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City of Oshkosh
Division of Inspection Services
PO Box 1130
Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130
(920) 236-5050 (920) 236-5084 FAX
Advisory Committee on Inspection Services
Summary of January 2, 2008 Meeting
Present: Allyn Dannhoff, Phil Baeten, Keith Decker, John Hazelberg, Ann Stephenson
Absent: Pete LeCompte, Tom Karrels, Bill Warren, Cal Watters
Meeting commenced at 2:00 PM
Review Minutes of October 3, 2007
The minutes were approved, no concerns or changes noted.
December Newsletter
It seems the problem with the e-mail and Web subscription service has been resolved. However,
some still had not gotten the December Newsletter and it was determined that their e-mail address
had not been updated. Allyn also reminded the members that anyone interested in getting the
Newsletter by e-mail can receive it by going to our Web subscription service and listing their e-
mail address.
Dwelling Contractor Certification and Qualifier Requirements
Effective January 1, 2008, the State requires Building Contractors for 1 and 2 family homes hold
a Dwelling Contractor Certification, which requires filing a registration form and fee, and a
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification, which requires someone in the organization be
certified as a Qualifier by attending 12 hours of continuing education classes. This information is
available on the Commerce website.
There was some discussion regarding contractors not getting the contractor and qualifier
certifications and allowing the homeowner to pull the permits. Allyn stated that it was legal for
the owner to pull a permit as long as he resided in the home and signs the Cautionary Statement
that has been added to the Permit Application.
2008 Division Work Plan
Allyn introduced the 2008 Division Work Plan to the members.
Commercial Code Changes
Allyn reminded the members that effective March 1, 2008 the State Commercial Building Code
changes will go into effect. Of significance are changes regarding sprinkler protection in
multifamily buildings.
Condo Basement Remodel
Allyn discussed with the members the State Code that requires buildings with 3 units or more be
sprinklered and the need for contractors to draw up plans noting where sprinkler heads are
located. Allyn indicated that Inspection Services Division will issue a policy statement or
brochure regarding basement remodels.
Discuss/Review Issues/Concerns Committee Members are aware of.
Allyn asked the members in attendance if they had any suggestions for committee members to
replace Phil Baeten (remodeling contractor) and John Hazelberg (electrician), who’s
appointments expired December 2007. A few remodeling contractors suggested were Jason
Geffers, the Leach Bros and Todd Raehl. An electrical candidate suggested was Joe Schweda.
Allyn said he is looking for actively involved contractors who can see things from both sides of
the spectrum: the need for code compliance and the contractors point of view. He also said he
will check our contractor data base and see if he can find candidates that would be willing to
serve on the Committee. Both Phil and John have said they will stay on and will attend the next
meeting in April in hopes that new volunteers have agreed to serve on the committee.
Committee members discussed their concerns on several items:
(1)Razing homes based on repairs exceeding 50% of the home’s value, when they actually
could be salvageable. Allyn stated that the razing should be based on structural repairs and
that the repair estimate should be itemized and all cosmetic repairs, ie, siding, roofing,
windows, flooring and trim would be deducted from that estimate total.
(2)Understanding the state code regarding hot roofs and maintaining the required R-factor
when insulating. Allyn stated that he would discuss this item with his staff and check the
State’s ruling on hot roofs.
(3)Discussion regarding when draft and fire stopping must be inspected and how the present
policy evolved.
Meeting adjourned at 3:15 PM.
Respectfully Submitted;
Ann Stephenson
Secretary