DUTIES AND POWERS OF CODE OFFICIAL

[A]104.1 General. The code official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The code official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code. [A]104.2 Applications and permits. The code official shall receive applications, review construction documents, and issue permits for the repair, alteration, addition, demolition, change of occupancy, and relocation of buildings; inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued; and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code. [A]104.2.1 Determination of substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in flood hazard areas. For applications for reconstruction, rehabilitation, repair, alteration, addition or other improvement of existing buildings or structures located in flood hazard areas, the building official shall determine where the proposed work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage. Where the building official determines that the proposed work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage, and where required by this code, the building official shall require the building to meet the requirements of Section 1612 of the Puerto Rico Building Code. [A]104.2.2 Preliminary meeting. When requested by the permit applicant or the code official, the code official shall meet with the permit applicant prior to the application for a construction permit to discuss plans for the proposed work or change of occupancy in order to establish the specific applicability of the provisions of this code. 811 Exception: Repairs and Level 1 alterations. [A]104.2.2.1 Building evaluation. The code official is authorized to require an existing building to be investigated and evaluated by a registered design professional based on the circumstances agreed on at the preliminary meeting. The design professional shall notify the code official if any potential noncompliance with the provisions of this code is identified. [A]104.3 Notices and orders. The code official shall issue necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with this code. [A]104.4 Inspections. The code official shall make the required inspections or receive certified reports of inspections made by the designated inspector, and the code 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 code official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report on unusual technical issues that arise, subject to the approval of the appointing authority. [A]104.5 Identification. The code official shall carry proper identification when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this code. [A]104.6 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or where the code official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a structure or on a premises a condition that is contrary to or in violation of this code that makes the structure or premises unsafe, dangerous, or hazardous, the code 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 if such structure or premises be occupied that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If such structure or premises be unoccupied, the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner, the owner's authorized agent or other person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the code official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry. [A]104.7 Department records. The code 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. [A]104.8 Liability. The code official, member of the interpretive advisory Board of Code Revisions, or employee charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby be rendered civilly or criminally liable personally and is hereby relieved from personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of any act or by reason of an act or omission in the discharge of official duties. 812 [A]104.8.1 Legal defense. Any suit or criminal complaint instituted against an officer or employee because of an act performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code shall be defended by legal representatives of the jurisdiction until the final termination of the proceedings. The code official or any subordinate shall not be liable for cost in any action, suit, or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code. [A]104.9 Approved materials and equipment. Materials, equipment, and devices approved by the code official as established in the construction documents shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval. [A]104.9.1 Used materials and equipment. The use of used materials that meet the requirements of this code for new materials is permitted. Used equipment and devices shall be permitted to be reused subject to the approval of the code official, as established in the construction documents. [A]104.10 Modifications. Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the code official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases on application of the owner with the approval of the registered design professional, provided that the code official shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impractical, the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and such modification does not lessen health, accessibility, life and safety, or structural requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the OGPe-DDEC. [A]104.10.1 Flood hazard areas. For existing buildings located in flood hazard areas for which repairs, alterations and additions constitute substantial improvement, the code official shall not grant modifications to provisions related to flood resistance unless a determination is made that: 1. The applicant has presented good and sufficient cause that the unique characteristics of the size, configuration or topography of the site render compliance with the floodresistant construction provisions inappropriate. 2. Failure to grant the modification would result in exceptional hardship. 3. The granting of the modification will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense nor create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public or conflict with existing laws or ordinances. 4. The modification is the minimum necessary to afford relief, considering the flood hazard. 5. A written notice will be provided to the applicant specifying, if applicable, the difference between the design flood elevation and the elevation to which the building is to be built, stating that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced floor elevation and that construction below the design flood elevation increases risks to life and property. 813 [A]104.11 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, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design, or method of construction shall be approved where the code official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended, not less than the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety. Where the alternative material, design or method of construction is not approved, the code official shall respond in writing, stating the reasons why the alternative was not approved. [A]104.11.1 Research reports. Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code, shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources. [A]104.11.2 Tests. Where there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this code, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the code official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made without expense to the jurisdiction. Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the code official shall approve the testing procedures. Tests shall be performed by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the code official for the period required for retention. SECTION 105 PERMITS [A]105.1 Required. Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to repair, add to, alter, relocate, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or to repair, install, add, alter, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the code official and obtain the required permit. [A]105.1.1 Annual permit. Instead of an individual permit for each alteration to an already approved electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing installation, the code official is authorized to issue an annual permit on application therefor to any person, firm, or corporation regularly employing one or more qualified trade persons in the building, structure, or on the premises owned or operated by the applicant for the permit. [A]105.1.2 Annual permit records. The person to whom an annual permit is issued shall keep a detailed record of alterations made under such annual permit. The code official shall have access to such records at all times, or such records shall be filed with the code official as designated. [A]105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the 814 provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the works detailed in Rule 3.2.4 of Joint Regulation. [A]105.2.1 Emergency repairs. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the code official. [A]105.2.2 Repairs. Application or notice to the code official is not required for repairs to structures and items listed in Section 105.2 provided that such repairs do not include any of the following: 1. The cutting away of any wall, partition, or portion thereof. 2. The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support. 3. The removal or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements. 4. Any addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent, or similar piping, or electric wiring. 5. Mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety. [A]105.2.3 Public service agencies. A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration, or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, or metering or other related equipment that is under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right. [A]105.3 Application for permit. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application, as established by the Joint Regulation. Such application shall: 1. Identify and describe the work in accordance with Chapter 3 to be covered by the permit for which application is made. 2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street address, or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work. 3. Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed work is intended. 4. Be accompanied by construction documents and other information as required in Section 106.3. 5. State the valuation of the proposed work. 6. Be signed by the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent. 7. Give such other data and information as required by the code official. [A]105.3.1 Action on application. The code official shall examine or cause to be examined applications for permits and amendments thereto within the time established by the Joint Regulation. If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the requirements of pertinent laws, the code official shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefor. If the code official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and laws and ordinances applicable thereto, the code official shall issue a permit therefor as soon as practicable. 815 [A]105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned as established by the Joint Regulation unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that the code official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. [A]105.4 Validity of permit. The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the code official from requiring the correction of errors in the construction documents and other data. The code official is authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where in violation of this code or of any other ordinances of Puerto Rico. [A]105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned as established by the Joint Regulation. The code official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time. The extension shall be requested in writing through the digital system and justifiable cause demonstrated. [A]105.6 Suspension or revocation. The code official is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of the Act 161-2009, as amended and as established by the Joint Regulation. [A]105.7 Placement of permit. The building permit or copy shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion of the project, as established by the Joint Regulation.