§ 126-62. General.

(a)

Title. These regulations, together with other codes cited within this chapter, shall be known as the city housing and substandard building code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this code."

(b)

Purpose and intent.

(1)

The purpose of this code is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city by establishing minimum standards applicable to residential and specific nonresidential structures. Minimum standards are established with respect to utilities, facilities, and other physical components essential to make structures safe, sanitary, and fit for human use and habitation. Demolition of structures is provided for as a last resort when compliance with standards cannot reasonably be achieved.

(2)

This code is found to be remedial and essential to the public interest, and it is intended that this code be liberally construed to effect its purpose.

(c)

Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to all buildings and structures or portions thereof intended or used for human habitation, unless otherwise specified, which exist on the effective date of this code or constructed thereafter.

(d)

Application to existing buildings and structures.

(1)

Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations or repairs required by this code will be done in accordance with, and meet, the requirements of the current building codes and fire code, whichever is applicable, unless a variance is granted as provided herein.

(2)

Relocation. Buildings or structures moved into, or existing within, the city shall comply with the requirements of the current building codes and fire code for new buildings and structures, as amended, whichever is applicable, unless a variance is granted as provided herein.

(3)

Historic buildings. For repairs, alterations, and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, or continued use of historic structures, see the current building codes. Demolition or restoration of a historic building must have a certificate of appropriateness issued by the historic board or the historic preservation officer, prior to any action taken by the commission.

(e)

Application of zoning ordinance. Nothing in this code shall be construed to cancel, modify, or set aside any provision of the city's comprehensive zoning ordinance, as amended.

(Ord. No. 2009-04-024, § 2, 4-7-2009)