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
upon application of the owner or owner's authorized agent, provided the code official shall
first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter
of this code impractical, 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. 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.
Where the alternative material, design or method of construction is
not approved, the code official shall
respond in writing, stating the reasons the alternative was not approved.
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 to be made as evidence
of compliance at no expense to the jurisdiction.
105.3.1 Test methods.
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.
105.3.2 Test reports.
Reports of tests shall be retained by the code official for the period required for retention of public records.
The use of used materials that meet the requirements of this
code for new materials is permitted. Materials, equipment, and devices
shall not be reused unless such elements are in good repair or have
been reconditioned and tested where necessary, placed in good and
proper working condition and approved by the code official.
Materials, equipment and devices approved by
the code official shall be constructed and installed
in accordance with such approval.
Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of
materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code,
shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources.