§ 41-1654. Alternative building standards for adaptive reuse projects.

(a)

The alternative building regulations adopted pursuant to this section shall be applicable in project incentive areas. The alternative building regulations need not impose the same requirements as regulations adopted pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17922, but in permitting repairs, alterations, and additions necessary to accommodate adaptive reuse projects, the alternative building regulations shall impose such requirements as will, in the determination of the building official, protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

(b)

Alternate material, design, or method of construction. The property owner must submit an application for an alternate material, design, or method of construction in accordance with chapter 8 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code. Upon receipt of such application, the building official shall have the authority to review and grant approval when the proposed design is found satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of current building codes in effect, and that the material, method or work offered is justified by current accepted performance based engineering and analysis in assessing quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety.

(c)

The building official shall review adaptive reuse project proposals on a case-by-case basis, and may require pre-submittal meetings at his or her discretion.

(d)

Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow the reduction of the seismic or fire and life safety elements of an eligible building where such elements provide a greater level of protection than the minimum requirements established by this section.

(Ord. No. NS-2874, § 7, 12-2-14)