[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Adams County 3-15-2016 by Ord. No. 05-2016; amended in its entirety 1-19-2021 by Ord. No. 9-2021. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Stormwater runoff — See Ch. 313.
Building numbers — See Ch. 317.
Floodplain zoning — See Ch. 370.
Land division — See Ch. 382.
Planning and zoning permits — See Ch. 391.
Shoreland, wetland and habitat protection — See Ch. 396.
Zoning — See Ch. 405.
A. 
This code is adopted under the authority granted by §§ 59.70 and 101.60 through 101.965, Wis. Stats.
B. 
The following chapters of the Wisconsin Administrative Codes, as well as all subsequent revisions, are adopted by the County and shall be enforced by the Building Inspector:
(1) 
Ch. SPS 305, Credentials;
(2) 
Ch. SPS 316, Electrical Code;
(a) 
Adams County will be registered with the State of Wisconsin as an inspection agency for commercial electrical inspections effective March 1, 2020. Wisconsin Administrative Code, Department of Safety and Professional Services Chapter 316, Electrical, is adopted in its entirety effective March 1, 2020.
(3) 
Ch. SPS 320 through 325, Uniform Dwelling Code;
(4) 
Chs. SPS 361 through 366, Commercial Building Code;
(5) 
Chs. SPS 381 through 387, Uniform Plumbing Code;
(6) 
Ch. SPS 327, Camping Units.
This code shall be known as the "Adams County Building Construction Ordinance" and referred to herein as "this code."
This code provides certain minimum standards, provisions and requirements for safe and stable design, methods of construction and uses of materials in buildings and/or structures hereafter erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, converted to other uses or demolished, and regulates the equipment, maintenance, use and occupancy of all such buildings and/or structures, its purpose being to protect and foster the health, safety and well-being of persons occupying or using such buildings and that of the general public.
The intent of this code is to enforce minimum standards for fire safety, structural strength, energy conservation, erosion control, heating, plumbing and electrical systems and general health and safety in new dwellings and accessory buildings.
A. 
The provisions of this code shall govern the construction, alteration, addition to, conversion of use, occupancy, demolition and moving of all:
(1) 
One- and two-family dwellings;
(2) 
Multifamily dwellings;
(3) 
Structures connected to, or abutting, a dwelling;
(4) 
Commercial structures;
(5) 
Accessory commercial structures;
(6) 
Agricultural structures only as provided in Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 316.012(1)(a);
(7) 
Electrical services;
(8) 
Conversion of any building to residential, commercial or industrial use, when said building was not immediately before so used;
(a) 
The structure shall be subject to the requirements of this code in the same manner as if it were a new building.
(9) 
Constructed camping units in a licensed campground (Ch. SPS 327).
B. 
Notwithstanding this chapter, this chapter shall not apply to one- and two-family detached accessory structures, detached garages, or to children's play structures within Adams County.
C. 
The provisions of this code supplement the laws of the State of Wisconsin pertaining to construction and use of buildings and structures.
D. 
The County Building Inspector shall provide inspection services for only those towns which have delegated authority to the County.
A. 
This code and the various parts, sections, subsections, and clauses are declared to be severable. If any part, section, subsection, clause, provision, or portion of this code is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this code shall not be affected.
B. 
If any application of this code to a particular structure, land, or water is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not be applicable to any other structure, land, or water not specifically included in the judgment.
It is not intended by this code to repeal, abrogate, annul, impair, or interfere with any easements or permits previously adopted or issued pursuant to law. However, where this code imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this code shall govern.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this code shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted to promote the health, safety, morals, comfort, prosperity and general welfare of the people of Adams County. These provisions shall be liberally construed in favor of the County and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other power granted by the Wisconsin Statutes.
A. 
Appointment and general powers.
(1) 
The County Board shall appoint a Building Inspector, who shall have the power and duty to enforce the provisions of this code and of all other ordinances, laws and orders of the State of Wisconsin which relate to building construction and plumbing and electrical installations. The Building Inspector shall be removable by a 2/3 vote of the County Board for cause upon written charges and after public hearing.
(2) 
The County Building Inspector shall provide inspection services for only those towns in which the County issues building permits.
B. 
Right of entry. In the discharge of his duties, the Building Inspector shall have the right to enter the buildings and premises at all reasonable times. Any person interfering with said Inspector while in performance of the duties prescribed in this code shall be fined as hereinafter provided.
C. 
Power of modification. The Building Inspector shall have the power to pass upon any questions arising under the provisions of this code relating to buildings not covered by the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code when practical difficulties occur in carrying out structural or mechanical provisions of the County Building Code or such provision upon application of the owner or his representative, provided that the spirit and intent of this code shall be observed and public welfare and safety be assured. The application for modification and the final decision of the Building Inspector shall be in writing and shall be officially recorded with the permanent application for the permit in the permanent records of the Building Inspector's office.
D. 
Appeal. Any person feeling himself aggrieved by any order or ruling of the Building Inspector, not covered by the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, may appeal from such ruling within 20 days after written notice of such ruling shall have been delivered to him. Such appeal is to be in writing, setting forth the order appealed from, and the respects in which said person feeling himself aggrieved claims that said order or ruling is erroneous or illegal. Said notice of appeal shall be filed with the County Planning and Zoning Administrator, who shall notify the Board of Adjustment of such appeal, and the appeal shall be heard by the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment, after consideration thereof, shall affirm, reverse or modify said ruling in the manner which the Board deems just in the circumstances. The ruling or order of the Inspector shall be enforced until changed by said Board of Adjustment.
A. 
State code applies. All construction, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC activities must comply with the State Uniform Dwelling Code and the Commercial Building Code as they apply and amendments thereto to this date, which is hereby made by reference a part of this code. A copy of such code and amendments shall be kept on file in the office of the Building Inspector.
B. 
Permit required. No building of any kind shall be moved within or into Adams County and no new building or structure or any part thereof, as defined in § 166-5, except as exempted in § 166-19, shall hereafter be erected, or ground broken for the same, or enlarged, altered, demolished or used within Adams County except as herein provided, until a permit therefor shall first have been obtained by the owner or his authorized agent.
C. 
Application. Application for a building permit shall be made in writing upon a form furnished by the Building Inspector and shall state the name and address of the owner of the land, and also of the owner of the building if different, the legal description of the land upon which the building is to be located, the name and address of the designer, the use to which said building is to be put, and shall contain such other information as the Building Inspector may require.
D. 
Plans. The owner or contractor shall, with respect to any proposed construction, submit two sets of building plans to the Inspector for any work which expands the size of a building, any new building or as required by the Inspector. If a new building or building addition is proposed, then a plot plan drawn to scale showing such proposed work and existing buildings and property lines shall be submitted. A third set of plans may be requested at the discretion of the Building Inspector for the Assessor. The Building Inspector may require the owner or contractor to submit plans for any construction project when the Building Inspector determines that it is necessary to review such plans to assure that the proposed project will comply with all applicable codes. All plans and specifications shall be signed by the person by whom they were drawn:
(1) 
A site map drawn to scale, adequately dimensioned, clearly showing the exact location of all structures existing or to be constructed. Front, side and rear yards shall be clearly indicated.
(2) 
Building plans, including floor plans of all habitable floors and the basement or foundation plan clearly indicating sizes and spacing of all supporting members, sizes of rooms, glass areas, door openings and stair runs and a sectional drawing clearly indicating sizes of footings, thickness of basement walls and all floor slabs, wall construction, sizes and spacing of framing members, ceiling heights and parapet heights and braced wall detail.
(3) 
Material and equipment specifications describing the quality, kind, and grade of material and equipment, if deemed necessary by the Building Inspector.
E. 
Waiver of plans. If the Building Inspector finds that the character of the work is sufficiently described in the application, he may waive the filing of plans for alterations or repairs.
F. 
Approval of plans. If the Building Inspector determines that the building will comply in every respect with all applicable ordinances of Adams County and all applicable laws and orders of the State of Wisconsin, he shall conditionally approve and stamp one set of the plans and return it to the owner and shall issue a building permit therefor which shall state the use to which said building is to be put, which shall be kept and displayed at the site of the proposed building. After being approved, the plans and specifications shall not be altered in any respect which involves the safety of the building or the occupants, except with the written consent of the Building Inspector. In case adequate plans are presented for part of the building only, the Building Inspector may, at his discretion, issue a permit for a part of the building before receiving the plans and specifications for the entire building.
G. 
Minor repairs. Ordinary repairs to buildings may be made without application or notice to the Building Inspector, but such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exit requirements. Ordinary repairs shall not include additions to, alterations of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent, or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
H. 
Fees. Fees shall be set by the County Board.
(1) 
In all cases when work is started prior to obtaining a permit, the application may be subject to a doubled fee.
(2) 
Canceled and refunded permits are subject to a 10% surcharge.
I. 
Inspection of work.
(1) 
Inspections shall be conducted per § SPS 320.10, Wis. Adm. Code (Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code) or § SPS 361.41, Wis. Adm. Code (Commercial Building Code), as applicable.
(2) 
In order to permit inspection of a building project at all necessary phases without causing delay for the owner, the owner and/or contractor shall request all of the following inspections in conformity with the appropriate time frame in Subsection I(3):
(a) 
Footing.
(b) 
Foundation.
(c) 
Rough carpentry, HVAC, electric and plumbing.
(d) 
Drain tile/basement floor.
(e) 
Underfloor plumbing.
(f) 
Electric service.
(g) 
Insulation.
(h) 
Final carpentry, HVAC, electric and plumbing.
(i) 
Erosion control.
(3) 
For permits issued under the Uniform Dwelling Code, construction may proceed if the inspection has not taken place by the end of the second business day following the day of notification or as otherwise agreed between the applicant and the Building Inspector.
(4) 
For permits issued under the Commercial Building Code, construction may proceed if the inspection has not taken place by the end of the fifth business day following the day of notification or as otherwise agreed between the applicant and the Building Inspector.
(5) 
(Reserved)
(6) 
If the construction meets the requirements of this code at the stage of construction, the Building Inspector shall issue his written approval thereof, and the permit holder shall thereupon be authorized to proceed to the next construction stage.
J. 
Violations and revocation of permit.
(1) 
Should the Building Inspector determine that the construction is not proceeding according to plan filed or is in violation of any provision of this code of any other applicable ordinance, regulation or law, he shall so notify the permit holder, and further construction shall be stayed until correction has been effected and approved by the Building Inspector upon notice and request for reinspection duly made.
(2) 
Should the permit holder fail to comply with the requirements at any stage of construction, the Building Inspector is hereby empowered to cancel the building permit issued and shall cause notice of such cancellation to be securely posted upon said construction. Posting of such notice shall be considered sufficient notification to the permit holder of cancellation thereof. No further work shall be undertaken or permitted upon such construction until a valid building permit shall thereafter have been issued.
K. 
Records. The Building Inspector shall keep a record of all permits, fees and inspections under this code.
A. 
Permit expiration. All permits, except as provided in Subsection A(1) below, are valid for a period of two years. Upon expiration, to continue construction, all permits as appropriate must be reissued and the current fees and applicable codes shall apply.
(1) 
Electrical permits shall expire 12 months after the date of issuance if installation of the electrical wiring has not commenced.
A. 
Any violation of codes or amendments, referenced in § 166-1 of this code, thereto to this date shall constitute a violation of this code, whether the unlawful building, alteration, installation, moving or construction involved is specifically covered by other provisions of this code or not, and shall render the violator liable to the penalties contained herein.
B. 
Violations. It shall be unlawful to construct or use any structure in violation of any of the provisions of this code. In case of any violation, the Planning and Zoning Administrator may institute appropriate action or proceeding to enjoin the violation of this code.
C. 
Penalties. Any person, firm, or corporation who or which fails to comply with the provisions of this code shall, upon conviction thereof, forfeit not less than $50 nor more than $500 and costs of prosecution for each violation and, in default of payment of such forfeiture and costs, shall be imprisoned in the County jail until payment thereof, but not exceeding 30 days. Each day a violation exists or continues shall constitute a separate offense. In any such action, the fact that a permit was issued shall not constitute a defense, nor shall any error, oversight, or dereliction of duty on the part of the Building Inspector constitute a defense.
This code shall not be construed as assuming any liability on the part of the County or any official or employee thereof for damages to anyone injured or for any property destroyed by any defect in any building or equipment, or in any plumbing or electric wiring or equipment.
Residences occupied by three or more families living independently or occupied by two such families and used also for business purposes shall comply with applicable provisions of Chs. SPS 361 to 366, Wis. Adm. Code, as applicable.
Repairs or maintenance to existing dwelling or multiple-dwelling units, or to electrical, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other systems installed therein, shall comply with the provisions of the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and/or commercial codes, Chs. SPS 361 to 366, Wis. Adm. Code, as applicable.
A. 
Financial security and compliance requirements.
(1) 
Dwelling building. Before any dwelling building is moved within or into any municipality under the jurisdiction of this code, a zoning permit must first be obtained from the Building Inspector. Before a permit to move any dwelling building is granted by the Building Inspector, the party applying shall provide an inspection report from a Wisconsin licensed engineer or architect concluding that the structure meets the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code standards and is otherwise habitable, as applicable, and the requirements of this code. The party applying therefor shall also provide a bond or a standby letter of credit in the sum of $25,000. (Note: Bond and letter of credit requirements do not apply when moving a dwelling building to another location on the same lot or when placing a new dwelling structure such as a manufactured home or manufactured dwelling.)
(2) 
Nondwelling building. Before any nondwelling building is moved within or into any municipality under the jurisdiction of this code, a zoning permit must first be obtained from the Building Inspector. The party applying therefor shall also provide a bond or a standby letter of credit in the sum of $25,000. (Note: Nondwelling buildings 150 square feet or less do not require a bond or letter of credit. Bond and letter of credit requirements do not apply when moving a nondwelling building to another location on the same lot.)
(3) 
All buildings. The party applying shall provide an affidavit including the condition that said party will save and indemnify any judgments, costs and expenses which can in any way accrue against Adams County or the respective municipality and will save the County and respective municipality harmless against all liabilities, judgments, costs, and expenses in consequence of the granting of such permit. Every permit to move a building shall state all conditions to be complied with and designate the route to be taken and the time limit for removal.
B. 
Denial. The Building Inspector shall have the power to deny a permit to move a building which he finds does not conform to this code.
C. 
Transport regulations. The transport of a building shall be continuous during all hours of the day, and day by day, and at night if the Building Inspector shall so order, until completed, with the least possible obstruction to thoroughfares. 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 in conspicuous places 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 proper authority together with a statement of the cost paid for such alterations shall be required before the issuance of the permit.
D. 
Inspection and repair of streets and highways. Every person receiving a permit to move a building shall, within one day after said building has reached its destination, report that fact to the Building Inspector. The Building Inspector shall thereupon inspect the streets and highways over which said building has been moved and ascertain their condition. If the removal of said building has caused any damage to the streets and highways, the building mover shall forthwith place them in as good repair as they were before the permit was granted. Upon failure of the building mover to do so within 10 days thereafter to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector, the County Board shall provide for repair of the damage done to such streets and highways and hold the sureties of the bond given by the building mover responsible for the payment of the same.
E. 
Permit fees. Before the Building Inspector shall issue a permit to move a building, the Inspector shall collect a fee to be set by the County Board. This fee shall be in addition to all other fees provided for in this code and any other applicable code or ordinance.
A. 
General. Before a building can be demolished or removed, the owner or agent shall notify all utilities having service connections within the building, such as water, electric, gas, sewer and any other constructions. A permit to demolish or remove a building shall not be issued until it is ascertained that service connections and appurtenant equipment, such as meters and regulators, have been removed or sealed and plugged in a safe manner.
B. 
Excavations. Excavations shall be filled with solid fill to match lot grade within 15 days of removal of the structure.
C. 
Permit fees. Before the Building Inspector shall issue a permit to demolish or remove a building, he shall collect a fee to be set by the County Board.
Manufactured homes must be placed on piers which conform to § SPS 321.40, Wis. Adm. Code (Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code), or a foundation designed and certified by a licensed Wisconsin engineer.
A. 
Exempt structures. The following structures do not require a building permit; however, an electrical permit is required per Ch. SPS 316: (Note: Other permits and inspections may be required as applicable.)
(1) 
Indian reservations. Dwellings located on Indian reservation land held in trust by the United States.
(2) 
Historical buildings. Historical buildings designated as such by the federal, state, or County government.
(3) 
State and federal buildings. State and federal buildings designated as such by the federal, state, or County government.
(4) 
Temporary buildings. Temporary buildings used exclusively for construction purposes, not exceeding one story in height, not used for living quarters and not to exceed one year in duration.
For the purposes of this code, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings assigned to them in this section. Words and phrases not herein otherwise defined shall have the meanings accepted by common usage. "Shall" as used herein is mandatory; the same applies to the term "must."
ACCESSORY BUILDING
A detached building not used as a dwelling unit but is incidental to that of the main building and which is located on the same lot. Accessory building does not mean farm building. Accessory buildings shall not be used for permanent or temporary human habitation or for sleeping areas. Accessory buildings may not contain dwelling components, including but not limited to kitchens and bedrooms. Accessory buildings may contain a bathroom group.
ADDITION
Any new construction whereby an existing building or structure, or building or structure in course of construction, is increased in area or cubical content.
ALTERATION
Any change or modification in construction or occupancy.
AREA
As applied to dimensions, the maximum horizontal projected area of a building, structure, room, apartment or open space, not including overhangs.
BUILDING
Any structure built for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind, including mobile homes, modular houses, manufactured homes, prefabricated houses, or similar structures.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
The officer charged with the administration and enforcement of this code or his regularly authorized deputy.
DWELLING
A building which is designed or used or which is intended to be used as a residence or place of abode.
EXISTING
A building, structure, equipment, or premises completed or in course of construction, or used or occupied, and for which a legal permit has been issued prior to the effective date of this code.
FLOOR AREA
The net area of any floor space enclosed by exterior walls, fire walls, or absolute fire separation.
LOT
A parcel of land in a single ownership occupied or to be occupied by not more than one principal or main building and the accessory buildings or uses customarily incident to it, including such open spaces as are required by this or other codes, and having its principal frontage upon a street.
LOT LINE
A line or lines dividing one lot, plot of land, or parcel of land from an adjoining lot, plot of land, or parcel of land.
OCCUPANCY or USE
The purpose for which a building, structure, equipment, materials or premises or part thereof is used or intended to be used as regulated by this code.
PERSON
Any individual, persons, partnerships, firm, organization, association, or corporation, their agents, heirs, or assigns.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
A single main building or structure on a lot for specific use or occupancies.
SQUARE FOOTAGE OF BUILDING
The actual area in square feet of the exterior perimeter of the building.
STRUCTURE
As specifically regulated by this code, anything which is constructed, erected, and framed of component parts and which is fastened, anchored, or rests on permanent foundation or on the ground for any occupancy or use whatsoever, excluding fencing.