Chapter 1 — Applicability and Implementation

Applicability and Implementation

1.1 GENERAL

 The provisions of this part are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety as well as health and general welfare in existing buildings while permitting alteration,  addition to or change of use.

1.2        Applicability

1.2.1         General

 The provisions of this part shall apply to existing buildings that will continue to be or are proposed to be in occupancy groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H. The provisions shall not apply to buildings of historical or architectural value identified and classified by designated authorities. For such buildings, the provisions of Sec 1.5 of Part 1 and Sec 1.16 of Part 3 shall be applicable.

1.2.2        Change in Use

        No change in use of an existing building shall be allowed if the proposed use is not in conformity with the land use pattern and within the permitted occupancy classes as may be determined by the city or area development authorities having  jurisdiction.

 Where an existing building is changed to a new use group classification, the provisions  for new use group in this Code shall be used to determine compliance.

1.2.3        Part Change in Use

 Where a portion of the building is changed to a new use group classification, and that portion is separated from the remainder of the building with fire separation assemblies having  a fire resistance rating as required by Table 3.2.1 of Part 3 for the separate uses,  the portion changed shall be made to conform to the provisions of this Code.

 Where a portion of the building is changed to a new use group classification, and that portion is not separated from the remainder of the building with fire separation  assemblies having a fire resistance rating as required by Table 3.2.1 for the separate uses, the provisions  of this Code  which apply to each use shall apply to the entire building. Where there are conflicting provisions, those requirements which secure the greater public safety shall apply to the entire building or structure.

1.2.4        Additions

 Additions to existing buildings shall comply with all of the requirements of this Code for new constructions. The  combined height  and area of the existing building and the new addition shall not exceed the height and open space requirements for new building specified in Part 3 of this Code. Where a fire wall that complies with Table 3.3.1 of Part 3 is provided between the addition and the existing building, the addition shall be considered as a separate building.

1.2.5        Alterations

 An existing building or portion thereof which does not comply with the requirements  of this Code for new construction shall not be altered in such a manner that results in the building being less safe or sanitary than such building is at present. If, in the alteration the present  level of safety or sanitation is to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of this Code.

1.3 IMPLEMENTATION

1.3.1        Investigation and Evaluation

 For the proposed works relating to alteration, addition  to and change of use, the owner of the building shall cause the existing building to be investigated and evaluated by competent professionals in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

1.3.2        Structural Analysis

 The owner shall have a structural analysis of the existing building carried out to determine the adequacy of all structural systems for the proposed alteration, addition or change  of use. The existing building together with the addition or alteration shall be capable of supporting the minimum load requirements specified in Part 6 of this Code.

1.3.3        Submittal

 The results of the investigation and evaluation as required in Sec 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 above along with all proposed compliance alternatives, shall be submitted to the Building Official.

1.3.4        Determination of Compliance

 The Building Official shall examine all relevant  documents and determine whether the existing building, with the proposed additions, alterations or change of use, complies with the provisions specified in this Code for the occupancy classification and type of construction.