In This Issue
Wisconsin’s Commercial Modular Building Program: A New Path for Off-Site Construction
 Modular observation unit installation at Advocate Health Grafton Medical Center in Wisconsin. Image courtesy of Bildt, The Boldt Company, and Mike Roemer Photography.
Wisconsin has established a regulatory framework for commercial modular buildings and building elements - providing manufacturers, design professionals, contractors, owners, and code officials with a defined pathway for the use of off-site construction in commercial building projects. The program recognizes the growing use of factory-built construction while maintaining Wisconsin’s requirements for building safety, plan review, inspection, and code compliance.
Commercial modular construction may include complete building modules or individual building elements that are substantially fabricated or assembled at a manufacturing facility before being transported to the project site. Wisconsin’s program establishes a process for reviewing the manufacturer, construction documents, quality-control procedures, inspection program, and continuing compliance so that approved factory construction can be incorporated into projects throughout the state.
Click here to learn more about the Commercial Modular Building Program.
New DSPS Website is Live!
DSPS has launched a new website - complete with a new logo and colors! We are still at dsps.wi.gov but people will also be able to find our new website at safety.wi.gov.
Designed with users in mind, the upgraded site design provides a more intuitive experience that helps people find what they need quickly.
Here's what you can expect from the new website:
- Easier navigation to help users get where they're going faster.
- Improved search functions so people can quickly find the right forms, services, and information.
- Mobile-friendly design for a seamless experience on any device.
- Clear, consistent layout that makes interacting with DSPS simpler and more efficient.
You'll notice the same focus on accessibility and convenience reflected in the updated format of this newsletter and other communications and resources provided by DSPS.
These updates are part of our agency’s ongoing commitment to better serve Wisconsin residents, businesses, and professionals. Our staff has worked to organize and streamline information across the site so our users can spend less time searching and more time getting things done.
Check out this video for an introduction to some of the improvements.
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Plumbing Code Update Reminder
The 2026 Wisconsin Plumbing Code (SPS 381-387) update package went into effect on September 1, 2026. The update package was issued under Clearinghouse Rule CR 26-019.
The Wisconsin Plumbing Code update package includes, but is not limited to: updates to definitions; updates to national standards; updates to cross connection control tables; provisions for directional boring; providing options for temperature control valves; revisions pertaining to POWTS system permitting; requirements for emergency fixtures; language in coordination with the Safe Drinking Water Act; and more.
The DIS Plumbing Program recently provided a class on the 2026 Wisconsin Plumbing Code updates, which can be found on the DSPS YouTube channel.
Upcoming Sand Blanket Component Manual and Other POWTS Program Updates
Attendee examining soil at a DSPS Soil training event held on September 17, 2026, in Marquette County.
Plan review rose to the highest level we've seen in a decade! This plus committee meetings, creation of industry manuals, and trainings have made this a very busy summer for the DIS POWTS team.
The POWTS Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) met in early September on two main agenda items: the Public Facility Wastewater Flows Table 383.43-1 under SPS 383 Appendix; and introduction of the intent to create a Sand Blanket Component Manual.
We do not know when the changes to the Appendix will be published but we will be sure to share them and provide training, once they are available. As always, the flows in the Table are the best estimates based on research and data available to DIS POWTS staff. Metering and monitoring of flows and loads in accordance with SPS 383 and SPS 383 Appendix are still allowed and provide real data for actual facility usage.
DIS POWTS staff will take on the creation of a Sand Blanket Component Manual this winter. The manual will cover aggregate and aggregate alternatives. Our goal is to have the manual ready for product approval in time for the May 2027 renewal of other DSPS-produced component manuals. If you have suggestions, experiences, or anything else you think would be helpful for drafting this manual or in the renewals to the existing manuals, please reach out to a DIS team or TAC member.
Upcoming Training Opportunity: 2-Day Basic Soils - Sparta, Monroe County
Date and Time: October 14 (9 a.m.– 4 p.m.) – October 15 (8 a.m.– 4 p.m.)
Location: Monroe County Highway Shop, 3110 E Wisconsin St., Sparta
Cost: $90 if registered before October 5, 8 a.m., $100 after
CEU Credits: 6 hours each day (12 total) for CST. No credits are available for the plumbing, inspector, or maintainer credentials.
Registration: https://go.wisc.edu/oct2026cst
Fire Prevention Program Updates
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Update on Wisconsin's CRAIG 1300 CRR Assessment Tool: The WI Fire Safety Dashboard/CRAIG 1300 (Risk Reduction Tool) was updated with 2025, 2024, and 2023 incident data, your NFIRS Data, and the NFPA Fire Safety Tips/PDFs to assist with your Local Community Risk Reduction Programs. Utilize the Craig 1300 Community Risk Reduction insight generator tool to see vulnerable areas in your communities as well as a one stop shop for resources/information to assist you in reducing risk in your communities.
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Latest Edition of the Wisconsin Fire Service Guidebook (May 2025 edition)
- Prefer a hard copy? Now available FREE at DocuSales - SKU SBD9405P
- Digital copy is available online.
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Next SPS 314/NFPA 1 State Fire Code Update Committee: The next meeting for this committee will be held virtually on November 18th at 9:30 a.m. To listen in, provide comments, or just need more info, visit the SPS 314 Fire Prevention Code Advisory Committee webpage.
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2026 NERIS Incident Reporting: Please ensure you are getting all 2026 incidents reported to NERIS and that your incidents are current for 2026. If you are using an RMS, confirm that your incidents are exporting to NERIS successfully. Our WI Image Trend Elite RMS is free for WI Fire Departments for incident reporting and for completing fire inspections digitally. Also, we have discontinued the use of the DSPSISNFIRS@Wisconsin.gov email tech box. It has been updated to DSPSISNERIS@Wisconsin.gov. Please update your address books.
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2026 Free DSPS Fire Prevention Trainings: Register on Bookwhen. Topics include:
- Fire code in schools.
- Youth firefighter training grant
- Image Trend Elite Updates
- National sound-off safety patrol program
- WI CRAIG 1300 CRR Safety Dashboard Updates
- Local and state fire code enforcement
- SPS 314/NFPA 1 code committee updates
- NERIS updates
- SPS 330: Respiratory protection (FIT)
- Petition for variance process - includes DSPS fire protection systems plan reviewer guest speaker
DIS Staff Updates
Welcome new employees!
- Jared Sears - Fire Suppression Systems Consultant
The following individuals are leaving DIS. Use DSPS Inspector Look-Up Tool and the Contact Us section on your program page for updated contact information.
- Matt Marciniak - Plumbing Consultant
- Shane Rolff - Commercial Building Inspector
- Larry Wiest - Commercial Building Plan Reviewer
- Bill Wagner - Commercial Building Plan Reviewer
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Tech Box Question
DIS maintains program-specific email inboxes (tech boxes) to provide general code answers. Non-technical questions for eSLA, delegated agents, and invoices have their own tech boxes! Use the appropriate tech box to ensure a timely response to your question. See this example question!
Question to DSPS Mine Safety:
Blasting will begin next week at a quarry a few blocks from my house. What is required of the quarry owner/operator to ensure this will not cause damage to local residences?
Response:
Blasting in Wisconsin is regulated by Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 307 which establishes uniform limits on permissible levels of blasting resultants relating to the use of explosive materials.
SPS 307 adopts the standards outlined in National Fire Protection Association 495 Explosive Materials Code, as well as implementing additional department rules.
DSPS ensures that blasting programs are designed and initiated by a properly licensed blaster who is required to notify DSPS that blasting is about to begin. At least 24 hours prior to initial blasting, the blaster in charge shall make a reasonable effort to notify, in writing or verbally, all residents or owners of affected dwellings or other structures based on a scale distance equation outlined in SPS 307.
The blaster in charge shall also offer to perform a pre-blasting survey for the residents or owners. All surface blasting shall be conducted between sunrise and sunset with any deviations required to be approved by DSPS. SPS 307 also sets limits to blasting resultants such as flyrock, airblast, and ground vibration. Seismographs are required to monitor frequency and velocity of the resultant vibration with the blaster in charge required to report any adverse effect does not meet the requirements under this section.
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Recent Enforcement Actions
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Village of Rewey commercial building after it was found it underwent a change of use without commercial building plan submittal, approval or inspection.
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A Stop Use/Stop Work Order was entered against concrete stage of a City of Montello building after it was found that the existing condition of the building created an imminent danger to public safety or health.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Town of Matteson commercial building after it was found it underwent a change of use without commercial building plan submittal, approval or inspection.
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A suspension was entered against a Mount Pleasant Electrical Contractor for failing to obtain a permit and not having a Master Electrician supervise the work.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Village of Patch Grove commercial building after it was found the site was in disrepair and fallen out of compliance with the commercial building code.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Town of Helvetia commercial building after it was found there was an addition to the site without going through proper plan review approval and also had plumbing code violations.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Town of El Paso commercial building after it was found that the site was not in compliance with the commercial building code.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Town of Forest commercial building after it was found it underwent a change of use without commercial building plan submittal, approval or inspection.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a City of Tomahawk commercial building after it was found it was out of compliance with the commercial building code and public pool code.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Village of Junction City commercial building after it was found it had an addition constructed without commercial building plan submittal, approval or inspection.
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A suspension was entered against a Sun Prairie Dwelling Contractor Qualifier and Marshall Dwelling Contractor for engaging in negligence.
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Notices of Violations and Orders were entered against 4 City of Prairie du Chien commercial buildings after it was found they were out of compliance with the commercial building code.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a New Chester Fire Department for violations of Administrative Code SPS Chapterr 330.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Elkhorn Area Fire Department for violations of the commercial building code and Administrative Code SPS Chapters 332 and 314.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Big Flats Fire Department for violations of Administrative Code SPS Chapters 330 and 314.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Town of Breed commercial building after it was found it underwent a change of use without commercial building plan submittal, approval or inspection.
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A Notice of Violations and Order was entered against a Pardeeville Fire Department for violations of Administrative Code SPS Chapters 330 and 314.
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