Building code bill could help construction but hinder safety

Local legislators are calling for a new universal building code across the state. But some fire inspectors say it could come at a hefty price, where your safety is concerned.

Contractors say they're backing this Uniform Commercial Building Code bill, which would make construction cheaper and easier from one community to the next.

Some fire inspectors say they want to keep the "home town rule" to make more strict changes to the state code in problem areas in their cities.

One of the bill's sponsors, Representative Kathy Bernier, says she's still open to suggestions.

This newly remodeled wing of the Wissota Health and Regional Vent Center in Chippewa Falls has updated sprinklers and alarms up to code—Beyond what the state requires.

We have a stricter code in the sprinkler ordinance, where if they update more than 25 percent of the building, they have to upgrade the whole building to be sprinkler updated—Whereas, the state code does not do that,” says Chippewa Falls Fire Inspector John Bowe.

Bowe says its ordinance specifically has stricter codes for sprinklers in senior housing areas to increase safety and prevent fires. But, he says a new bill could take the city's power to do so away.

“If they took that hometown code away from us, I think we would, it would be difficult for us to protect the public in every way we could,” says Bowe.

Assemblywoman Kathy Bernier (R-68th District) says a uniform code would streamline construction from city-to-city.

“That's not to say that we're not open for some compromise and to take a look at what the City of Eau Claire has, versus the Village of Lake Hallie, versus Chippewa Falls, and so on, and how they are different and how we can utilize each one's different codes and requirements and get them incorporated into one bill to satisfy all the stake holders,” says Bernier.

The bill is authored by State Sen. Terry Moulton, (R-23rd District.) Moulton released a statement saying: "Senate Bill 32 is intended to spur job growth in Wisconsin by streamlining the commercial building and land use regulatory processes to deliver services that make construction safer, timelier, and less costly. Effective and efficiently enforced building codes will ensure public safety and stimulate commercial development by identifying best practices and facilitating their implementation.”

“We are continuing to work with stakeholders at both the local and state level to find an appropriate compromise that all parties find acceptable. Once an agreement has been reached we expect the bill to begin moving through legislative process again.”

Bowe says he's not against a statewide code on principle, but thinks it should be stricter than it is right now.

One contractor WEAU 13 News spoke with over the phone says the laws are strict enough. As of January 1, the state adopted the International Building Codes, meaning buildings with as few as three units must have sprinklers in them.

Source: Kelly Schlicht, WEAU.com