Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code
This page is intended to be a resource for contractors and home owners, to help them better understand the requirements of the Wisconsin UDC.
UDC Inspection Requirements: As of January 1, 2005, there will be enforcement of the UDC in all Wisconsin Municipalities. This involves obtaining a building permit from your municipality's inspection agency. Contact your town or village clerk to find out who your inspector is (see "UDC inspector" links below).
Contractors: The new law requires all contractors be certified with the state. To do so you must fill out a
Business Credential Application. The credential fee is $40. You may download the application by following the underlined link, or come in to Johnson Lumber and we will provide one for you.
Helpful Websites
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If you need to download it click here.
It is free.
Contact the following to find out who your UDC inspector is:
Or Contact Dan Campion
at Johnson Lumber Company.
Frequently asked questions:
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What is the purpose of the UDC? | |
The UDC is a uniform statewide code that sets minimum standards for new dwellings. | |
What buildings are covered by the UDC? |
One and two family dwellings built since June 1, 1980 and their additions and
alterations.
These include: Seasonal and recreational dwellings, condominiums, a single-family
residence connected to a commercial occupancy, Community-based residential
facilities, a non-residential building converted to a dwelling (such as a barn). | |
What structures are not covered by the UDC? |
- Dwellings built before June 1, 1980.
- Mobile (manufactured) homes which are subject to Federal standards.
- Multi-unit (three or more) residential buildings which are regulated by State
Commercial Building Codes.
- Detached garages or accessory buildings. | |
What about homes built before June 1, 1980? |
The state has no construction or heating code for those dwellings. However, the State
plumbing and Electrical Codes and smoke detector codes do apply to all dwellings,
regardless of age. | |
How is the UDC enforced? |
The UDC is pricipally enforced by municipal or county building inspectors who must be
state-certified. In lieu of local enforcement, municipalities have the option to have
the state provide enforcement through state-certified inspection agencies for just
new homes. To determine whether the municipality, county or stae provides UDC
enforcement, contact your municipality or the Division of Safety and Buildings. Note
the option of no UDC enforcement for municipalities of less than 2500 population no
longer exists as of January 1, 2005. Permit requirements for alterations and additions
will vary by municipality. Regardless of permit requirements, state statues require
compliance with the UDC rules by owners and builders even if there is no enforcement. | |
What could happen if the code is not followed? |
Failure to comply with the code could cause the following:
- Endangering the health and safety of self, family or guests.
- Levying of fines and/or refusal to grant occupancy permit by local building inspection
department.
- Civil action by owners against builders.
- Difficulty in selling the home.
- Civil action by future owners.
- Difficulty in obtaining mortgage loans or property insurance.
- Loss of building and community values. | |
What if I am not able to exactly follow the Code? | |
If it would be difficult to comply with a particular code provision because of special site or design considerations, then you may submit a petition for variance with the required fees to the State. Your variance must show an equivalence to the code provision by different means. |
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