The provisions of the technical codes are not intended to prevent the use of any material, method of design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by the technical codes, provided an alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the Building Official.

The Building Official may approve an alternate, provided the Building Official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of the technical codes and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the technical codes in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and sanitation.

The Building Official may require documentation necessary to make findings for approval. The details of an action granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the files of the Building Division.

For purposes of this section the code development and product approval and listing processes utilized by the model code groups are deemed sufficient to make the required findings related to case-by-case approvals of alternate materials and methods of design and construction. (Ord. 3087 § 1, 2007).