(a) General. The provisions of this code are not intended to limit the appropriate use of materials, appliances, equipment, or methods of design or construction specifically prescribed by this code, provided that the Building Inspector determines that the proposed alternate materials, appliances, equipment, or methods of design or construction are substantially equivalent of those prescribed in the OBBC code in suitability, quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, dimensional stability, and safety.
The Building Inspector may require that evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding the proposed alternate.
(b) Tests. Determination of equivalence shall be based on design or test methods specified by the OBBC code or other such standards approved by the Building Department. The Building Inspector shall accept as supporting data to assist in this determination duly authenticated research reports from the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Committee on Research and compliance reports of the Southern Building Officials, research reports of the National Research Board of the Council of American Building Officials, acceptance documents from the Department of Housing and Urban Development or from other approved authoritative sources for all materials or assemblies proposed for use which are not specifically provided for in the OBBC code. The costs of all tests, reports, and investigations required under these provisions shall be paid by the applicant.
(Ord. 12-103-99. Passed 12-21-99.)