§ 41-1655. Alternative fire standards for adaptive reuse projects.

(a)

Subject to the approval of OCFA, the use or occupancy of an eligible building shall be allowed to be changed as part of an adaptive reuse project, and the eligible building is allowed to be occupied for purposes in other groups without conforming to all of the requirements of the California Fire Code (and the California Building Code when applicable) for those groups, provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use. The provisions of the California Fire Code (and the California Building Code when applicable) are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any method of construction not specifically prescribed by the California Fire Code, provided that any such alternative has been approved.

(b)

Alternative materials and methods (AM&M). The property owner must submit an AM&M application for any Adaptive Reuse Project to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). OCFA is authorized to approve an AM&M for construction where OCFA finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of the California Fire Code , and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least equivalent of that prescribed in the California Fire Code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.

(c)

Fire life safety (FLS) report. A feasibility study or FLS report is required to be provided by the property owner to assist OCFA to identify the status of subject adaptive reuse project. The FLS report is intended to identify the eligible building's existing features and evaluate it against the current code requirements. OCFA will review the FLS report and evaluate the proposal for final recommendations.

(d)

OCFA shall review adaptive reuse project proposals on a case-by-case basis, and may require pre-submittal meetings at its discretion.

(e)

Modifications. Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of the California Fire Code, OCFA shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided OCFA shall first find that special individual reasons make the strict letter of the California Fire Code impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of the California Fire Code and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements.

(Ord. No. NS-2874, § 8, 12-2-14)