The history of the building codes can be traced back to Roman times. Our current codes were born of fire codes in major metropolitan areas and most address the safety of the buildings occupants. Ongoing changes to the codes can be attributed to problems or failures on past structures that resulted in injury or simply new methods of construction. Most municipalities adopt an ordinance that references the Wisconsin Codes and thus does not re-invent the wheel. Many large communities may have additions to the state codes but those requirements cannot be less restrictive and in many cases not more restrictive.

Building code inspection can be divided into two distinct areas – the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) and the Wisconsin Enrolled Commercial Building Code (WECBC). The residential codes are applicable to 1 and 2 family structures with some exceptions found at Administrative Code, Commerce 20.05. The WECBC covers commercial buildings and residential buildings over 3 units with some exceptions. A considerable difference for commercial buildings is the requirement of plan submittal to the Department of Commerce by a registered engineer or architect for a large majority of buildings over 25,000 cubic feet. More complete information on the requirements for commercial building submittal can be found at Wisconsin Administrative Code 61.02 or located at the internet site (www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivCodesListing.html). Additional codes pertaining to most of these structures will mainly fall under the Wisconsin Plumbing Code 81-87, and the National Electrical Code (available for purchase at book stores and published by the National Fire Protection Association). In addition many of the codes adopt other supplemental publications [standards by reference] that are considered part of the codes and available through some professional organizations. None of these aforementioned administrative codes or other standards performs the role of a “how to book” and thus provide little benefit to the novice or “do it yourself” person.