§ 18.63.010. Purpose.

The Adaptive Reuse Ordinance in Title 21 Zoning Regulations expanded the scope of eligible and under-utilized buildings or structures that have great potential to be converted into new uses or occupancy that can benefit from relief of parking standards, setbacks and zoning height limitations. However, key to the success of the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance relies on the ability of the Building Official and Fire Code Official to effectively use their authority to grant code modification or alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment to address practical difficulties involved in complying with the strict provisions of the code or consider alternative design or methods not specifically prescribed in the code. Other statutory regulations such as the California Historic Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.50 and the California Existing Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.49, including Sections 17958.11 and 19957 of the California Health and Safety Code, provides the Building Official and Fire Code Official with the ability to consider other alternative building standards. Therefore, the purpose of this Chapter is to amend, expand, establish and clarify alternative building standards for the conversion of existing buildings or structures to accommodate new uses or occupancy for other purposes than what it was originally designed for and still provide reasonable use and safety to the building occupants.

( ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)