The Rimkus team offers a comprehensive portfolio of services for the built environment. Encompassing all engineering and architectural disciplines, our forward-thinking building solutions focus on resiliency, maintainability, sustainability, and carbon footprint reduction.
We leverage the knowledge of our deep bench of technical experts to proactively identify issues before they occur, mitigating risk and helping clients achieve the desired goals for their projects and facilities. From design and pre-construction through construction and project closeout, we span the project’s life with personalized service at every step.
List of Services:
- Architecture
- Building Envelope Services
- Civil Engineering
- Code Compliance
- Due Diligence Assessments
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Site Assessments
- Energy Audits
- Façade Inspection and Restoration
- Fire Life Safety Systems
- Historic Preservation
- Roof Consulting
- Plumbing Systems
- Renewable Energy Services
- Seismic Risk Assessments
- Structural Engineering
Wisconsin Building Codes and Regulations
Ordinance (sec. 275-32-13 Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Vol. II)
Effective August 18, 2001, the City of Milwaukee implemented the Façade Inspection Ordinance (sec. 275-32-13 Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Vol. II). This ordinance mandates critical examinations for buildings five stories or taller in order to help ensure the integrity of the façade and, subsequently, the safety of the building’s residents and visitors.
External Resources:
Deadline and Frequency:
The inspection frequency is determined by the building’s category. Building Categories:
- Category I: Exterior walls primarily reinforced with, or in direct contact with, non-corrodible metal
- Category I Frequency: Inspected every 12 years
- Category II: Exterior walls primarily reinforced with, or in direct contact with, corrosion-resistant metal
- Category IV: Exterior walls primarily secured to the substrate by adhesive bond or with masonry headers
- Category II and IV Frequency: Inspected every eight years
- Category III: Exterior walls primarily reinforced with, or in direct contact with, corrodible metal
- Category III Frequency: Inspected every five years
Inspection Requirements:
Owners of buildings older than 15 years and five stories or taller must engage a registered professional engineer or architect for a critical exam of their building’s façade. This includes all floors except the basement, penthouse, balcony, attic, mezzanine, or ground floor.
A critical exam involves a thorough inspection of the building’s façade by a State of Wisconsin-licensed professional engineer or architect. This examination includes visual and physical assessments of the façade’s elements, such as walls, windows, balconies, cornices, and parapets. The qualified professional provides a detailed report of the façade’s condition to the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS).
Rimkus has licensed engineers and architects in Wisconsin who are qualified and ready to assist with compliance.
Want to Learn More about Wisconsin Building Codes and Regulations?
