These regulations shall be known as the Wildland-Urban Interface Code of [NAME OF JURISDICTION], hereinafter referred to as "this code."
The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, repair, maintenance and use of any building, structure or premises within the wildland-urban interface areas in this jurisdiction.
Buildings or conditions in existence at the time of the adoption of this code are allowed to have their use or occupancy continued, if such condition, use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this code, provided such continued use does not constitute a distinct danger to life or property.
Buildings or structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this code for new buildings or structures.
Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
The objective of this code is to establish minimum regulations consistent with nationally recognized good practice for the safeguarding of life and property. Regulations in this code are intended to mitigate the risk to life and structures from intrusion of fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to mitigate structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels. The extent of this regulation is intended to be tiered commensurate with the relative level of hazard present.
The unrestricted use of property in wildland-urban interface areas is a potential threat to life and property from fire and resulting erosion. Safeguards to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire-protection facilities to control the spread of fire in wildland-urban interface areas shall be in accordance with this code.
This code shall supplement the jurisdiction's building and fire codes, if such codes have been adopted, to provide for special regulations to mitigate the fire- and life-safety hazards of the wildland-urban interface areas.
The provisions of the code shall apply to conditions arising after the adoption thereof, conditions not legally in existence at the adoption of this code and conditions which, in the opinion of the code official, constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.
Exception: Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive.
Additions or alterations shall be permitted to be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with all of the requirements of this code, provided the addition or alteration conforms to that required for a new building or structure.
Exception: Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive.
Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure that will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code nor shall such additions or alterations cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not provide adequate access in compliance with the provisions of this code or will obstruct existing exits or access; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.
All buildings, structures, landscape materials, vegetation, defensible space or other devices or safeguards required by this code shall be maintained in conformance to the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures, landscape materials and vegetation.
Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall govern. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.
References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this code.
The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 7 and such codes and standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall govern.
In the event that any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.
The legal occupancy or use of any structure or condition existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code, the International Property Maintenance Code or the International Fire Code, or as is deemed necessary by the code official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
The department of [INSERT NAME OF DEPARTMENT] is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the code official.
The code official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.
In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the code official shall have the authority to appoint a deputy(s). Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the code official.
The code official is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code. The code official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.
The code official shall have the power to render interpretations of this code and to adopt and enforce rules and supplemental regulations to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformance to the intent and purpose of this code.
A copy of such rules and regulations shall be filed with the clerk of the jurisdiction and shall be in effect immediately thereafter. Additional copies shall be available for distribution to the public.
The code official, member of the board of appeals or employee charged with the enforcement of this code, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable for damages that may accrue to persons or property as a result of an act or by reason of an act or omission in the discharge of such duties. A suit brought against the code official or employee because of such act or omission performed by the code official or employee in the enforcement of any provision of such codes or other pertinent laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this code or enforced by the code enforcement agency shall be defended by this jurisdiction until final termination of such proceedings, and any judgment resulting therefrom shall be assumed by this jurisdiction. The code enforcement agency or its parent jurisdiction shall not be held as assuming any liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this code or any permits or certificates issued under this code.
Where no applicable standards or requirements are set forth in this code, or are contained within other laws, codes, regulations, ordinances or policies adopted by the jurisdiction, compliance with applicable standards of other nationally recognized safety standards, as approved, shall be deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of this code.
Requirements that are essential for the public safety of an existing or proposed activity, building or structure, or for the safety of the occupants thereof, which are not specifically provided for by this code, shall be determined by the code official consistent with the necessity to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare.
The code official is authorized to receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for construction regulated by this code, issue permits for operations regulated by this code, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.
When requested to do so by the code official, other officials of this jurisdiction shall assist and cooperate with the code official in the discharge of the duties required by this code.
When there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the code official is authorized to grant modifications for individual cases on application in writing by the owner or a duly authorized representative. The code official shall first find that a special individual reason makes enforcement of the strict letter of this code impractical, the modification is in conformance to the intent and purpose of this code, and the modification does not lessen any fire protection requirements or any degree of structural integrity. The details of any action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered into the files of the code enforcement agency.
If the code official determines that difficult terrain, danger of erosion or other unusual circumstances make strict compliance with the vegetation control provisions of the code detrimental to safety or impractical, enforcement thereof may be suspended, provided that reasonable alternative measures are taken.
To determine the acceptability of technologies, processes, products, facilities, materials and uses attending the design, operation or use of a building or premises subject to the inspection of the code official, the code official is authorized to require the owner or the person in possession or control of the building or premises to provide, without charge to the jurisdiction, a technical opinion and report. The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or fire safety specialty organization acceptable to the code official and the owner and shall analyze the fire safety of the design, operation or use of the building or premises, the facilities and appurtenances situated thereon and fuel management for purposes of establishing fire hazard severity to recommend necessary changes.
The code official, in concurrence with approval from the building official and fire chief, is authorized to approve alternative materials or methods, provided that the code official finds that the proposed design, use or operation satisfactorily complies with the intent of this code and that the alternative is, for the purpose intended, at least equivalent to the level of quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety prescribed by this code. Approvals under the authority herein contained shall be subject to the approval of the building official whenever the alternate material or method involves matters regulated by the International Building Code.
The code official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding its use. The details of any action granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency.
To determine the suitability of alternative materials and methods and to provide for reasonable interpretations of the provisions of this code, there shall be and hereby is created a board of appeals consisting of five members who are qualified by experience and training to pass judgment on pertinent matters. The code official, building official and fire chief shall be ex officio members, and the code official shall act as secretary of the board. The board of appeals shall be appointed by the legislative body and shall hold office at their discretion. The board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render decisions and findings in writing to the code official, with a duplicate copy to the applicant.
The board of appeals shall not have authority relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this code and shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.
Unless otherwise exempted, no building or structure regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, altered, repaired, moved, removed, converted, demolished or changed in use or occupancy unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the code official.
For buildings or structures erected for temporary uses, see Appendix A, Section A108.3, of this code.
When required by the code official, a permit shall be obtained for the following activities, operations, practices or functions within an wildland-urban interface area:
- Automobile wrecking yard.
- Candles and open flames in assembly areas.
- Explosives or blasting agents.
- Fireworks.
- Flammable or combustible liquids.
- Hazardous materials.
- Liquefied petroleum gases.
- Lumberyards.
- Motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations.
- Open burning.
- Pyrotechnical special effects material.
- Tents, canopies and temporary membrane structures.
- Tire storage.
- Welding and cutting operations.
Unless otherwise provided in the requirements of the International Building Code or International Fire Code, a permit shall not be required for the following:
- One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2) and the structure is located more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the nearest adjacent structure.
- Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
The code official is authorized to stipulate conditions for permits. Permits shall not be issued when public safety would be at risk, as determined by the code official.
To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a form furnished by the code enforcement agency for that purpose. Every such application shall:
- Identify and describe the work, activity, operation, practice or function to be covered by the permit for which application is made.
- Describe the land on which the proposed work, activity, operation, practice or function is to be done by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building, work, activity, operation, practice or function.
- Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work, activity, operation, practice or function is intended.
- Be accompanied by plans, diagrams, computation and specifications and other data as required in Section 108 of this code.
- State the valuation of any new building or structure or any addition, remodeling or alteration to an existing building.
- Be signed by the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent.
- Give such other data and information as may be required by the code official.
Before a permit is issued, the code official is authorized to inspect and approve the systems, equipment, buildings, devices, premises and spaces or areas to be used.
An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that the code official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
Before a permit is issued, the code official, or an authorized representative, shall review and approve all permitted uses, occupancies or structures. Where laws or regulations are enforceable by other agencies or departments, a joint approval shall be obtained from all agencies or departments concerned.
The application, plans, specifications and other data filed by an applicant for a permit shall be reviewed by the code official. If the code official finds that the work described in an application for a permit and the plan, specifications and other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this code, the code official is allowed to issue a permit to the applicant.
When the code official issues the permit, the code official shall endorse in writing or stamp the plans and specifications APPROVED. Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the code official, and all work regulated by this code shall be done in accordance with the approved plans.
Where the application or construction documents do not conform to the requirements of pertinent laws, the code official shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefor.
The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans, specifications and computations shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or conceal the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
Every permit issued by the code official under the provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building, use or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 180 days from the date of such permit, or if the building, use or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 180 days.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may commence under that permit when the permittee is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The code official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days on written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken. No permit shall be extended more than once.
Permits shall at all times be kept on the premises designated therein and shall at all times be subject to inspection by the code official or other authorized representative.
Permits issued under this code may be suspended or revoked when it is determined by the code official that:
- It is used by a person other than the person to whom the permit was issued.
- It is used for a location other than that for which the permit was issued.
- Any of the conditions or limitations set forth in the permit have been violated.
- The permittee fails, refuses or neglects to comply with any order or notice duly served on him under the provisions of this code within the time provided therein.
- There has been any false statement or misrepresentation as to material fact in the application or plans on which the permit or application was made.
- When the permit is issued in error or in violation of any other ordinance, regulations or provisions of this code.
The code official is allowed to, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.
Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams and other data shall be submitted in at least two sets with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist, the code official is authorized to require additional documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.
Exception: Submission of plans, calculations, construction inspection requirements and other data, if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of plans is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.
Plans and specifications shall be drawn to scale upon substantial paper or cloth and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed, and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
In addition to the requirements for plans in the International Building Code, site plans shall include topography, width and percent of grade of access roads, landscape and vegetation details, locations of structures or building envelopes, existing or proposed overhead utilities, occupancy classification of buildings, types of ignition-resistant construction of buildings, structures and their appendages, roof classification of buildings and site water supply systems. The code official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan when the application for permit is for alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted.
When utilized by the permit applicant pursuant to Section 502, vegetation management plans shall be prepared and shall be submitted to the code official for review and approval as part of the plans required for a permit.
When required by the code official pursuant to Section 405, a fire protection plan shall be prepared and shall be submitted to the code official for review and approved as a part of the plans required for a permit.
When required by the code official, the plans and specifications shall include classification of fuel loading, fuel model light, medium or heavy, and substantiating data to verify classification of fire-resistive vegetation.
In addition to the requirements for site plans, plans shall include details regarding the vicinity within 300 feet (91 440 mm) of property lines, including other structures, slope, vegetation, fuel breaks, water supply systems and access roads.
One set of approved plans, specifications and computations shall be retained by the code official for a period of not less than 180 days from date of completion of the permitted work or as required by state or local laws; and one set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant, and said set shall be kept on the site of the building, use or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress.
The code official shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying construction documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws or ordinances.
Changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents.
This code shall not require changes in the construction documents, construction or designated occupancy of a structure for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the construction of which has been pursued in good faith within 180 days after the effective date of this code and has not been abandoned.
The code official is authorized to issue a permit for the construction of foundations or any other part of a building or structure before the construction documents for the whole building or structure have been submitted, provided that adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with pertinent requirements of this code. The holder of such permit for the foundation or other parts of a building or structure shall proceed at the holder's own risk with the building operation and without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted.
All construction or work for which a permit is required by this code shall be subject to inspection by the code official and all such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the code official.
It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the code official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
Where required by the code official, a survey of the lot shall be provided to verify that the mitigation features are provided and the building or structure is located in accordance with the approved plans.
The code official shall inspect, as often as necessary, buildings and premises, including such other hazards or appliances designated by the code official for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions that could reasonably be expected to cause fire or contribute to its spread, or any violation of the purpose of this code and of any other law or standard affecting fire safety.
The code official is authorized to accept reports of approved inspection agencies, provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
It shall be the duty of the holder of the permit or their duly authorized agent to notify the code official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for inspections of such work that are required by this code.
Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the code official. The code official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notify the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the code official.
To determine compliance with this code, the code official may cause a structure to be reinspected. A fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made.
Reinspection fees may be assessed when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the code official.
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall pay the reinspection fee as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the jurisdiction. When reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
Installations shall be tested as required in this code and in accordance with Sections 109.1.4.1 through 109.1.4.3. Tests shall be made by the permit holder or authorized agent and observed by the code official.
New installations and parts of existing installations, which have been altered, extended, renovated or repaired, shall be tested as prescribed herein to disclose defects.
Apparatus, instruments, material and labor required for testing an installation or part thereof shall be furnished by the permit holder or authorized agent.
Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made so as to achieve compliance with this code. The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the code official for inspection and testing.
When the code official finds any building or premises that are in violation of this code, the code official is authorized to issue corrective orders and notices.
Orders and notices authorized or required by this code shall be given or served on the owner, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition or violation either by verbal notification, personal service, or delivering the same to, and leaving it with, a person of suitable age and discretion on the premises; or, if no such person is found on the premises, by affixing a copy thereof in a conspicuous place on the door to the entrance of said premises and by mailing a copy thereof to such person by registered or certified mail to the person's last known address.
Orders or notices that are given verbally shall be confirmed by service in writing as herein provided.
Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this code, or whenever the code official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or on any premises any condition that makes such building or premises unsafe, the code official is authorized to enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty authorized by this code, provided that if such building or premises is occupied, the code official shall first present proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises is unoccupied, the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry.
If such entry is refused, the code official shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry. Owners, occupants or any other persons having charge, care or control of any building or premises, shall, after proper request is made as herein provided, promptly permit entry therein by the code official for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this code.
Orders and notices issued or served as provided by this code shall be complied with by the owner, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition or violation to which the corrective order or notice pertains.
If the building or premises is not occupied, such corrective orders or notices shall be complied with by the owner.
A building or premises shall not be used when in violation of this code as noted on a tag affixed in accordance with Section 109.4.1.
A sign or tag posted or affixed by the code official shall not be mutilated, destroyed or removed without authorization by the code official.
Persons operating or maintaining an occupancy, premises or vehicle subject to this code who allow a hazard to exist or fail to take immediate action to abate a hazard on such occupancy, premises or vehicle when ordered or notified to do so by the code official shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Buildings, structures or premises that constitute a fire hazard or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation to existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health or public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster damage or abandonment as specified in this code or any other ordinance, are unsafe conditions. Unsafe buildings or structures shall not be used. Unsafe buildings are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal, pursuant to applicable state and local laws and codes.
The code official shall cause a report to be filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state the occupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.
Where an unsafe condition is found, the code official shall serve on the owner, agent or person in control of the building, structure or premises, a written notice that describes the condition deemed unsafe and specifies the required repairs or improvements to be made to abate the unsafe condition, or that requires the unsafe structure to be demolished within a stipulated time. Such notice shall require the person thus notified, or their designee, to declare within a stipulated time to the code official acceptance or rejection of the terms of the order.
Such notice shall be deemed properly served if a copy thereof is (a) delivered to the owner personally; (b) sent by certified or registered mail addressed to the owner at the last known address with the return receipt requested; or (c) delivered in any other manner as prescribed by local law. If the certified or registered letter is returned showing that the letter was not delivered, a copy thereof shall be posted in a conspicuous place in or about the structure affected by such notice. Service of such notice in the foregoing manner upon the owner's agent or upon the person responsible for the structure shall constitute service of notice upon the owner.
Upon failure of the owner or person responsible to comply with the notice provisions within the time given, the code official shall post on the premises or on defective equipment a placard bearing the word "UNSAFE" and a statement of the penalties provided for occupying the premises, operating the equipment or removing the placard.
The code official shall remove the unsafe condition placard whenever the defect or defects upon which the unsafe condition and placarding action were based have been eliminated. Any person who defaces or removes an unsafe condition placard without the approval of the code official shall be subject to the penalties provided by this code.
The owner, operator or occupant of a building, structure or premises deemed unsafe by the code official shall abate or correct or cause to be abated or corrected such unsafe conditions either by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or other approved corrective action.
Where conditions exist that are deemed hazardous to life and property, the code official is authorized to abate or correct summarily such hazardous conditions that are in violation of this code.
The code official shall be authorized to order the immediate evacuation of any occupied building structure or premises deemed unsafe when such hazardous conditions exist that present imminent danger to the occupants. Persons so notified shall immediately leave the structure or premises and shall not enter or reenter until authorized to do so by the code official.
If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the code official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.
Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a [SPECIFY OFFENSE], punishable by a fine of not more than [AMOUNT] dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding [NUMBER OF DAYS], or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about any premises.
No building, structure or premises shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building, structure, premise or portion thereof shall be made until the code official has issued a certificate of completion therefor as provided herein. The certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the certificate of completion indicating that the project is in compliance with this code has been issued by the code official.
Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other pertinent laws and ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
Exceptions:
- Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under Section 107.3.
- Accessory structures.
The code official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The code official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
The code official is authorized to, in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code wherever the certificate is issued in error, on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure, premise or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.
The code official is authorized to issue a permit for temporary structures and temporary uses. Such permits shall be limited as to time of service, but shall not be permitted for more than 180 days. The code official is authorized to grant extensions for demonstrated cause.
Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation and sanitary requirements of this code as necessary to ensure the public health, safety and general welfare.
The code official is authorized to terminate such permit for a temporary structure or use and to order the temporary structure or use to be discontinued.
A permit shall not be issued until the fees prescribed in Section 112.2 have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, if any, has been paid.
A fee for each permit shall be paid as required, in accordance with the schedule as established by the applicable governing authority.
Any person who commences any work before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to an additional fee established by the applicable governing authority, which shall be in addition to the required permit fees.
The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition of work done in connection to or concurrently with the work or activity authorized by a permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law.
The applicable governing authority is authorized to establish a refund policy.
No person shall make connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel or power to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required until released by the code official.
The code official shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system regulated by this code and the referenced codes and standards set forth in Section 102.4 in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or when such utility connection has been made without the release required by Section 113.1. The code official shall notify the serving utility and whenever possible the owner and occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action if not notified prior to disconnection. The owner or occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in writing as soon as practical thereafter.
Whenever the code official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner either contrary to the provisions of this code or dangerous or unsafe, the code official is authorized to issue a stop work order.
The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property involved, to the owner's authorized agent or to the person doing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work will be permitted to resume.
Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.
Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine of not less than [AMOUNT] dollars or more than [AMOUNT] dollars.