DSPS to Resume Enforcement of Fire Sprinkler Requirement in Multi-Family Dwellings

Despite not having enforced these provisions in recent history, the Department of Safety and Professional Services will once again be enforcing compliance with fire sprinkler requirements stated in Wis. Admin. Code SPS § 362.0903 starting on April 19th, 2021.

Former Attorney General Brad Schimel had previously issued an official opinion in 2017 declaring that these fire sprinkler requirements in the administrative code were not enforceable. However, the provisions have remained in administrative code since that time.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul reversed that decision and has issued an opinion declaring that this section of administrative code is in fact enforceable.

Come April 19th, 2021, a multi-family dwelling with three or more attached units will need to have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed unless it meets narrow exceptions in order to be in compliance with DSPS. Read the DSPS memo here.