scope:

The provisions of this code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.

Exception:

Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the International Residential Code.

Appendices.

Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted or referenced.

Application of fire code.

Where work regulated by this code is also regulated by the construction requirements for existing buildings in Chapter 11 of the International Fire Code, such work shall comply with applicable requirements in both codes.

Purpose.

The intent of this code is to provide flexibility to permit the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, property protection and general welfare insofar as they are affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings.