17.08.080 Duties and powers of the building official – Generally.
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A. General. The building official, as defined in VMC Section 17.04.020, is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code. The building official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code and the referenced technical codes, and to develop and adopt policies, procedures and interpretations in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall be in conformity with the intent and purpose of this code and technical codes. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code or technical codes.
B. Applications. The building official shall receive applications and review permit applications pursuant to this code.
C. Permits. The building official shall issue permits pursuant to this code.
D. Inspections.
1. General. The building official shall make all of the required inspections, or the building official shall have the authority to accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections shall be in writing and be certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The building official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that arise, subject to the approval of the appointing authority.
2. Identification. The building official shall carry City of Vancouver issued identification when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this code.
3. Right of entry.
a. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this title and the technical codes, or where the building official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a structure or upon a premises a condition which is contrary to or in violation of this code which makes the structure or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this code, provided that credentials be presented to the occupant, owner, agent or person responsible for the premises and entry requested. If such structure or premises is unoccupied, the building official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry.
b. If entry is refused, or in the case of a vacant structure or premise where the owner, agent or responsible party cannot be identified and/or located for contact, the building official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry and conduct the inspection.
E. Records. The building official shall keep official records of applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued. Such records shall be retained in the official records for the period required for retention of public records per state records retention laws.
F. Approved materials and equipment. Materials, equipment, and devices approved by the building official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval. The use of used materials which meet the requirements of the technical codes for new materials is permitted. Used equipment and devices shall not be reused unless approved by the building official.
G. Modifications. Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the building official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, upon application by the owner or owner’s representative, provided the building official shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict application of this code or technical codes impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and technical codes and that any modifications do not lessen health, accessibility, life and fire safety, or structural requirements. The reason for granting a modification shall be recorded and entered in the files of the department.
1. Exception. The building official shall not grant modifications to any provision related to areas prone to flooding as established by the IRC Table R301.2(1) without the granting of a variance to such provisions by the Building Fire Code Commission and the Planning Commission.
H. Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code or technical codes provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code and technical codes, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code and technical codes in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety. Alternates are project specific. Approval of an alternate for one project does not constitute approval of the alternate for any other project. Approval of an alternate is not a modification of the adopted codes and standards.
I. Research reports. Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code and technical codes, shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources.
J. Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code and technical codes or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this code and technical codes, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the building official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the city. Test methods shall be as specified in this code or technical codes or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the building official shall approve the testing procedures. Tests shall be performed by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the building official for the period required for retention of public records. (Ord. M-4079 §6, 2014; Ord. M-4079 §6, 2014; Ord. M-3958 §9, 2010; Ord. M-3863 §4, 2008; Ord. M-3660 §4, 2004)