2013 Wisconsin Act 270 establishes a uniform commercial building code in Wisconsin, while allowing municipalities to grandfather fire detection, prevention, and suppression ordinances that relate to the construction, alteration, or addition to a public building or building that is a place of employment.
Grandfathered Ordinances for City of Madison
34.01
(13) Adoption by Reference: State and National Codes.
(a) The codes in the International Fire Codes and the Wisconsin Administrative Codes that are adopted by reference are the most current edition of the referenced code and any subsequent editions of the referenced codes.
(b) lFC. The International Fire Code”‘, subject to the modifications specified in this chapter.
(c) The following Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapters:
SPS 305 – Licenses, Certifications and Registrations
SPS 307 – Explosive Materials
SPS 310 – Flammable and Combustible Liquids
SPS 314 – Fire Prevention
SPS 316 – Electrical
SPS 318 – Elevators
SPS 328 Smoke Detectors
SPS 340 – Gas Systems
SPS 343 Anhydrous Ammonia
SPS 361-366 – Wisconsin Commercial Building
SPS 366 Existing Buildings
SPS 375-379 – Buildings Constructed Prior to 1914
SPS 381-387 – Plumbing
34.903 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.
(1) The following requirements are in addition to the requirements found in IFC section 903.3.5: Automatic sprinkler systems shall provide a minimum safety factor of ten percent (10%) or 5psi, whichever is greater, in the fire protection system hydraulic calculations below the water supply curve.
(2) The following language is substituted for IFC section 903.4.2: Approved audible and visual notification devices shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system. Such notification devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building located above the fire department connection. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
34.904 COMMERCIAL COOKING SYSTEMS.
(1) The following requirements are in addition to the requirements found in IFC section 904.11.6: Duct and hood systems, including the fire extinguishing system, shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 96, as referenced in Wis. Admin. Code chs. SPS 361 to 365.
34.907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS.
(1) Smoke Alarms. Buildings built before 2009 shall comply with this section, all buildings built after Rev.6/15/12 2009 shall comply with IFC section 907.
(b) Required Installation.
1. On August 15, 2009 all residential buildings, except owner-occupied single family homes, shall have smoke alarms in place which meet one of the following requirements:
a. A smoke alarm with two (2) independent power sources consisting of a primary source that uses commercial light and power and a secondary source that consists of a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery.
2. On August IS, 2009 all owners of residential buildings, except owner-occupied single family homes, shall install and maintain a smoke alarm in each bedroom, in every sleeping area and within six ( 6) feet of each door leading to a bedroom or sleeping area of each unit and on each floor of the building. This subdivision does not apply to owners of hotels and motels.
3. If the residential building has smoke alarms powered by the building’s commercial light and power, the smoke alarms may remain in service until such time the device must be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or sub. (3)(h). Replacement smoke alarms must meet the requirements of sub. (2)(a)l.
5. Smoke Alarm Installation. Smoke alarms should be installed in accordance with this section and other applicable state building codes. Single and multiple station smoke alarms shall be installed in compliance with the requirements of NFPA 72.
6. Approval. Any smoke alarm required by this section shall be listed by a Department approved listing source .
(e) This ordinance does not apply to any buildings 1hathave smoke detectors installed as required by other codes, ordinances, or standards and located in locations specified in sub. (2)(b ).
(3) Alarm Notification Appliances. In IFC section 907.5.2.1.1 the sentence is in addition to: The minimum sound pressure levels shall be: 75dBA in occupancies in Groups Rand in 1-1; 90 dBA in mechanical equipment rooms and 70dBA in other occupancies.