A.    Approved Materials and Equipment. All materials, equipment and devices approved for use by the building inspector shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

    B.    Modifications. Where there are practical difficulties in carrying our structural or mechanical provisions of this code, or the building codes of the city, the building inspector shall be permitted to vary or modify such provision upon application of the owner or the owner’ s agent, provided that the spirit and intent of the law shall be observed and the public welfare and safety assured and not diminished.

    C.    Records. The request for modification and the final decision of the building inspector shall be in writing and shall be officially recorded in the permanent records of his department.

    D.    Used Materials and Equipment. Used materials and devices shall not be reused unless they have been reconditioned, tested and placed in good and proper working condition and approved for use by the building inspector.

    E.    Alternative Materials and Equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material or method of construction shall be approved when the building inspector finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code and the building codes, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.

    F.    Research and Investigations. The building inspector shall require that sufficient technical data be submitted to substantiate the proposed use of any construction material or assembly, and if it is determined that the evidence submitted is satisfactory proof of performance for the use intended, the building inspector shall approve the use of such material in construction assembly subject to the requirements of this code and the building codes. The cost of all tests, reports and investigations required under these provisions shall be paid by the applicant.

    G.    Research Reports. Supporting data when required by the building inspector to assist in the approval of all materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code or the building codes shall consist of duly authenticated research reports from approved sources.

    H.    Professional Architectural and Engineering Services. Design for repair construction work that is subject to the operations of the Illinois Architectural Practice Act of 1989, as amended, shall be prepared by, or under the direct supervision of a registered professional architect or qualified registered professional engineer licensed and registered by the state of Illinois and shall bear that architect’ s or engineer’ s seal and signature in accordance with state law and shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the building codes of the city. (Ord. 1686 § 1 (part), 1998)