The code official is authorized to approve performance-based fire and life safety designs where the code official finds that the proposed design has been conducted by an approved method. Approved performance-based designs shall be deemed as evidence of compliance with the intent of this code. Approvals under the authority herein contained shall be subject to the approval of the building code official whenever the design involves matters regulated by the Building Code. Sections 104.9.3.1 through 104.9.3.4 shall apply to performance-based designs.
Design goals, objectives and performance criteria shall be approved by the code official prior to the submission of a performance-based design report, calculations or analysis results. As a minimum, an approved performance-based design shall address the following objectives: life safety of occupants, firefighter safety, property protection, continuity of operations and safeguarding of the environment.
To determine the acceptability of the performance-based design, the code official is authorized to request technical assistance in accordance with Section 104.7.2.
Performance-based designs shall be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, a licensed design professional competent in the area of work. The design professional shall provide written confirmation to the code official before a certificate of occupancy is issued that the performance-based design has been properly implemented, that the operation or use of the building is within the limitations of the design and that adequate controls are in place to maintain compliance with the conditions of the design throughout the life of the building.
Where a performance-based design has been approved and used, the property owner shall annually certify that the design features and systems have been maintained in accordance with the approved original performance-based design and assumptions and any subsequent approved changes or modifications to the original performance-based design.