Wisconsin fire code
Wisconsin's fire code is Chapter SPS 314, the state's fire prevention code, drawn from the 2012 edition of NFPA 1. The Department of Safety and Professional Services runs it, and your city or town can layer its own requirements on top. Not sure which rules cover your building? Call now and talk it over with a Wisconsin fire protection contractor.
Code in force: SPS 314 (2012 NFPA 1 with modifications). Enforced by: Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Your local fire marshal can add rules, so check with that office too.
- state fire prevention code and base standard SPS 314 (NFPA 1, 2012)
- state department governing fire prevention rules DSPS
- commercial building size needing plan review 25,000 cubic feet
- credential rules for sprinkler contractors and testers Chapter SPS 305
Asking about a house? For a house or duplex, smoke alarm and sprinkler rules usually come from the residential building code (the IRC) instead, so ask your local building department.
The offices in charge
For SPS 314, the governing authority is the state department. In plain terms, that office gets the last word on the state rules.
When a local government adds fire prevention requirements of its own, it becomes the governing authority for those additions. That can leave you answering to the state and to your city or town at the same time.
Smoke alarms and detectors
Once a smoke alarm reaches the end of the manufacturer's service period, it has to be replaced. Any battery-powered replacement must carry a 10-year non-removable battery.
In residential buildings, owners have to keep smoke detectors in common areas working. When a tenant says a detector isn't working, the owner has 5 days to fix it.
Plan review before you build
With plan review, the state looks over your drawings before any work starts. These buildings need it:
- Public, commercial and industrial buildings of 25,000 cubic feet or more
- Schools, whatever their size
- High-hazard buildings, whatever their size
- Multi-unit residential properties with three or more units
Alarm, detection and suppression systems all require plans. Certain municipalities hold delegated authority and do their own plan reviews. Everywhere else, plans are sent to the state through esla.wi.gov.
Compliant plans get a conditional approval letter. That letter allows construction to begin, subject to local permitting.
Permits and inspections
Fire suppression and fire alarm permits don't come from the state. They come from your local municipality or fire department, and an approved plan review has to be in place first.
Once installation is done, an inspection is required under both your municipal building permit and the approval letter from plan review. Not sure which office issues your permit? Give us a call and we'll show you the next steps.
Wisconsin fire sprinkler license
Automatic fire sprinkler contractors are licensed by the state department. The Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor credential is held by one person, and that person needs their own LicensE account. LicensE is the state's online credential system.
New applicants start with the exam route. Renewals are governed by SPS 305.07 and call for 24 hours of continuing education. It opens roughly 4 weeks before the license runs out.
A credential expired for more than 4 years goes through the reinstatement path. You can petition for a variance from the SPS 305 rules, which carries an added fee under SPS 305.02 (4).
You pay online by card or ACH. Choosing ACH may tack on 3 to 5 business days.
People without a credential can perform routine sprinkler inspection and testing. Chapter SPS 305 covers the optional tester credentials.
Fire inspector credentials
The state department also issues the inspector credential for fire detection, prevention, and suppression, again to an individual holding a LicensE account. There is no continuing education requirement.
Renewal follows SPS 305.07, involves an application and fees, and can start about 4 weeks before expiry. After more than 4 years expired, reinstatement applies.
Other rules that often catch owners off guard
- Manual wet sprinkler systems follow NFPA 25, though the main drain test is waived.
- Fire extinguisher certification isn't issued by the state.
- Testing of fire and smoke dampers belongs to someone with an ANSI-accredited credential in fire and life safety.
- Unvented portable heaters that burn fuel are not allowed, apart from construction or demolition sites with proper airflow.
- A mobile kitchen smaller than 365 square feet and operating under 12 days a year is excused from hood and suppression requirements.
- Explosive-material magazines must be checked no less often than every 7 days.
Two local snapshots: Milwaukee and Mequon
To occupy certain higher-risk buildings in Milwaukee, you need a Fire Prevention Permit, which comes with an annual inspection and permit fee. The process starts with application form DNS-131, followed by a scheduled inspection. Once the inspector signs off, the city issues the permit and mails a notice of fee. To figure out which code requirements apply, the hazardous materials worksheet DNS-132 can help.
In Mequon, the fire department inspects 600-plus buildings and businesses twice yearly, as the state requires. There's no fire alarm permit requirement, but you do need an electrical permit. Adding or changing sprinklers triggers a plumbing permit and a fire department look-over, test and inspection.
For major commercial plans, Mequon reviews water supply, road access, plus automatic fire detection and suppression. Call today to pin down your building's local requirements before you file.