A. General. Where, in any specific case, different codes or sections of the codes administered by this title or Title 16 specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the hierarchy of codes as identified in RCW 19.27.031 shall govern, except where a local code or code amendment is more restrictive at which point the local code or amendment shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Whenever the technical codes make reference to an appendix chapter, the appendix chapter shall not apply unless specifically adopted in the VMC.

B. Other laws. The provisions of this code or the technical codes shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.

C. Application of references. References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this code or the technical codes.

D. Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code and the technical codes shall be considered part of the requirements of this code(s) to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code(s) shall apply.

E. Existing structures. The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in any other applicable code adopted by the city and as long as such continued occupancy does not pose a hazard to life, health or property.

F. Existing installations. Building service equipment lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of the technical codes may have their use, maintenance or repair continued if the use, maintenance or repair is in accordance with the original design and does not pose a hazard to life, health or property.

G. Maintenance. Buildings, structures and building service equipment, existing and new, and parts thereof shall be maintained as required in the Minimum Property Maintenance Code in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards which are required by the technical codes shall be maintained in conformance with the technical code under which installed. The owner or the owners designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures and their building service equipment. To determine compliance with this section, the building official may cause a building, structure and/or building service equipment, or any portion thereof, to be re-inspected.

H. Buildings or structures to be prepared to move, to move or to relocate. Buildings, structures and their building service equipment moved into or within the city or relocated on site or to be removed from their foundation for the purpose of a new foundation or basement shall comply with the provisions of the technical codes as regulated by Washington State Administrative Code (WAC) 51-50. Site preparations, foundations and alteration, addition to or remodel of a moved building shall comply with the provisions of the technical codes for new buildings. Occupancy or continued occupancy of any building and/or structure that is not supported by and connected to a permanent foundation is prohibited except when written approval has been received from the building official. Permits are required to be obtained prior to commencing work to prepare a building or structure for moving, removal, relocation or replacing/repairing a foundation.

I. Temporary structures and uses. The building official or his or her designee is authorized to issue a permit for temporary structures and temporary uses that are in compliance with this code, the IFC and title 20 of the VMC. Such permits shall be limited as to time of service, but shall not be permitted for more than one (1) year. The building official or his or her designee is authorized to grant extensions for demonstrated cause and when such extension has been also approved by the planning official or his or her designee. Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural strength fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation and sanitary requirements of this code as necessary to ensure the public health, safety and general welfare.

J. Temporary power. The building official or his or her designee is authorized to give permission to temporarily supply and use power in part of an electric installation before such installation has been fully completed and the final certificate of completion or a certificate of occupancy has been issued. The electrical system shall be in conformance with the requirements specified in the NEC and this title. (Ord. M-3958 §7, 2010; Ord. M-3660 §4, 2004)