§ 16.48.010. Variances authorized when—Guidelines.

A.

To promote conservation and rehabilitation of existing buildings, alterations, repairs, or change of use and occupancy may be made where such rehabilitation conforms to intent of this code as established by the director. The director may exercise discretionary authority, subject to appeal, to vary or modify in whole or in part the application of any provision of this code where compliance with such provision would create practical difficulty or undue hardship, and further subject to Sections 3405, D102.1, and D102.2 of the Standard Building Code.

B.

Such variance or modification shall be consistent with the intent of this code, which is to achieve acceptable levels of safety for the general public. The director may require documented justification for any request for such variances or modifications from any code provision to be prepared in written form, supported by technical or other data deemed necessary and that proposal shall become a part of the permanent records of the department of codes administration.

C.

The director may adopt a committee to develop such rules, regulations and guidelines such as, but not limited to, "Chapter 34, Section 3409 Compliance Alternatives, of the Standard Building Code" as may be necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter, which is to allow discretion and flexibility in the rehabilitation of existing buildings.

D.

The director shall create a rehab committee that shall meet on as needed basis. The members of committee shall be the assistant director of the codes department, the chief plans examiner or the chief building inspector and the assistant fire marshal or his designated deputy. The decision of the rehab committee may be subject to Chapter 2.80 (the board of fire and building appeals).

(Ord. BL2002-1142 § 28, 2002; Ord. 95-1487 § 85, 1995; prior code § 11-1-76)