Michelle Kussow, WQAW Lobbyist
The Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) has completed the rulemaking process on the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, and the updates will take effect on September 1st. The previous code was updated through the 2015 International Code Council, and the revised code will bring Wisconsin in line with 2021 standards. The rulemaking process began in October 2020 and was blocked by the Republican controlled Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) in 2023. Last month, the liberal-leaning Supreme Court overturned the JCRAR decision, allowing the rule to go into effect. According to DSPS, the agency will still accept plans submitted under the previous code through September. However, beginning October 1st, all commercial building plans submitted must meet the standards of the updated code. The revisions to the code can be found here, beginning on page 13.