1.1 GENERAL
The provisions of this part are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety as well as health and general welfare in existing buildings while permitting alteration, addition to or change of use.
1.2 APPLICABILITY
1.2.1 General
The provisions of this part shall apply to existing buildings that will continue to be or are proposed to be in occupancy groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H. The provisions shall not apply to buildings of historical or architectural value identified and classified by designated authorities. For such buildings, the provisions of Sec 1.5 of Part 1 and Sec 1.16 of Part 3 shall be applicable.
1.2.2 Change in Use
No change in use of an existing building shall be allowed if the proposed use is not in conformity with the land use pattern and within the permitted occupancy classes as may be determined by the city or area development authorities having jurisdiction.
Where an existing building is changed to a new use group classification, the provisions for new use group in this Code shall be used to determine compliance.
1.2.3 Part Change in Use
Where a portion of the building is changed to a new use group classification, and that portion is separated from the remainder of the building with fire separation assemblies having a fire resistance rating as required by Table 3.2.1 of Part 3 for the separate uses, the portion changed shall be made to conform to the provisions of this Code.
Where a portion of the building is changed to a new use group classification, and that portion is not separated from the remainder of the building with fire separation assemblies having a fire resistance rating as required by Table 3.2.1 of Part 3 for the separate uses, the provisions of this Code which apply to each use shall apply to the entire building. Where there are conflicting provisions, those requirements which secure the greater public safety shall apply to the entire building or structure.
1.2.4 Additions
Additions to existing buildings shall comply with all of the requirements of this Code for new constructions. The combined height and area of the existing building and the new addition shall not exceed the height and open space requirements for new building specified in Part 3 of this Code. Where a fire wall that complies with Table 3.3.1 of Part 3 is provided between the addition and the existing building, the addition shall be considered as a separate building.
1.2.5 Alterations
An existing building or portion thereof which does not comply with the requirements of this Code for new construction shall not be altered in such a manner that results in the building, being less safe or sanitary than such building is at present. If, in the alteration the present level of safety or sanitation is to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of this Code.
1.3 IMPLEMENTATION
1.3.1 Investigation and Evaluation
For the proposed work relating to alteration, addition to and change of use, the owner of the building shall cause the existing building to be investigated and evaluated by competent professionals in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
1.3.2 Structural Analysis
The owner shall have a structural analysis of the existing building carried out to determine the adequacy of all structural systems for the proposed alteration, addition or change of use. The existing building together with the addition or alteration shall be capable of supporting the minimum load requirements specified in Part 6 of this Code.
1.3.3 Submittal
The results of the investigation and evaluation as required in Sec 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 above along with all proposed compliance alternatives, shall be submitted to the Building Official.
1.3.4 Determination of Compliance
The Building Official shall examine all relevant documents and determine whether the existing building, with the proposed additions, alterations or change of use, complies with the provisions specified in this Code for the occupancy classification and type of construction.Last modified on August 31, 2026
