All buildings and structures, and the uses and occupancies thereof, in existence or under construction as of the effective date of the ordinance adopting this chapter and which do not strictly comply with the provisions of this chapter may continue to be used (or, if under construction, be placed into use or occupancy) provided that such buildings, structures, uses or occupancies, as the case may be, do not present or constitute clear and present fire related dangers or hazards to life or property within the village, and provided further that any person desiring to continue the use of or to place into use any such building, structure, use or occupancy shall be required to demonstrate that such building, structure, use or occupancy complies in full with those ordinances of the village in force and effect as of the construction of such building or structure or the commencement of such use or occupancy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any buildings and structures, and the uses and occupancies thereof, in existence as of the effective date of the ordinance adopting this chapter and which do not strictly comply with the provisions of this chapter shall not be:
(A) Enlarged, expanded, or increased in size or intensity or changed to another use or occupancy classification without compliance with the provisions of this chapter and other codes adopted by the village;
(B) Used, continued, occupied or reestablished without compliance with the provisions of this chapter after being discontinued, vacated or otherwise left idle or unused for a period of 12 consecutive months without proper maintenance. The owner or occupant of the reoccupied or reestablished building shall submit documentation prior to occupancy that all fire and life safety systems have been inspected and tested by a company licensed to do so. All fire and life safety systems shall be fully operational prior to occupancy. If the building has not been occupied by the first day of the 13th month the building shall be brought up to current code before it can be re-occupied. This shall include the addition of a fire sprinkler system and fire alarm system if not equipped.
(C) In the case of a building or structure that is wholly destroyed or damaged to an amount of 50% or greater of:
(1) The reasonably estimated cost to replace the building or structure, or of
(2) The total square footage of the building or structure to be rebuilt, repaired or restored, the entire building or structure shall come into compliance with the provisions of this chapter for that use group.
(D) Any existing assembly occupancy or assembly area as described in Chapter 3 of the 2021 International Building Code wanting to undergo alterations for which a permit is required under Village of Romeoville Code of Ordinances shall be considered as new construction and comply with all sections of this chapter and other applicable codes and standards for fire protection, detection and life safety.
(E) At no time shall the life safety and/or fire protection requirements for existing occupancies be less than required as outlined in NFPA 101, Life Safety Code adopted by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
(Ord. 05-0251, passed 3-16-05; Am. Ord. 11-0923, passed 9-21-11; Am. Ord. 11-0935, passed 11-2-11; Am. Ord. 12-1016, passed 11-7-12; Am. Ord. 17-1347, passed 3-1-17; Am. Ord. 22-1811, passed 12-7-22)