coliform bacteria may indicate that harmful microorganisms are in the water," says Dorie Turpin, DNR private water supply engineer. These organisms can cause health problems such as gastrointestinal illnesses. According to Mechenich and Turpin, while the vast majority of private wells in Wisconsin produce safe drinking water, private wells are not regulated for quality by local governments. Wisconsin homeowners are responsible for maintaining their wells, including testing the water's quality. "Tests for Drinking Water in Private Wells" is a set of information on the DNR website, http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/welltest.htm. For more information, contact Dorie Turpin, 608-267-7649, turpid@dnr.state.wi.us, or Chris Mechenich, 715-346-4276, mechec@dnr.state. wi.us.

2. How to check the status of a license, certification, registration
You can check the status of a license, certification, or registration via the Safety and Buildings Division WebSite. You can also find on the site lists of people who hold various credentials with the division. There is a link to "Credential Status Check" on the left of most of the main S&B WebSite pages, including the division Home Page, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-HomePage.html. The direct address of the first status check page is http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialStatusCheck.html. On that starting search page are instructions on how to do searches, and two links. One link is to the actual search screen and the other is to an index of lists of people holding credentials in some of the categories S&B administers. Search Screen
Search by Credential ID number: At the top of the search screen, you can enter a credential identification number and choose "search." The results will appear at the bottom of the page. All credentials in the S&B computer database related to that I.D. number will be listed. Shown will be: the I.D. number, the name, the city-state-zip, the credential name, and the expiration date. Note that the color of the information will tell you whether the status is "Approved," "In Renewal Process," or "Expired/Not Valid." If you select the underlined person's name, you will be shown continuing education status information, if any. Search by a combination of factors: A second portion of the search screen allows you to create a search list by choosing a credential category and choosing whether the credential is "Expired" or Not Expired." You may further refine the search by entering a zip code or a name. An important factor here is that the created search list is limited to 500 records. If the criteria you choose finds more than 500 records, you will not receive a result. You will need to refine the search using a zip code or name. Lists
Lists of all active credential holders in categories with more than 500 people are regularly posted on the WebSite. A link to an index of these lists is offered from the starting credential search page. The index offers lists of people holding credentials in categories with more than 500 records, in two formats, PDF and Excel. The lists are sorted alphabetically by last name. (Someone using the Excel format can sort the file on their own system in other ways, if they choose.) Information provided is: I.D. number, name, mailing city, state, zip, credential abbreviation, and expiration date (expiration date only if there is room within the file). A "Control+F" can be used to search for a mailing city or individual name within either file format. The I.D. number can be noted and entered in the credential I.D. search field (top of search page), to find continuing education information. You can check credential status on the S&B WebSite, http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialStatusCheck.html

3. S&B WebSite has links to help you find local officials and programs
Wisconsin County Websites, City Websites, Town Websites, and Village WebSites can be found through a link on the left, near the top, of the S&B Home Page:
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-HomePage.html For example: You need to find the building inspector in Algoma.
 Go to the S&B Home Page, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-HomePage.html
(It may be a good idea to set the page as a bookmark/favorite.)
 On the left, select "City/Town/Village"
 In the list offered, select "Algoma, City of"
 On the Algoma site, on the left, select "Departments"
 Then, select "City Hall Department"
 Next, scroll down till you find:
"Building, Electrical & Plumbing Permits are issued by the Building Inspector during office hours, which are Mondays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Tuesdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Contact Wayne Meyer at 487-5203 during office hours." For another example: The City of Milwaukee has a wonderful, useful Website, with an array of information and services: http://www.ci.mil.wi.us/ 4. Summary offered of new code sections affecting typical multi-family dwellings
S&B has prepared a summary of new building code provisions in relation to design of a typical multi-family dwellings. Multi-family dwellings submitted for plan review after July 1, 2002 are subject to the new Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, which adopts provisions of the International Code Council 2000 suite of codes, including the International Building Code (IBC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC). The summary document is available on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-LibraryKasperMultifamily0622.html. Following is a sample of a few of the provisions:
- IBC 503 - In addition to applying the Comm 62.0903(2) fire area sprinkler or two-hour separation thresholds, the height and area limits of Table 503 would apply. Note that sprinklered (NFPA 13 or 13R systems) unprotected-wood-frame (IBC type VB) residential buildings would be limited to 3 stories. Four-story residential buildings would need to meet at least sprinklered (NFPA 13 or 13R) IBC Type VA type of construction (1-hour protected-wood-frame). Also note that in order to be eligible for area increases for sprinklering per IBC 506.3, the sprinkler system must be an NFPA 13 system. - IBC 505.2 - In order to not be considered another story, a mezzanine's area is allowed to be as much as one-third of the floor area of the room below that is open to the mezzanine, rather than one-third of the total floor level area below the mezzanine. - IBC 705 - As before, firewalls create separate buildings, including for Ch. 5 area purposes, as well as for staying under the statutory sprinkler or 2-hour separation thresholds in Comm 62.0903(2). Instead of only 4-hour firewalls as required under the current code, the IBC permits firewalls of 2- to 4-hour ratings, depending on type of construction and occupancy. Wood-frame residential buildings can be separated with 2-hour rated firewalls. Parapets and horizontal extensions are required unless specifically exempted. - IBC 714.2 - Minimum one-hour rated doors are required in one-hour rated stairway enclosures and shall meet the positive pressure testing of NFPA 252 or UL 10C. In unsprinklered buildings (NFPA 13 or 13R), these doors must also have a maximum transmitted heat of 450 degrees above ambient after 30 minutes. Other doors entering corridors shall bepositive-pressure smoke tested and have smoke seals. - Comm 62.0903(2) - (This Wisconsin exception for multi-family dwellings replaces the introductory IBC 903.2.8.) This section continues the previous statutory-based thresholds after which sprinklering (NFPA 13 or13R) or 2-hour compartmentation of multi-family dwelling units is required. Apply this requirement in addition to the IBC 503 height and area limits. - IBC 907.2.10.1.2 - Smoke alarms are now required to be in bedrooms, as well as outside of each sleeping area. - IBC 1002 - Rescue platforms will no longer be accepted as exits. - IBC 1003.3.3.2 - Stairways in common-use areas must have maximum 7-inch risers and minimum 11-inch treads. Dwelling unit stairs must have maximum 7-3/4-inch risers and minimum 10-inch treads. - IBC 1107.5.4 - Various accessibility changes have been made- see ANSI A117.1-1998 ch. 10 for further details. Two percent, or a minimum of one, of dwelling units on sites with more than 20 dwelling units must meet "Type A" accessibility standards, similar to those in accessible hotel or motel units.

5. Elevator Code Seminar
November 6-7, 2002 - Madison, WI The Safety and Buildings Division Elevator Safety Program presents a 2-day seminar
Ø ASME 2000 A17.1 Elevators
Ø ASME A18.1 Platform Lifts
Ø International Building Code
Ø and more… For information contact:
David Holmes, 715-828-5901, dholmes@commerce.state.wi.us
Or
George Poblocki, 715-340-0109, gpoblocki@commerce.state.wi.us Fee: $125 per person - Pre-Registration Required Registration forms available on the S&B WebSite, commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-ElevatorSystemsProgram.html Seminar approved for S&B Elevator Inspector continuing education 6. S&B commercial inspectors have one- and two-family (UDC) responsibilities
The Safety and Buildings Division Commercial Building Inspectors (CBI) are taking on additional one- and two-family dwelling inspection responsibilities as part of the reorganization of the CBI unit. As announced in last month's WCCR , the CBI unit has been divided into eastern and western sections. Some inspector districts have coverage areas changed. The new map of districts is available from S&B offices, from the inspectors, and on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivContacts.html. S&B formerly had two separate sections for inspection of buildings. The CBI were responsible for inspecting new commercial construction projects and the Uniform Dwelling Code Inspectors (UDC or one- and two-family dwelling) performed inspections on an as- requested basis. UDC inspections are primarily in response to complaints. In reality, because S&B has had vacant UDC inspector positions, CBI were already providing consultation for UDC questions. CBI will also now serve as liaisons with local municipalities which have UDC inspection services and with S&B-certified private UDC Inspection Agencies. Leroy Stublaski, who has held down the fort in the midst of the UDC vacancies, will continue to be the primary S&B UDC consultant. 608-267-5113. Lstublaski@commerce.state.wi.us. Also, Ken Fiedler will continue to be the primary contact for Manufactured Homes and Manufactured Home Parks, and Gary Ekes will continue as the primary contact for Manufactured Dwellings, which includes dwelling factory inspections. Fiedler: 608-576-6224, kfiedler@commerce.state.wi.us. Ekes: 608-575-0967, gekes@commerce.state.wi.us.

7. Changes to presumptive soil bearing values with new commercial code
The use of presumptive soil bearing capacities is a viable design option, but be careful to include complete and up-to-date information. The allowable presumptive soil bearing capacity for a stiff clay soil under the previous Wisconsin Commercial Building Code was 3000 psf. Under the new Wisconsin code, with International Building Code provisions, allowable presumptive soil bearing capacity for stiff clay will be in the range of 1500-2000 psf. It is always important when submitting plans for review and approval that a designer clearly indicate on the plans both the soil type and the presumptive soil bearing capacity from IBC Table 1804.2 used in the foundation design. For a more complete discussion of the use of presumptive soil bearing capacities, see the S&B Internet "Library," http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-LibraryIndex.html. 8. How many people hold S&B plumbing credentials? June 2002
Master Plumber 2637
Journeyman Plumber 2340
MP Restricted Service 601
JP Restricted Service 440
MP Restricted Appliance 256
JP Restricted Appliance 319
UDC Plumbing Inspector 640
Apprentices 1223
Restricted Appliance Learner 136
Restricted Service Learner 196
Cross Conn. Device Tester 1182
Pipelayer 865
Utility Contractor 367
Soil Tester 979
POWTS Inspector 419

9. Get the latest replacement pages for the "Enrolled Commercial Building Code"
*The "Enrolled Commercial Building Code" is a two-volume set of Wisconsin's recently adopted new Comm 61 - 65, with relevant provisions of the International Code Council model codes. Since the Enrolled Codes' first printing and sale, there have been changes to Comm 61-65 to clean up language and renumber references to other codes. A number of those separate changes went into effect at the same time as the main new Comm 61-65 package, on July 1, 2002. *A package of pages has been developed to be inserted into already-purchased copies of the Enrolled Code. Printed copies of this latest code package are now available for purchase, for $10, see the order form below. Or the changes may be downloaded free of charge from the Safety and Buildings Division WebSite, http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivPublications.html. You may download a free copy of the new replacement pages from the S&B WebSite, see immediately above. *You may purchase the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, without the model code provisions, from state Document Sales, 800-362-7253. Then, you would also need to purchase the national version of the International Codes from some model code organizations. Total costs in that instance may be greater than the Enrolled Code. *Wisconsin S&B administrative codes are on the Internet, http://www.commerce. state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivCodesListing 2002.html. (Note the Wisconsin codes online refer to International Codes, but do not provide ICC provisions.) *If you wish to purchase a new copy of the Enrolled Code, including the newest change packages, the complete new Enrolled Code costs $200, including shipping and handling. See the order form below. I want to order _____ sets of replacement pages ($10 x number = check amount _______) I want to order _____ sets of the new Enrolled Code ($200 x number = check amount ______) S&B cannot process credit or debit card purchases. Company or individual name: _________________________________________ Shipping street address: _____________________________________________ Special instructions?: _______________________________________________ City, state, zip: ____________________________________________________ Telephone number _________________________________________________ Fiscal code 8035 / Personal information you provide may be used for secondary purposes [Privacy Law, s. 1504(1)(m)] Send a copy of this form and a check to the "Safety and Buildings Division,"
Attn: Diane Magill, PO Box 2689, Madison WI 53701 10. The Safety and Buildings Division Plumbing Advisory Code Council is considering some very important stormwater topics
For example:
Peak rates for pipe sizing
Treatment required?
Registering injection wells
Inlet safety
Venting requirements
2-year, 100-year, 24-hour rates
Third-party testing? For more information, contact Plumbing Program Manager Lynita Docken, 608-785-9349, Ldocken@commerce.state.wi.us In the near future, look to the S&B WebSite for meeting minutes, agendas and other information from the S&B advisory councils.

11. Comm 83 supported by appeals court, then petition made to state supreme court
An appeals court in May 2002 supported the authority and actions of the state legislature and the Department of Commerce in adopting the comprehensive revision in July 2000 of Comm 83, the Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Code. The Safety and Buildings Division of the Department of Commerce administers Comm 83. However, in June a petition was filed with the state supreme court for review of the appellate decision. In May, the Fourth District Court of Appeals denied appeal by several groups, led by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, an environmental group. The appeal challenged an earlier Dane County Circuit Court decision that judged in favor of Commerce's Comm 83 adoption. The appeals court said Commerce properly dealt with incorporation of statewide Department of Natural Resources groundwater standards. The state legislature has given Commerce authority to grant variances in the case of both new and existing POWTS, contrary to the appeals claim, the court said. Also, the ruling said Commerce had used appropriate authority from the legislature in relationship of nitrate groundwater standards and POWTS. Commerce attorneys were informed in early June that 1000 Friends had filed a petition with the state Supreme Court questioning the appellate decisions related to the variances and to the nitrate standards. 12. The Plumbing Products Register
The Wisconsin Plumbing Product Register is available on the S&B WebSite, http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-PubsPlumbing ProductsRegister.html. The WebSite is updated monthly. A print copy of the publication is distributed three times per year, in March, July, and November, for subscribers and also free to people having Plumbing or POWTS Inspector credentials with S&B. Previously, the WPPR was printed four times a year. A year's subscription may be purchased by sending $25 to: Safety and Building Material Orders Distribution, PO Box 2509, Madison, WI 53701. Please note what you are ordering and provide your name and address. The subscription will begin with the issue mailed after the subscription is entered in S&B's mailing database. In other words, subscriptions sent close to one of the mailing dates may not receive the immediately following issue.

13. Certified Municipalities
Some municipalities in Wisconsin have authority to do plan review, inspections, and otherwise carry out code-related functions as delegates of the Department of Commerce. For information and a list of current delegated municipalities, see the S&B WebSite, http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CommercialBuildingsCertifiedMunicipalities.html. 14. Safety and Buildings-related codes are on the Internet, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CodesListing2002.html Not all codes are available electronically. Paper copies may be purchased from Document Sales, 800-362-7253, for credit card purchases, or 608-266-3358. 15. Credential Questions
If you have questions concerning the status of licenses, certifications, or registrations administered by the Safety and Buildings Division, information is on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialStatusCheck.html. You may also contact the Credentialing Unit, 608-261-8500, madisoncred@commerce.state.wi.us. 16. Contact information for plan review submittals  To schedule an appointment (commercial/multifamily buildings): - S&B WebSite: http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivScheduling.html - FAX: 24 hr. toll-free number for appointment scheduling, 877-840-9172 - E-mail: madisonsch@commerce.state.wi.us  For application forms: - On the S&B WebSite (choose "Forms" on left of screen):
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivForms.html - Call any of the offices.  Info about next available review appointment: http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivDailyDoc.html

Wisconsin Construction Codes Report
The WCCR is a monthly publication of the Safety and Buildings Division, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, delivered to about 13,000 readers - people who hold S&B plumbing, POWTS, and fire sprinkler credentials, to local inspectors, and to fire departments. For a year's subscription, send $20 to S&B Material Orders, PO Box 2509, Madison, 53701. Be sure to provide return mail info and note what you are ordering. WCCR on the WebSite, http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivPublications.html.