(A) Application. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all structures which are now or may become in the future substandard with respect to structural defects, protection against fire, maintenance of basic equipment, adequate provisions for light and air, proper heating, sanitary conditions or other conditions that otherwise constitute a menace to the health, safety, and general welfare of their occupants. This chapter establishes minimum requirements for the initial and subsequent occupancy of all buildings and does not replace or modify requirements otherwise established for the construction, repair, alteration or use of buildings equipment and facilities.
(1) Exceptions:
(a) State or federal government structures and properties.
(b) The provisions of this code 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.
(c) Occupancies otherwise specifically exempted or not provided for in this code.
(B) Compliance required. Every portion of a building or premises shall comply with the provisions of this chapter, irrespective of when such building has been constructed, altered or repaired, except as hereinafter provided.
(C) Application of building code. Any repairs, alterations of buildings, or changes of use therein which may be caused directly or indirectly by the enforcement of this chapter shall be done in accordance with applicable sections of the building code.
(D) Application of zoning code. Nothing in this chapter shall permit the establishment or conversion of a nonconforming use in any zone except where permitted by the zoning code, nor the continuation of such nonconforming use in any zone except where permitted by the zoning code.
(E) Conflict of laws. Where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety or health ordinance or code existing on the effective date of this chapter, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of the safety and health of the public shall prevail.
(F) Separability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this chapter, which shall continue in full force and effect, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable.
(G) Saving clause. This chapter shall not affect violations of any other ordinance, code or regulation of the city existing prior to the effective date of this chapter, and any such violation shall be governed by and shall continue to be punishable to the full extent of the law under the provisions of those ordinances, codes or regulations in effect at the time the violation was committed.