Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, when used in this chapter the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AGRICULTURAL BUILDING
A building located on agricultural property and used to shelter farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other farm produce, in which there is no human habitation and which is not used by the public.
ALTER or ALTERATION
Any change, addition or modification in construction or occupancy.
APPROVED
Refers to approval by the Building Inspector as the result of investigation and tests conducted by him or by reason of accepted principles or tests by national authorities or technical or scientific organizations.
ATTIC STORY
Any story situated wholly or partly in the roof, so designated, arranged or built as to be used for business, storage or habitation.
BASEMENT
A story partly or wholly underground.
BUILDING
Any form of construction for the shelter, support or enclosure of persons, animals or chattels, having a roof supported by uprights or walls, and separated from every other building by at least a party wall, and when separated by division walls from the ground up, and without opening, each portion of such building shall be deemed a separate building.
CAST STONE
A building stone manufactured from cement concrete precast and used as a trim, veneer or facing on or in buildings or structures.
DEAD LOAD
The weight of walls, permanent partitions, framing, floors, roofs and all other permanent, stationary construction entering into and becoming a part of the building.
FIRE RESISTANCE or FIRE-RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION
Construction to resist the spread of fire.
FLOOR AREA
The area included within surrounding walls of a building (or portion thereof), exclusive of vent shafts and courts.
FOOTING
That portion of the foundation of a structure which spreads and transmits loads directly to soil or piles.
GARAGE
A building or portion thereof in which a motor vehicle containing gasoline, distillate or other volatile, flammable liquid in its tank is stored, repaired or kept.
GRADE (GROUND LEVEL)
The average of the finished ground level at the center of all walls of a building. In case walls are parallel to and within five feet of a sidewalk, the aboveground level shall be measured at the sidewalk.
INCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
Includes any material which will not ignite at or below a temperature of 1,200° F. during an exposure of five minutes, and which shall not continue to burn or glow at that temperature.
LINTEL
The beam or girder placed over an opening in a wall, which supports the wall construction above.
LIVE LOAD
Includes all loads except dead or lateral loads.
MASONRY
That form of construction composed of stone, brick, concrete, gypsum, hollow clay tile, concrete block or tile, or other similar building units or materials, or combination of these materials, laid up unit by unit set in mortar.
REPAIR
The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance. The word "repair" or "repairs" shall not apply to any change of construction.
STAIRWAY
Two or more risers shall constitute a stairway.
STRUCTURE
That which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
VENEER
A facing of brick, stone, concrete, tile, metal or similar material attached to a wall for the purpose of providing ornamentation, protection or insulation but not counted as adding strength to the wall.
WALL
Includes:
A. 
BEARING WALLA wall which supports any load other than its own weight.
B. 
FACED WALLA wall in which the masonry facing and backing are so bonded as to exert a common action under load.
C. 
NONBEARING WALLA wall which supports no load other than its own weight.
D. 
PARAPET WALLThat part of any wall entirely above the roofline.
A. 
This chapter shall apply to all new buildings and structures erected within the City of Watertown and all buildings or structures moved into or within the City.
B. 
Additions, alterations, repairs and changes of use or occupancy in all such buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for new buildings or structures.
C. 
Where, in any specified case, different sections of this chapter specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
[Last amended by Ord. No. 12-07]
A. 
The following codes are adopted by reference and made a part hereof:
(1) 
Commercial Building Code, Chapters SPS 361 to 366, Wis. Adm. Code, including:[1]
(a) 
Chapter SPS 364, Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning.
(b) 
Chapter SPS 366, Existing Buildings.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
(2) 
Chapter SPS 360, Wis. Adm. Code, Erosion Control, Sediment Control and Storm Water.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
(3) 
Uniform Dwelling Code, Chapters SPS 320 to 325, Wis. Adm. Code, and all amendments thereafter. The Building Inspector and his delegated representatives are hereby authorized and directed to administer and enforce all of the provisions of the Uniform Dwelling Code, commencing December 1, 1978.
(a) 
The Uniform Dwelling Code, as adopted, shall apply to all additions and alterations of existing one- and two-family dwellings.
(b) 
When a conflict exists between the local Building Code and the Uniform Dwelling Code, the Uniform Dwelling Code shall take precedence over the local Building Code.
(c) 
Construction of all detached garages with over 200 square feet of floor area shall be governed by the Uniform Dwelling Code.
B. 
A violation of any provision of these codes shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
[Amended by Ord. No. 01-44; Ord. No. 12-07[1]]
All materials, methods of construction and devices designed for use in buildings or structures covered by this chapter and not specifically mentioned in or permitted by this chapter shall not be so used until approved in writing by the Department of Safety and Professional Services for use in buildings or structures covered by the Wisconsin State Building Code, except sanitary appliances, which shall be approved in accordance with the State Plumbing Code. Such materials, methods of construction and devices, when approved, must be installed or used in strict compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and any rules or conditions of use established by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. The data, tests and other evidence necessary to prove the merits of such material, methods of construction or devices shall be determined by the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
[Amended by Ord. No. 91-31; Ord. No. 96-7; Ord. No. 01-44]
A. 
Whenever the Building Inspector shall find upon written complaint from any person or an oral complaint from any City employee that any dwelling, building or structure, or part thereof, within the City, in his judgment, is so old, dilapidated or so out-of-repair as to be dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary or unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use; or has been so damaged, destroyed or removed as to produce blight or deterioration; or has been a subject of a cessation of normal construction for a period of more than two years, he may order the owner of the premises upon which dwelling, building or structure is located to make it safe and sanitary by repair and restoration of the same. If in the judgment of the Building Inspector it would be unreasonable to repair the same, the Building Inspector may order the owner to raze and remove such dwelling, building or structure, or part thereof. Any order issued under this section shall be in the form of a written notice informing the owner of such violation and order, which such written notice shall be served upon the owner of such building as set forth in § 66.0413(1)(d), Wis. Stats., and shall direct the owner of such dwelling, building or structure to promptly comply with such order within 30 days following the service of such notice.
B. 
Whenever the Building Inspector shall find that an owner of any dwelling, building or structure, or part thereof, in the City, has permitted the same, either as a result of vandalism, neglect or for any other reason, to deteriorate or become dilapidated or blighted to the extent where windows, doors or other openings, exterior finishes, excluding paint or siding, plumbing or heating fixtures or facilities, or other appurtenances of such dwelling or building are either deteriorated, damaged, destroyed or removed so that such building causes a threat to public health and safety, or produces blight or deterioration by reason of such condition, the Building Inspector shall issue a written notice respecting the existence of such defect. Such written notice shall be served upon the owner of such dwelling, building or structure as set forth in § 66.0413(1)(d), Wis. Stats., and shall direct the owner thereof to promptly remedy the defect within 30 days following the service of such notice.
C. 
An order from the Municipal Building Inspector shall specify the time within which the owner of the building is required to comply with the order and shall specify repairs, if any. If the owner fails or refuses to comply within the time prescribed, the Building Inspector or other designated officer may proceed to raze the building through any available public agency or by contract or arrangement with private persons, or to secure the building and, if necessary, the property on which the building is located if unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use. The cost of razing or securing the building may be charged in full or in part against the real estate upon which the building is located, and if that cost is so charged it is a lien upon the real estate and may be assessed and collected as a special charge. Any portion of the cost charged against the real estate that is not reimbursed under § 632.103(2), Wis. Stats. from funds withheld from an insurance settlement may be assessed and collected as a special tax.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
D. 
Appeals.
(1) 
The owner of any dwelling, building or structure or any person affected by the notice or order of the Building Inspector provided under Subsection A or B above may appeal the action taken by the Building Inspector within 30 days of the date of service of the written notice and/or order to comply upon such owner or other person to the Circuit Court of the county in which said dwelling, building or structure is located, for an order restraining the Building Inspector from taking the action under Subsection A or B above as specified in the written notice or order to comply. Such appeal must be in writing, which must specify the grounds therefor and must address the contents of the written notice and/or order to comply. A copy of such written appeal shall be served upon the Building Inspector within 30 days of service of the written notice and order to comply upon the owner or other person.
(2) 
The remedies provided in this section are exclusive remedies and anyone affected by any such written notice or order to comply of the Building Inspector shall not be entitled to recover any damages, as provided in § 66.0413(1)(h) and (i), Wis. Stats.
E. 
Any violation of this section or failure to comply with any duly issued order under this section shall be enforced against the owner, tenant or other interested party under the terms of this section.
(1) 
A violation for failure to comply with any order issued hereunder may subject the owner of the premises, tenant of the premises or other interested party to the issuance of a citation pursuant to § 253-10 of this chapter.
(2) 
In the alternative, and as an additional method of enforcement to that provided in Subsection E(1) above, without limiting any of the powers of the City to enforce this section, a violation of this section by an owner, tenant or other interested party may subject the party or parties to the relief afforded in § 66.0413, Wis. Stats., as from time to time amended, which said provision of the Wisconsin Statutes is hereby adopted by reference insofar as the same is applicable to the enforcement of this section.
(3) 
If the public health or safety concern demands immediate action in the judgment of the Building Inspector, Fire Inspector or Health Officer, the Building Inspector shall enter upon the premises, with such assistance as may be necessary, and cause the dwelling, building or structure to be made safe or sanitary or to be removed, with the expense of any such work to be recovered by the City in an action against the owner or tenant and the costs thereof to be added as a special charge upon the premises, as provided for in § 66.0413(1)(f), Wis. Stats. The Fire Department and Public Health Department shall give all reasonable assistance to the Building Inspector in the performance of such tasks.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
A. 
Houses. No person shall move a house or similar type of building within the City without a permit therefor. A fee as set by the Common Council and provided under separate fee schedule shall be paid for each permit.
[Amended by Ord. No. 80-26[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
B. 
Garages. No person shall move a garage or similar type building within the City except upon permit therefor. A fee as set by the Common Council and provided under separate fee schedule shall be paid for each such permit.
[Amended by Ord. No. 80-26[2]]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
C. 
Bond. Before a permit to move any building is granted by the Building Inspector, the party applying for such permit shall give a bond in the amount of $1,000 with good and sufficient sureties, conditioned, among other things, that such party will save and indemnify the City against any judgment, costs and expenses which in any way accrue against the City, and also to save the City harmless against all liabilities, judgments, costs and expenses in consequence of the granting of such permit.
D. 
Conditions of permit. Every permit to move a building shall state all conditions to be complied with, designate the route to be taken, and limit the time for removal. The removal of a building shall be continuous all the hours of the day, and at night if the Building Inspector so orders, until completed, with the least possible obstruction to traffic. No building shall be allowed to remain overnight upon any street crossing or intersection or so near to any fire hydrant as to prevent easy access thereto. Lighted lanterns shall be kept at each end of the building during the night. The proper authority shall be consulted regarding the moving of all wires, poles, etc., and the trimming or cutting of all trees; all costs incurred by the above alterations shall be paid by the party requesting the permit, and the permission in writing of the property authority, together with a statement of the costs paid for such alterations, shall be required before the issuance of the permit. Every person receiving a permit to move a building shall, within one day after the building reaches its destination, report that fact to the Building Inspector, who shall thereupon inspect the streets over which the building has been removed and ascertain their condition. If such removal has caused any ascertainable damage, such damage shall be repaired within 10 days by the movers; failure to do so will result in the City repairing such damage and holding the sureties on the bond given responsible for the costs incurred and the payment of the same.
E. 
The Police Department shall approve the time and the route to be taken in moving buildings.
F. 
The Building Inspector shall approve the condition of the structure to be moved prior to moving and approve the site relocation in regard to zoning and aesthetic considerations.
G. 
An applicant denied a permit hereunder by the Building Inspector may appeal such decision to the Plan Commission relative to zoning and to the Zoning Board of Appeals relative to aesthetic considerations.