The Viroqua City Council took a couple of steps toward tighter building code regulations last week.

The council approved the first reading of a new building code ordinance that adopts the state uniform dwelling code for one- and two-family homes and discussed another ordinance regarding building codes for mechanical systems at the public property committee on Wednesday, Jan 9.

City administrator Jeff Gohlke said the city has been working with local contractors and the La Crosse Area Builders Association over the last year to develop local ordinances that incorporate the aspects of the state uniform dwelling code to protect the general public. The city stepped up its efforts to enforce building codes last year when it hired in independent inspection firm, Haugrud Inspections, to take on inspection duties.

The ordinance lays out fees for building permits and inspections that are similar to the current ordinance with some minor changes, said Gohlke. The dollar amount for when a building permit is required was raised from $750 to $1,000 and the fee for the permit was raised from $40 to $75. There are still four inspections that will require a $150 fee for each inspection.

First inspections will include footer, foundation and erosion control. The second inspections will include rough-in inspection and erosion control. The third inspection will include insulation, vapor barrier and erosion control. The final inspection will inspect construction completion and erosion control. Remodeling and additions will carry a $75 fee for each inspection.

Local contractor Duaine Dregne said he is satisfied with the approach the city has taken to the new regulations and has been a part of the process to help create the regulations. Dregne, who owns Kickapoo Homes, said the regulations are needed and in the end will be a good thing.

"Most good contractors are doing these things anyway and have been following state regulations," said Dregne.

Dregne said he hopes that the permits issued will include information on a contractor's state license number and proof of insurance to further protect homeowners. Dregne said he is a member of the La Crosse Area Builders Association, which was instrumental in the drafting of the ordinance.

"They have worked very closely with us and the city and if it includes what they have said they were going to do I have no problem with it," said Dregne.

The council will have a second reading of the ordinance on Jan. 29 and if approved it will become effective upon publication.

The city also considered additional regulation at the public property committee meeting that includes more specific requirements for electrical, plumbing and HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) work. The additional regulations will adopt state codes for each of those trades. Dregne said in all of the trades, except electrical, the state requires state certification to do work, so it is unlikely there will be much impact in those areas.

The public property committee will gather more information on the specifics of the ordinance and bring it back for further discussion at a later date. Once a final draft of the ordinance is approved it will be forwarded to the council for the first reading of the ordinance.