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Am I grandfathered in for fire suppression requirements for my griddle?

Am I grandfathered in for fire suppression requirements for my griddle?

Q: How do I apply for a variance in Wisconsin?

To apply for a variance in Wisconsin, submit a petition to your local municipality or the relevant department if no municipality is involved. Your petition should clearly state which code provisions you're seeking a variance from and how you meet those requirements. Include any necessary fees as well.

Q: What happens if my variance application is denied?

If your variance application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process is outlined in Wisconsin Statutes s. 101.02 (6) (e) to (i) and (8). Follow the specified procedures to challenge the decision.

Q: Are there any exceptions to fire suppression requirements?

Yes, exceptions may exist depending on local codes and regulations. Some businesses may qualify for special use permits or variances that allow them to operate without meeting specific fire suppression requirements. It's important to consult your local building department for guidance.

Q: How long does it take to get a decision on a variance in Wisconsin?

Once you submit your variance application, the municipality will review it and send a recommendation to the department within ten business days. The department will then make a decision within a specified timeframe, which can vary based on who administers the code.

Full question:

i own a tavern in wi for 23 years during a fire inspection i was told i need a fire suppression device for a griddle ive had for 23 years am i grandfathered in or not

Category: Zoning
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Wisconsin

Answer:

The answer depends on whether a grandfather clause was part of the legislation when the relevant code was adopted. To find out, contact your local building department to review the specific code cited in your violation.

Sometimes, you can apply for a special use permit or variance. A variance allows you to operate your business in a way that would otherwise be prohibited by local ordinances. In Wisconsin, you can petition for a variance under Comm 20.19.

To apply for a variance, you must submit a petition to the municipality that has jurisdiction. If no municipality is involved, submit it to the department. Your application should include:

A clear statement of the specific code provisions from which you're requesting a variance and how you meet those provisions.
A fee as required by the municipality.

The municipality will review your application and send a recommendation to the department within ten business days. The department will then decide on your petition within a specified timeframe, based on who administers the code.

If you disagree with the department's decision, you may appeal it according to the procedures outlined in s. 101.02 (6) (e) to (i) and (8), Stats.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is a grandfather clause in fire safety regulations?

A grandfather clause allows existing businesses to continue operating under previous regulations instead of new ones. If your griddle was installed before new fire suppression requirements were enacted, you might qualify for this exemption. However, you need to check if such a clause exists in the fire code applicable to your area.