2011 PUERTO RICO BUILDING CODE2011 PUERTO RICO BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS. to the 2009 International Building Code 2009 International Residential Code 2009 International Mechanical Code 2009 International Plumbing Code 2009 International Fire Code 2009 International Fuel and Gas Code 2009 International Energy Conservation Code 2009 International Existing Building Code 2009 International Private Sewage Disposal CodeAmended Sections of the Regulation #7954 of December 27, 2010, known as the Puerto Rico Building Code 2011. Revision - June 2012 Division | Description Adoption 101.1 Scope 101.2 Intent, 104.4 Inspections 102.1 General 102.1.2 Conflict with “Reglamento Conjunto” 102.3 Override Clause 102.5 Appendixes 103.1 General 103.2 Appointment 104.2 Applications and Permits 104.4 Inspections 104.5 Identification 104.6 Right of Entry 104.8 Liability 104.9 Approved Materials and Equipment 104.9.1 Used Materials and Equipment 104.10 Modifications 104.11 Alternative Materials, Designs Construction Systems and Equipment 104.11.2 Tests 104.12 Required Submittals 104.12.1 Submittals During Construction Process104,12.2 Revised Drawings After Construction Process 105.2 Work Exempt From Permit. 105.3.1 Action On Application 105.4 Validity Of Permit 107.25 Site Plan. [Link] Design Flood Elevations. 107.3.4 Registered Design Professional In Responsible Charge And Designated Inspector 108.1 General 110.1 General 110.3 Required Inspections 110.3.1 Footing and Foundation Inspections 110.3.2 Concrete Slab and Concrete Compo 110.3.8 Masonry Wall Inspections 410.3.9 Rough-In Inspections 110.3.10 Underground Utilities, 110.3.12 Special Inspections 110.3.13 Final Inspection 110.4 Inspection Agencies110.5 Inspection Requests 110.6 Approval Required 110.7 Inspection Records 111.2 Certificate Issued Section: 113 Codes Board of Appeals 413.1 General 113.3 Qualific tionsSection: 202 Definitions Division II 102.6 Existing Structures Section 103: General 104.1 General Chapter 2 — Definitions Chapter 4 ~ Special Detailed Requirements Based On Use And Occupancy IF] 403.3.2 Water Supply to Required Fire Pumps Chapter 9 — Fire Protection Systems IF] 903.2.8 Group R IF] 903.3.5 Water Supplies 1004.8 Outdoor Areas. Table 1021.2 Stories with One Exit 1608.2 Ground snow loads Table 1613.5 (13) 1704.1 General 1913. Preconstruction Tests 1915.6 Approvals 2303.4.1.1 Truss Design Drawings 2701.2 Devices and Luminaries 3107.2 Sign Illumination Chapter 35 - Referenced Standards Appendix D Appendix F Appendix HAppendix L Division Ill 103.1 General Section M2005 Water Heaters M2005.1 General.(Ec403.10) Section M2006 Pool Heaters M2006.1 General.(Ec403.9.1) Chapter 28 — Water Heaters Section P2801 General P2801.1 Required 2801.2 Installation 2801.3 Location P2801. 4 Required Pan P2801. 4.1 Pan Size and Drain P2801.4.2 Pan Drain Termination P2801. 5 Water Heater Seismic Bracing Section P2901 P2903.3 Minimum Pressure P2903.3.1 Maximum Pressure Chapter 44 Referenced Standards Appendix R — Alternate Structural Provisions for One And Two Story Buildings Division IV 103.1 General 103.2 AppointmentSection 104: Duties and Powers Of The Code Offi 104.1 General 104.3 Inspections Chapter 15 - Referenced Standards Division V 103.1 General 103.2 Appointment Section 104: Duties and Powers of the Code Official 104.1 General 104.3 Inspections Section 601 - General 601.1 Scope Chapter 13 ~ Referenced Standards Division VI Chapter 2 - Definitions Fire Chief Fire Code Official Puerto Rico Fire Department 903.2.8 Group R Exceptions: 903.2.12 During Construction. (Deleted) 903.3.5 Water Supplies [Link] Secondary Water Supply. (Deleted) Chapter 17- Referenced StandardsDivision Vil 501.4 Minimum Size of Chimney or Vent Chapter 8 — Referenced Standards Division Vit 101.5.2 Low Energy Buildings Section 202 — General Definitions Conditioned Space 501.1 Scope Exception: Chapter 6 — Referenced Standards Division IX Section 202 - General Definitions: Section 507: Electrical 507.1.6 Chapter 15 Referenced Standards Division X Chapter 14 — Referenced StandardsINTRODUCTION Puerto Rico's Code Official recognizes the need for a modern, up-to-date building code addressing the design and installation of building systems through requirements emphasizing performance. The Puerto Rico Building Code in this 2011 edition, together with the 2009 model codes of the International Code Council, are designed to meet these needs through regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small. This comprehensive building code establishes minimum regulations for building systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad- based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs. This 2011 edition of the Puerto Rico Building Code is a compilation of amendments, fully compatible with all the 2009 International Codes® (|-Codes®) published by the Intemational Code Council (ICC)®, including the International Building Code®, the Intemational Residential Code®, the International Mechanical Code®, the International Plumbing Code®, the International Fire Code®, the International Fuel Gas Code®, the International Energy Conservation Code®, the Intemational Existing Building Code®, and the Intemational Private Sewage Disposal Code®. The Puerto Rico Building Code, composed of a compilation of amendments and the 2009 International Codes® (I-Codes®) provisions, provide many benefits, among which is the code development process that offers a forum for building professionals to discuss performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This code process also encourages consistency in the application of provisions. USE AND FORMAT OF THIS CODE The Puerto Rico Building Code® and the Intemational Codes® (I-Codes®) provide minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. Alternative materials, designs and methods not specifically addressed in the codes can be approved by the code official where the proposed materials, designs or methods comply with the intent of the provisions of the code. The PRBC is a compilation of amendments, arranged in divisions, for each of the pertaining International Codes to be applied in Puerto Rico. All chapters, sections, sub-sections, appendices, and referenced standards added, deleted, or amended in this document shall be used together with the unaltered sections of the Codes® to regulate planning, design, construction, inspection and maintenance of all types of buildings and structures unless exempted ‘Appendices are provided in the ICC Codes to offer optional or supplemental criteria to the provisions in the main chapters of the codes Appendices provide additional information as well as standards not typically administered by all building departments.‘Appendices have the same force and effect as the chapters of the ICC Codes only when explicitly adopted by the jurisdiction. ‘The following shall apply for using the PRBC properly: 1. Where written on the PRBC, “no Amendments’, “adopted”, it signifies that the Chapter, section, sub-section, or Appendix of the particular 2009 ICC Code is unaltered and shall apply to the Puerto Rico Jurisdiction. 2. Where written in a chapter, section, sub-section, or appendix in the PRBC, “delete”, “replace”, “not applicable to Puerto Rico”, “not adopted”, it shall mean that the original corresponding chapter, section, sub-section, or appendix of the 2009 ICC Code does not apply to the Puerto Rico Jurisdiction. 3. Where written on the PRBC, an amendment to a specific chapter section, ‘sub-section, or appendix of the 2009 ICC Code said amendment shall replace the specific chapter, section, sub-section or appendix of the 2009 ICC Code. The remaining portions of the chapter, section, sub-section, or appendix of the pertaining 2009 ICC Code shall be enforced in the Puerto Rico Jurisdiction, unless specifically written otherwise. 4. Where incorporated in the PRBC new chapters, sections, sub-sections or appendices to the pertaining 2009 ICC Codes, chapter, section, sub-section or appendix of the original 2009 ICC Code shall be enforced in Puerto Rico Jurisdiction unless specifically amended, delete, replaced, not adopted or otherwise written in the PRBC. The codes are promulgated on a 3-year cycle to allow for new construction methods and technologies to be incorporated into the codes. Arrangement and Format of the Puerto Rico Building Code® Before applying the requirements of the Puerto Rico Building Code, it is beneficial to understand its arrangement and format. The PRBC, like the other codes published by ICC, is arranged and organized to follow sequential steps that generally occur during a plan review or inspection. The PRBC is arranged in a manner to be used together with the family of the I-Codes®. It contains Divisions with amendments to each respective International Code.Divisions Description 1 Scope and Administration ‘Amendments to the International Building Code® MW ‘Amendments to the International Residential Code® Vv Amendments to the International Mechanical Code® v ‘Amendments to the International Plumbing Code® vl ‘Amendments to the International Fire Code® vil Amendments to the International Fuel and Gas Code® vill Amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code® Ix Amendments to the International Existing Building Code® x ‘Amendments to the International Private Sewage Disposal Code® Appendices Forms ‘The following is a division by division synopsis of the scope and intent of the provisions of the Puerto Rico Building Code. Division | This Division establishes the limits of applicability of the codes; defines the enforcement agencies, the duties and powers of the Building Official, the process for construction permits, submittal of documents, inspections and certificate of occupancy and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Standards and codes are scoped to the extent referenced. This Division is specifically defined to be properly enforced by the “Oficina de Gerencia de Permisos’ (OGPE), and The Office of the General Inspector,"Oficina del Inspector General de Permisos” (O!GPe). Division It This Division and the related International Building Code® addresses structural strength, means of egress, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, accessit energy conservation and life safety in regards to new and existing buildings, facilities and systems. Together with the IBC it also establishes requirements for high hazard, fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress, emergency and standby power, and temporary structures are directly correlated with the requirements of the IFC. Requirements for smoke control systems, and smoke and fire dampers are directly correlated to the requirements of the IMC. IBC Chapter 28 is a reference to the IMC and the IFGC for chimney, fireplaces and barbeques, and all aspects of mechanical systems. In addition requirements for plumbing fixtures and tollet rooms are directly correlated to the requirements of the IPC. This Division and the IBC applies to all occupancies, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are not within the scope of the IRC. The IRC is referenced for coverage of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. It applies to all types of buildings and structures unless exempted.Division II This Division and the related International Residential Code® contains coverage for all components of a house or townhouse, including structural components, fireplaces and chimneys, energy conservation requirements, thermal insulation, mechanical systems, fuel gas systems, plumbing systems and electrical systems. It is a prescriptive-oriented (specification) code with some examples of performance code language. It is meant to be all inclusive for typical residential construction and it relies on other codes only where alternatives are desired or where the code lacks coverage for the uncommon aspect of residential construction, This Division and the IRC are divided into eight main parts, specifically, Part | (chapters 41) -Administration, Part II (chapter 2) - Definitions, Part Ill (chapter 3 to 10) - Building Planning and Construction, Part IV (chapter 11) - Energy Conservation, Part V (chapter 42 to 23) - Mechanical, Part VI (chapter 24) - Fuel Gas, Part Vil (chapter 25 to 33) - Plumbing, Part Vill (chapter 34 to 43) - Electrical, and Referenced Standards (chapter 44). Division IV This Division and the related International Mechanical Code® regulates the design and installation of mechanical systems, appliances, appliance venting, duct and ventilation systems, combustion air provisions, hydronic systems and solar systems. The purpose of the code is to establish the minimum acceptable level of safety and to protect life and property from the potential dangers associated with the installation and operation of mechanical systems. The code also protects the personnel that install, maintain, service and replace the systems and appliances addressed by this code. The IMC is primarily a prescriptive code with some performance text. The code relies heavily on product specifications and listings to provide much of the appliance and equipment installation requirements. Division V This Division and the related Intemational Plumbing Code® regulates the design and installation of plumbing systems including the plumbing fixtures in all types of buildings except for detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are not more than three stories above grade in height. The regulations for plumbing systems in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses are covered by Division Ill and the related International Residential Code (IRC). It addresses general plumbing regulations, fixture requirements, water heater installations and systems for water distribution, sanitary drainage, special wastes, venting, storm drainage and medical gases. This Division and the related IPC does not address fuel gas piping systems as those systems are covered by Division VII and the related International Fuel Gas Code(IFGC). It also does not regulate swimming pool piping systems, process piping systems, or utility-owned piping and systems. The purpose of this Division and the related IPC is to establish the minimum acceptable level of safety to protect life and property from the potential dangers associated with supplying potable water to plumbing fixtures and outlets and the conveyance of bacteria-laden waste water from fixtures are carried away from a building. The IPC is primarily a specification-oriented (prescriptive) code with some performance- oriented text. Division VI This Division and the related International Fire Code® regulates minimum fire safety requirements for new and existing buildings, facilities, storage and processes. It addresses fire prevention, fire protection, life safety and safe storage and use of hazardous materials in new and existing buildings, facilities and processes. It also provides a total approach of controlling hazards in all buildings and sites, regardless of the hazard being indoors or outdoors. This Division and the related IFC are a design document. For example, before one constructs a building, the site must be provided with an adequate water supply for fire- fighting operations and a means of building access for emergency responders in the event of a medical emergency, fire or natural or technological disaster. Depending on the building's occupancy and uses, the IFC regulates the various hazards that may be housed within the building, including refrigeration systems, application of flammable finishes, fueling of motor vehicles, high-piled combustible storage and the storage and use of hazardous materials. This Division and the related IFC sets forth minimum requirements for these and other hazards and contains requirements for maintaining the life safety of building occupants, the protection of emergency responders, and to limit the damage to a building and its contents as the result of a fire, explosion or unauthorized hazardous material discharge. Division VII This Division and the related Intemational Fuel and Gas Code® regulates the design and installation of fuel gas distribution piping and systems, appliances, appliance venting systems, combustion air provisions, gaseous hydrogen systems and motor vehicle gaseous-fuel-dispensing stations. The definition of fuel gas includes natural, liquefied petroleum and manufactured gases and mixtures of these gases. The purpose of this Division and related code is to establish the minimum acceptable level of safety and to protect life and property from the potential dangers associated with the storage, distribution and usage of fuel gases and the byproducts of combustion of such fuels. The code also protects the personnel that install, maintain, service and replace the systems and appliances addressed by this code. This Division and the related IFGC are primarily a specification-oriented (prescriptive) code with some performance-oriented text. It also applies to all occupancies includingone- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. The IRC is referenced for coverage of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses; however, in effect, the IFGC provisions are still applicable because the fuel gas chapter in the IRC (Chapter 24) is composed entirely of text extracted from the IFGC. Therefore, whether using the IFGC or the IRC, the fuel gas provisions will be identical. The IFGC does not apply to piping systems that operate at pressures in excess of 125 psig for natural gas and 20 psig for LP-gas (note ‘exception in Section 402.6). Division VIII This Division and the related Intemational Energy Conservation Code® regulates minimum energy conservation requirements for new buildings. The IECC addresses energy conservation requirements for all aspects of energy uses in both commercial and residential construction, including heating and ventilating, lighting, water heating, and power usage for appliances and building systems. This Division and the IECC are a design document. For example, before one constructs a building, the designer must determine the minimum insulation R -values and fenestration U -factors for the building exterior envelope. Depending on whether the building is for residential use or for commercial use, the IECC sets forth minimum requirements for exterior envelope insulation, window and door U -factors and SHGC ratings, duct insulation, lighting and power efficiency, and water distribution insulation. Division IX This Division and the related Intemational Existing Code® are intended to provide alternative approaches to remodeling, repair or alteration of existing buildings. A large number of existing buildings and structures do not comply with the current building code requirements for new construction. Although many of these buildings are potentially salvageable, rehabilitation is often cost-prohibitive because compliance with all the requirements for new construction could require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of the building or the original scope of the rehabilitation. At the same time, itis necessary to regulate construction in existing buildings that undergo additions, alterations, renovations, extensive repairs or change of occupancy. Such activity represents an opportunity to ensure that new construction complies with the current building codes and that existing conditions are maintained, at a minimum, to their current level of compliance or are improved as required to meet basic safety levels. To accomplish this objective, and to make the rehabilitation process easier, this Division and the IEBC allow for options for controlled departure from full compliance with the Intemational Codes dealing with new construction, while maintaining basic levels for fire prevention, structural and life safety features of the rehabilitated building.The IEBC provides three main options for a designer in dealing with rehabilitation of existing buildings. These are laid out in Section 101.5 of this code: OPTION 1: Work for alteration, repair, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 3. It should be noted that this same method is provided in Chapter 34 of the International Building Code. OPTION 2: Work for alteration, repair, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 4 through 12. OPTION 3: Work for alteration, repair, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option is also provided in Chapter 34 of the International Building Code. Under limited circumstances, a building alteration can be made to comply with the laws under which the building was originally built, as long as there has been no substantial structural damage and there will be limited structural alteration. Division X This Division and the related International Private Sewage Disposal Code® regulates minimum requirements for the installation of new or the alteration of existing private sewage disposal systems. Where a building cannot be served by a public sewer system, the building site must be provided with a system for treating the waste water generated from the use of plumbing fixtures in the building. The IPSDC addresses site evaluations, materials, various soil absorption systems, holding tanks, cesspools and onsite waste water treatment systems. The IPSDC provides a total approach for the onsite, safe disposal of the waste flow discharged to the plumbing fixtures in a building. This Division and IPSDC is a specification oriented code with very few occurrences of performance-oriented text. The site soil must be evaluated in a prescribed manner to determine its ability to accept the waste flow. The chosen waste treatment method must be designed in a prescribed manner for the soil conditions at the building site, constructed using prescribed materials and installed according to prescribed dimensions. The IPSDC sets forth the minimum acceptable requirements for private sewage disposal systems in order to protect humans and the environment from insanitary conditions that would develop if waste flows were not rendered harmless.DEVELOPMENT In Puerto Rico, development of the process to update the building construction codes commenced in 2007 with no results due to a lack of the proper structure. This first edition of the Puerto Rico Building Code was started in 2009 when the Permit Office formally established a Construction Codes Committee, composed of representatives from the Construction Industry, Architects, Engineers, and Regulatory Government ‘Agencies, to review and implement a transition from the existing 1997 Uniform Building Code to the family of the Intemational Codes® of the ICC (I-Codes®). Several seminars were offered with the help of the ICC to familiarize all stake holders with the 2009 |-Codes®. Three days were used for Technical Hearings where proposed amendments were evaluated in order to produce a Building Code for Puerto Rico which took into consideration it unique geographical, climatic, social, and economic characteristics. These series of amendments to the family of codes of the ICC (I- Codes®), together with the original 2009 code composed the Puerto Rico Building Code. Anew edition such as this will be promulgated every 3 years. These codes are founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of building codes that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not restrict the use of new materials, products or methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction. ADOPTION The Puerto Rico Building Code is available for adoption and use by jurisdictions in The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico on March 1, 2011, except for Division VIII (Intemational Energy Conservation Code) & Energy requirements of Division II (Intemational Residential Code) that will be adopted according to the Building Occupancy Group Table set forth below. Its use within a governmental jurisdiction is intended to be accomplished through adoption by reference in accordance with proceedings establishing the jurisdiction's laws. A "Grandfather Clause” is established for all projects for a period of twelve (12) months, in which case proponents can submit construction documents complying with ARPE’s Administrative Order 99-12 dated November 23, 1999, or with this Code. After said “Grandfather clause” of one (1) year, those projects in process of construction documents with a Building Preliminary Approval (‘Anteproyecto”) or “Consulta de Ubicacion” from the Puerto Rico Permit Office (OGPE), the Puerto Rico Permits Office (ARPE), or Autonomous Municipality, shall be entitled to a transitional period. No extension of time will be awarded to a Building Preliminary Approval approved prior to March 1, 2012. All new projects submitted to the Permit Office after March 1, 2012, for any permit process prior to, and including Building Preliminary Approval, shall conform 10to all the requirements of this Puerto Rico Building Code composed of these Amendments and the corresponding International Building Codes (I-Codes®)). Construction Projects of first priority facilities, those that can, or will be used as Shelter with life and safety priority will have to comply from March 1, 2011 with all the Divisions of the Puerto Rico Building Code except Division Vill (International Energy Conservation Code) that will be adopted according to the Building Occupancy Group Table set forth below. . The Grandfather Clause will not apply for these projects. For Division VIll (International Energy Conservation Code) & Energy requirements and Division II (International Residential Code), 90% compliance on all new construction and renovations shall be attained by March of 2017 as per the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (‘ARRA") of 2009, except for the Solar Water Heater requirement on Section 403.10 which will be mandatory on March 2012. The transition compliance with energy conservation requirements of this Code shall be as follows: Item Building Occupancy Group Date Effective 1 Groups A-1,A-2,A-3, A-4,A-5, March1, 2013 2 Groups F, I-1, 1-2, 1-3, 4, 1-5, R-AR-2 March1, 2014. 3 Groups M,U March1, 2015 4 Groups B,R-3,R-4. ‘One and Two Dwelling Units — IRC March1, 2016 MAINTENANCE The Puerto Rico Building Code is kept up to date through the review of proposed changes submitted by code enforcing officials, industry representatives, design professionals and other interested parties. Proposed changes are carefully considered through an open code development process in which all interested and affected parties may participate. The contents of this work are subject to change both through the Code Development Cycles and the governmental body that enacts the code into law. A new edition such as this will be promulgated every 3 years. While the development procedure of the Puerto Rico Construction Code Committee assures the highest degree of care, its members and those participating in the development of this code do not accept any liability resulting from compliance or inoncompliance with the provisions. Only the governmental body that enacts the code into law has such authority. LETTER DESIGNATION IN FRONT OF SECTION NUMBERS: In each code development cycle, proposed changes to the code are considered at the Technical Hearings by the applicable Code Development Sub-Committee, whose action constitutes a recommendation to the voting membership for final action on the proposed change. The content of proposed changes to sections in this code shall begin with a letter designation in accordance with the following: [B] = Intemational Building Code Development Committee; IR] = International Residential Code Development Committee; [E] = International Energy Conservation Code Development Committee; [EB] = International Existing Building Code Development Committee; IF] = International Fire Code Development Committee; [FG] = International Fuel Gas Code Development Committee; IPSD] = International Private Sewage Disposal Code Development Committee; [M] = International Mechanical Code Development Committee; and [P] = International Plumbing Code Development Committee. 12DIVISION I: DIVISION I: DIVISION tl: DIVISION IV: DIVISION DIVISION Vi: DIMISION Vil: DIVISION vin: DIVISION IX: DIVISION x: TABLE OF CONTENTS ‘SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION. AMENDMENTS TO THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS TO THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE. AMENDMENTS TO THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE. AMENDMENTS TO THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE. 143 AMENDMENTS TO THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE. 122 AMENDMENTS TO THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL FUEL AND GAS CODE.. AMENDMENTS TO THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE. AMENDMENTS TO THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE. ‘AMENDMENTS TO THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE SEWAGE CODE. 1BDIVISION | SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATIONDIVISION | CHAPTER 1 - SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION PART | - SCOPE AND APPLICATION SECTION: 101 GENERAL 101.1 Scope The provisions of this Division shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or a structure which requires a permit according to the Puerto Rico Building Code (the “Code”) and the “Reglamento Conjunto”, 101.2 Intent. The purpose of this Division is to establish the applicability of the codes, defines the enforcement agencies, the duties and powers of the Building Official, the process for construction permits, submittal of documents, inspections, certificate of occupancy and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced by the Puerto Rico Building Code and all the ICC Codes as amended here-in. SECTION: 102 APPLICABILITY 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of the Puerto Rico Building Code specify different submittals processes, inspections, procedures, materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. All provisions of this Division shall apply to all ICC Codes as amended in the Puerto Rico Building Code. 102.1.2 Conflict with “Reglamento Conjunto de Permisos para Obras de Construccién y Usos de Terenos” or “Reglamento Conjunto” Where there is a conflict between the provisions of this Division or any requirement of the ICC Codes with the “Reglamento Conjunto de Permisos para Obras de Construccién y Usos de Terrenos’, the latter shall be applicable. 15102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this Division shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law. 102.3 Override Clause The provisions of this Division shall override any similar requirements, but not limited to, scope, administration, enforcement agencies, and permit process specified in the ICC Codes as amended by the Puerto Rico Building Code. 102.4 Partial invalidity. In the event that any part or provision of this Division is held to be illegal or void, this, shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions. 102.5 Appendices Provisions in the Appendices for the Puerto Rico Building Code 2011(PRBC) and all the ICC Codes as amended here-in shall not apply unless specifically referenced in the codes as adopted. PART Il - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT SECTION: 103 ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES 103.1 General The Permit Authorities created by Act 161 of December 1, 2009 as ammended, OGPe, erencia de Permisos OIGPe, “Oficina del Inspector General de Permisos”, ios Autonomos con Jerarquia de Ia | a la V" are the officials in charge and shall be known as the building official. 103.2 Appointment. The building official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction as established in Act 161 of December 1, 2009 as ammended 103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official shall have the authority to appoint a deputy building official, the related technical officers, inspectors, plan examiners and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the building official. ‘SECTION: 104 DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL 104.1 General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this, code. The building 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. 16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. 104.2 Applications and permits. The building official shall receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for the demolition, moving of buildings, construction, alteration, repair or change in the occupancy of a building or structure. and shall inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code. 104.3 Notices and orders. The building official shall issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with this code. 104.4 Inspections. The building official will receive reports of inspectors made by the dully Designated Inspector. The Building Official has the authority to make all of the required inspections, and require and review reports of inspections for acceptance made by Code Officials of Government Agencies having jurisdiction, where required. Reports of such inspections shall be in a digital file 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. 104.5 Identification. The building official, Authorized Inspector, Code Official from any Government Agency with jurisdiction, shall carry proper identification when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this code. 104.6 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, 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, or Government Agencies with Jurisdiction, 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 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. If entry is refused, the building official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry. When the building official or Code Official from any Government Agencies with Jurisdiction, have obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or person having charge, care or control of any 7