Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying
out the provisions of this Code, the Code Official shall have the
authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the
Code Official shall first find that special individual reason makes
the strict letter of this Code impractical and the modification is
in compliance with the intent and purpose of this Code and that such
modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements.
Request for modifications shall be in writing and the details of action
granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the department
files.
The provisions of this Code are not intended to prevent the
installation of any material or to prohibit any method of construction
not specifically prescribed by this Code, provided that any such alternative
has been approved. An alternative material or method of construction
shall be approved where the Code Official finds that the proposed
design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions
of this Code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for
the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in
this Code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability
and safety.
Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the
provisions of this Code, or evidence that a material or method does
not conform to the requirements of this Code, or in order to substantiate
claims for alternative materials or methods, the Code Official shall
have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be
made at no expense to the jurisdiction.
Test methods shall be as specified in this Code or by other
recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted
test methods, the Code Official shall be permitted to approve appropriate
testing procedures performed by an approved agency.
All tests shall be performed by an approved agency.
Reports of tests shall be retained by the Code Official for
the period required for retention of public records.
Materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless
such elements have been reconditioned and tested when necessary, placed
in good and proper working condition and approved.