(a) General. Except as otherwise specifically provided, additions, alterations or repairs to buildings or other structures shall comply with all the requirements for new buildings and structures. When the provisions of this Code do not specifically require changes or alterations in existing buildings or other structures, buildings and other structures lawfully existing, used and occupied on the effective date of this Code may be continued in such use or occupancy without change or alterations except as may hereafter be deemed necessary in the interests of public health, safety and welfare.
(b) Change in Use or Occupancy. When the use or occupancy of a building or other structure is changed to one subject to more restrictive requirements, the entire building or other structure shall be made to conform with such more restrictive requirements as they apply to new buildings and other new structures.
(c) Additions. When an addition is made to an existing building or other structure, which existing building or other structure does not meet the construction requirements for new buildings and new structures, an approved fire separation shall be provided between such building or other structure and the addition.
(d) Major Alterations and Repairs. When the cost of alterations or repairs within any two-year period exceeds fifty percent of the value of an existing building or other structure, such building or other structure shall be made to comply with the requirements for new buildings and other new structures.
(e) Structural Alterations and Repairs. Any alteration or repair to the structural portion of an existing building or other structure shall be made in conformity with the requirements for new buildings and other new structures.
(f) Repairs to Roof Covering. Not more than twenty-five percent of the roof covering of any building or structure shall be replaced in any two-year period unless the entire roof covering is made to conform with the requirements for roof covering on new buildings and other structures.
(g) Building Moved Into the City. Buildings or other structures moved into or within the City shall conform to the requirements for new construction in the location to which they are moved.
(Ord. 178-1959. Passed 9-14-59.)
(h) Construction of Ramps for Disabled. Ramps shall not have a gradient of less than 1:12 and shall have non-slip surfaces. Ramp width shall be not less than four feet with a four feet by four feet platform at its highest point. There shall be no less than a six square foot level surface at the bottom of the ramp. All ramps shall be constructed with appropriate hand rails. However, where the ramp is constructed for public use, it shall include one set of hand rails 24 inches high and one set of hand rails 36 inches high. At each point at which a ramp changes direction there shall be not less than a four feet by four feet platform. Ramps in excess of 30 feet shall have a level not less than a four square foot surface at the 30-foot point. Any ramp should be installed in the rear yard whenever a rear entrance to the dwelling exists.
Permits shall be secured as required by Chapter 1703 of these Codified Ordinances, except that applicable fees shall be waived. Technical assistance in the construction of ramps may be provided by the Department of Planning and Development upon request. The Architectural Review Board may, at the request of the Building Commissioner, review and approve plans.
(Ord. 65-1991. Passed 2-19-91.)