(a) Jurisdiction. In order to determine the suitability of alternate materials and methods of construction that still meet the intent and requirements of the building codes and to provide for reasonable interpretations of the building codes, there shall be and is hereby created a building board of appeals.
(b) Membership. Said board shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council. One (1) member shall be a licensed architect; one (1) member shall be a structural, metallurgical, or hydraulic engineer; one (1) member shall be a heavy construction contractor licensed as a general contractor; and two (2) members shall be construction contractors licensed as general contractors. In addition, the code manager shall be an ex officio member and shall act as secretary of the board. The ex officio member shall not be entitled to vote on matters before the board. Each appointed member shall serve a staggered term of four (4) years and they shall hold office until their successors are appointed and qualify. Said board is a continuation of the current building commission, and the staggering of terms shall follow the current practice.
(c) Rules and decisions. The board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the code manager with a duplicate copy to the appellant.
(d) Appeals. Any owner or agent thereof not in accord with a decision of the code manager shall have the right to appeal from such order or ruling to the board of appeals within five (5) days after written notice of such order or ruling shall have been served upon the person or persons required to be served. Such appeal shall be in writing and shall set forth the order of ruling from which the appeal is taken and shall set forth the remedy sought and reasons justifying the granting of said remedy. Said appeal shall be filed with the code manager; and, upon its filing, the application for permit, plans and specifications submitted therewith, inspection records, and any other material contained in the permit file shall be considered part of the official record. No appeal shall be considered unless timely filed.