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 that 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 design or method of
construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that
any such alternative has been approved. An alternative
material, design 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, not less than 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 why
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 without 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.
Materials that are reused shall comply with the requirements
of this code for new materials. 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.