(A) General. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all matters affecting or relating to structures and premises, as set forth in § 156.002. Where, in a specific case, different sections of this chapter specify different requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
(B) Maintenance. Equipment, systems, devices and safeguards required by this chapter or a previous regulation or code under which the structure or premises was constructed, altered or repaired shall be maintained in good working order. The requirements of this chapter are not intended to provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures. Except as otherwise specified herein, the owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures and premises.
(C) Application of other codes. Repairs, additions or alterations to a structure, or changes of occupancy, shall be done in accordance with the procedures and provisions of the codes and regulations listed in the Appendix. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to cancel, modify or set aside any provision of any version of the Land Development Code adopted by a local government in Jefferson County.
(D) Existing remedies. The provisions in this chapter shall not be construed to abolish or impair existing remedies of the jurisdiction or its officers or agencies relating to the removal or demolition of any structure, which is dangerous, unsafe and unsanitary.
(E) Workmanship. Repairs, maintenance work, alterations or installations which are caused directly or indirectly by the enforcement of this chapter shall be executed and installed in a workerlike manner and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
(F) Historic buildings. The provisions of this chapter shall not be mandatory for existing buildings or structures designated by the state or local jurisdiction as historic buildings when such buildings or structures are judged by the Code Official to be safe and in the public interest of health, safety and welfare.
(G) Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this chapter shall be those that are listed in the Appendix and considered part of the requirements of this chapter to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this chapter and the referenced standards, the provisions of this chapter shall apply.
(H) Requirements not covered by chapter. Requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation of an existing fixture, structure or equipment, or for the public safety, health and general welfare, not specifically covered by this chapter, shall be determined by the Code Official.
(I) Existing buildings. A building facility, or portion thereof, which was constructed and approved prior to the effective date of this chapter and it administrative regulations, shall be maintained as previously permitted. A change to the construction of the building in excess of that required by the codes at the time of construction shall not be required if the building is used and maintained as originally approved. Exception: If the Code Official deems that the health and safety of the public is jeopardized in relation to handrails and guardrails and/or attics and basements used for sleeping purposes, the owner shall alter or repair the structure to provide the minimum level of health and safety as may be required by the Code Official by regulation.
(Jeff. Ord. 37-2002, adopted and effective 11-12-2002; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 125-2007, approved 7-2-2007)