EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) – A Wisconsin panel has approved an Eau Claire Amish family’s request for an exemption from the state building code. David Mortimer, who acts as an advocate for the Amish, says the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) approved John Yoder’s Religious Waiver from certain provisions of the Uniform Dwelling Code, including the requirement for smoke detectors and plumbing that meets state requirements.
Eau Claire County officials had recommended that the request be rejected, saying lack of smoke detectors and proper plumbing is a threat to public health and safety.