Availability of OnLine Codes and Links for Safety & Buildings Info

As we continue to move forward in the use of model codes and more importantly strive to stay up to date with those we adopt, it is not uncommon for the Department of Commerce (Commerce) to get calls asking about the availability of codes that are in effect. Most callers ask about internet availability. Accordingly, following are some of the electronic resources that are available to you.

First, all of our administrative rules are available online with no fee. Those in fact are the Wisconsin codes that adopt and then modify a specific edition of the model code. The same (that they are free) cannot of course be said for the model codes themselves.

For administrative rules, visit http://commerce.wi.gov/SB/SB-DivCodesListing.html.

The Commercial Buildings area at Commerce primarily focuses on the model codes created by the International Code Council (ICC). We adopt and modify the International Building Code (IBC), International energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) & International Existing Building Code (IEBC) as our Wisconsin Commercial Building Code [WCBC – Comm 60-66]. We also reference many portions of the International Fire Code (IFC) within the WCBC. Visit the ICC website to learn more about their electronic document services.

The WCBC also relies on the Wisconsin Fire Prevention Code [Comm 14] for the continued maintenance and use of commercial buildings. The Wisconsin Fire Prevention Code adopts and modifies the Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 1) and the I-Codes used as the WCBC references countless NFPA codes & standards as well as the Wisconsin Electrical Code and the NEC. Visit the NFPA website to learn more about their electronic document services.

If you have any questions on the content of this article, feel free to contact me electronically at Jim.Smith@wisconsin.gov or by phone at 608-266-0251.

-- J.B. Smith, P.E.