The Wisconsin building code is instrumental in guaranteeing sound, safe, and high-quality construction projects. For housing structures, the state adheres to the UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code), while commercial structures follow the IBC (International Building Code). Local areas may also implement their own measures. Building permits are required for new construction, improvements, electrical and plumbing installations, or HVAC system work.
Wisconsin Building Code, Permit and Licensing Information
Wisconsin Construction Code and Edition Adopted:
- 2018 Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code
- 2015 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
- 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2015 International Fire Code (IFC)
- 2015 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2017 National Electric Code (NEC) – Effective 8/1/18 for commercial structures; planned adoption for one- and two-family dwellings is January 2020.
- State Energy Code 2015 IECC and 90.1-2013
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code 2015
Applicability (statewide, local, limited): STATEWIDE
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), is responsible for the adoption of Wisconsin’s building, fire safety and energy efficiency codes. They recently adopted the ’15 I-Codes, effective May 1, 2018. Although WI uses their “own” codes, they base them on the I-Codes. Wisconsin does use their own hybrid residential code (UDC) and plumbing code. They will remain on ’09 IECC, however for residential and the ‘15 IECC for commercial.
| State Website | https://www.wisconsin.gov/Pages/Home.aspx |
| State Licensing | Contractor licensing is required by the State of Wisconsin. |
| State Licensing Search | https://licensesearch.wi.gov/ |
| State Fire Marshall | https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dci/state-fire-marshal |
| State Environmental Permit | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/environment |
Additional Building Codes by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming