Milwaukee officials discuss building code reforms after tragic Highland Court fire

A tragic fire at Highland Court Apartments has sparked urgent discussions in Milwaukee about building safety regulations, particularly regarding sprinkler systems. During a recent meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee, officials addressed the enforcement of building codes in light of the fire that claimed five lives and displaced over 100 residents.

The fire, which occurred on May 12, 2025, highlighted significant gaps in safety regulations, as the building lacked a sprinkler system due to outdated state laws at the time of its construction. Chief Fire Officer emphasized that had the building been equipped with sprinklers, the outcome could have been drastically different, potentially saving lives and reducing injuries.

Commissioner Hesamila Royo Vega from the Department of Neighborhood Services presented a detailed overview of Milwaukee's building codes, tracing their evolution since 1914. He noted that Wisconsin is one of the few states with its own independent building code, which has undergone various updates, including the adoption of the International Building Code in 2002. However, current regulations still leave many older buildings, particularly multifamily units built before 1974, without mandatory sprinkler systems.

The committee discussed the implications of the 2013 Wisconsin Act 270, which restricts municipalities from imposing stricter fire safety regulations than those established at the state level. This has left many buildings nonconforming, meaning they were built under previous codes that no longer meet current safety standards. Estimates suggest that around 10% of Milwaukee's multifamily units—approximately 10,000—are nonconforming and do not require sprinklers, potentially affecting up to 25,000 residents.

In response to these findings, the Department of Neighborhood Services is considering increasing inspection frequency for nonconforming buildings and enhancing fire safety education for tenants. The committee aims to gather more data on nonconforming properties and explore legislative avenues to mandate sprinkler systems in existing buildings.

As Milwaukee grapples with these critical safety issues, the city is poised to take action to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of its residents. The committee's discussions signal a commitment to revisiting and potentially reforming building codes to enhance fire safety across the city.