On September 1, 2025, a modernized Wisconsin Commercial Building Code will take effect that establishes standards for commercial and multi-family residential buildings. The update will move Wisconsin to 2021 International Building Code (IBC) standards with additional Wisconsin-specific adjustments. Key areas affected include building envelope, mechanical systems, lighting, water heating, electric vehicle, and solar installation readiness.
The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) will be accepting plans submitted under current (2015) code through September, 2025 to ease impacts on the building industry from the update. Starting on October 1, 2025, all commercial building plans submitted to DSPS for approval must meet the updated standards.
DSPS has been updating relevant licensing exam questions and training its staff and plans to have relevant exams updated to reflect improvements to the code starting October 1. The Department will be offering two webinars for industry professionals to explain key code upgrades and answer questions. Stay tuned for dates and registration. DSPS.