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Code Status: Wisconsin

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of Wisconsin. Information for all 50 States is also available. Wisconsin Code News.

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: COMM 22 of the state-developed Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) is mandatory statewide. It is applicable to 1 & 2 family dwellings and incorporates the 2006 IECC with state amendments. (REScheck may be used when the code assignment is indicated to be "Wisconsin" in REScheck). Multi-family dwellings must comply with the 2000 IECC (REScheck may be used when the 2000 IECC code assignment is indicated).
  • Commercial Code: COMM 63 of the state-developed Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) is mandatory statewide. It is applicable to nonresidential dwellings and incorporates the 2006 IECC with state amendments. COMcheck can be used to show compliance.
  • Code Change Cycle: Codes are updated on an ongoing basis through various citizen advisory project committees and the Wisconsin Building Code Advisory Review Board. Most recent update effective April 1, 2009.
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: The Wisconsin state energy codes are reviewed for updating every 3-5 years. The code is adopted by the Department of Commerce after a code development and public hearing process. The state code provisions are first developed within the Department of Commerce’s Office of Codes and Applications, which is part of the Safety and Buildings Division. Modifications to the code (suggested by builders, property owners, material suppliers, architects, engineers, staff, or other state agencies, or required by legislative mandate) are developed in accordance with Chapter 227 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

State Code History: Department of Commerce (COMM) Chapter 63, which regulates energy conservation in multi-family residential (other than one- and two-family dwellings) and other commercial buildings, was created in May 1978 and became effective July 1, 1978. COMM Chapter 22, which regulates energy conservation measures in one- and two-family dwellings, was created in May 1978 and became effective December 1, 1978.

The 2000 IECC with Wisconsin amendments was implemented on July 1, 2002, as part of COMM 63 requirements. The version of COMM 22 at the time met 1995 MEC requirements.

The State of Wisconsin officially adopted the 2006 International Codes for commerical buildings. The codes, with WI amendments, were implemented on March 1, 2008. Code changes are posted on the WI Department of Commerce website.

Prior to April 1, 2009, COMM 22 of the state-developed Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) was applicable to 1 & 2 family dwellings, exceeding 1995 MEC requirements. (REScheck could be used when the code assignment is indicated to be "Wisconsin" in REScheck). Multi-family dwellings had to comply with the 2000 IECC (REScheck may be used when the 2000 IECC code assignment is indicated). 

The state of Wisconsin implemented many changes to its Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) for 1&2-family dwellings. Among them, changes were made to COMM 22 (beginning on page 66/102) of the UDC to incorporate the 2006 IECC with Wisconsin amendments. The changes became effective April 1, 2009.

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2006, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 400.1 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 344.8 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 744.9 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 5,363,675
  • Total Housing Units2: 2,386,848
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 41,112
    • 1 unit: 30,954
    • 2 units: 2,352
    • 3 and 4 units: 1,139
    • 5+ units: 6,667
    • structures of 5+ units: 459

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt
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Green Building Initiatives

 

Code Funding Opportunities

There are two funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants and State Energy Program. Please reference the U.S. Department of Energy for Wisconsin's allocated amount and updated information. 

 

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

Randy Dahmen
Commercial Bldg Engineering
Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Bureau of Integrated Services, Division of Safety & Buildings
P.O. Box 7162
201 W. Washington Avenie
Madison, WI 53701-7162

Tel: (608) 266-3162
Fax: (608) 267-9566

Email: rdahmen@commerce.state.wi.us

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David Jenkins
Director of Commercialization & Market Development
WI Office of Energy Independence
17 W. Main St., Suite 429
Madison, WI 53703

Tel: (608) 261-6609

Email: DavidJ.Jenkins@Wisconsin.gov

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