A. General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes. The building official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this chapter and the technical codes and to adopt policies and procedures supplemental to this chapter and the technical codes as deemed necessary in order to clarify the application of their provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this chapter and the technical codes.

B. Applications and Permits. The building official shall receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for the erection, alteration, demolition and moving of buildings, structures and building service equipment, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes.

C. Notices and Orders. The building official shall issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with this chapter and the technical codes.

D. Inspections. The building official shall make all of the required inspections, or the building official shall have the authority to accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections shall be in writing and be certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The building official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that arise at the applicant’s expense.

E. Identification. The building official shall carry proper identification when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this chapter and the technical codes.

F. Right of Entry. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes, or where the building official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a structure or upon a premises a condition which is contrary to or in violation of this chapter and the technical codes which makes the structure or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this chapter and the technical codes; provided, that if such structure or premises be occupied that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If such structure or premises is unoccupied, the building official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the building official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.

G. Liability. The building official charged with the enforcement of this chapter and the technical codes, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable for damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of an act or omission in the discharge of the assigned duties.

H. Approved Materials and Equipment. Materials, equipment and devices approved by the building official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

I. Used Materials and Equipment. The use of used materials and building service equipment is permitted when approved by the building official.

J. Modifications. Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes, the building official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, upon application of the owner or owner’s representative, provided the building official shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of this chapter and the technical codes impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this chapter and the technical codes and that such modification does not lessen health, accessibility, life and fire safety, or structural requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the department. The building official is authorized to charge an additional fee to evaluate any proposed modification under the provisions of this section.

K. Alternative Materials, Design and Methods of Construction and Equipment. The provisions of this chapter and the technical codes are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this chapter and the technical codes; provided, that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction may be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the technical codes in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety. The building official is authorized to charge an additional fee to evaluate any proposed alternate under the provisions of this section.

L. Research Reports. Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in technical codes, shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources.

M. Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of the technical codes, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the building official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the city. Test methods shall be as specified in technical codes or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the building official shall approve the testing procedures. Tests shall be performed by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the building official for the period required for retention of public records. (Ord. 6291 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5528 § 2, 2004.)