§ 12-227. Applicability

Where there is a specific conflict between a general requirement of this code and a specific requirement of this code, the specific requirement shall govern. Where differences occur between provisions of this code, and any referenced standard in this code, this code shall generally govern. Chapter 553, Florida Statutes, the Florida Building Code and all referenced standards in the Florida Building Code shall control all matters relating to new building construction, repair and remodeling. The Florida Fire Prevention Code / Florida Life Safety Code shall control all matters relating to fire safety. Where, in a specific case, different sections of this code specify different requirements, the most restrictive will govern.

12-227.1 Maintenance. Equipment, systems, devices and safeguards required by this code or a previous regulation or code under which the structure or premises was constructed, altered or repaired shall be maintained in good working order. No owner, operator or occupant shall cause any service, facility, equipment or utility which is required under this section to be removed from, shut off from, or discontinued for any occupied dwelling, except for such temporary interruption as necessary while repairs or alterations are in progress. The requirements of this code are not intended to provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures. Except as otherwise specified herein, the owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures and premises.

12-227.2 Application of other codes. Repairs, additions or alterations to a structure, or changes of occupancy, shall be done in accordance with the procedures and provisions of Chapter 553, Florida Statutes, and any applicable building codes, including, but not limited to, the Florida Building Code. Nothing in this code shall be construed to cancel, modify or set aside any of the provisions of Chapter 553, Florida Statutes, or any applicable building codes to a particular project, including, but not limited to, the Florida Building Code or any referenced standard therein.

12-227.3 Existing remedies. The provisions in this code shall not be construed to abolish or impair existing remedies of the jurisdiction or its officers or agencies relating to the removal or demolition of any structure which is dangerous, unsafe and insanitary.

12-227.4 Workmanship. Repairs, maintenance work, alterations or installations which are caused directly or indirectly by the enforcement of this code shall be executed and installed in a workmanlike manner and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

12-227.5 Historic Buildings. The provisions of this code shall not be mandatory for existing buildings or structures that are designated as historic by the National Park Service and listed on the National Register of Historic Places when such buildings or structures are judged by the Code Official to be safe and in the public interest of health, safety, and welfare.

12-227.6 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced throughout this code shall be considered part of this code and are accordingly adopted and incorporated herein by reference to the prescribed extent of such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced standards, the more stringent standard shall apply.

12-227.7 Requirements not covered by code. Requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation of an existing fixture, structure or equipment, or for the public safety, health, and general welfare, not specifically covered by this code shall be determined by the Code Official using the following:

a. Reference to the International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 edition;

b. Reference to the manufacturer's suggested guidelines or instructions for installation and use;

c. Reference to the Florida Building Code or any other applicable building code;

d. Reference to the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings;

e. Reference to primary law (including federal, state, and local sources);

f. Reference to any generally accepted practice in the industry, occupation, or general use for which the existing fixture, structure or equipment is primarily designated for, or which the public health, safety, and welfare requires; or

g. Reference to any other suitably acceptable source of custom or practice reasonably accepted by society and sufficiently reliable in nature such that the requirement would be generally known and accepted in the community.

     h. Any amendment to each of the aforementioned codes or other provisions of law shall include any amendments made from time to time.

  The Code Official, upon observing a deficiency in a requirement necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation of an existing fixture, structure or equipment, or for the public safety, health, and general welfare, shall, in addition to regular enforcement protocol, issue along with the first notice a written determination including the basis for requirement and the necessary steps to correct the deficiency observed to meet the requirement.

12-227.8 Code Officials.  Each Code Enforcement Officer and Building Official of the City is deemed a "Code Official" for purposes of this code. A code official may only exercise authority in enforcing this code for which the said code official is duly licensed. Code Enforcement is a division of the Department of Planning and Development. Any notices required to be delivered to the Code Official under this code shall be delivered to the responsible Code Official for the case.

12-227.9 Liability.  In accordance with § 768.28(9)(a), Florida Statutes, a City official or employee charged with the enforcement of this code shall not be held personally liable in tort or named as a party defendant in any action for any injury or damage suffered as a result of any act, event, or omission of action in the scope of her or his employment or function, unless such officer, employee, or agent acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property.

(Ord. No. 2016-02, § 1, 1-19-16; Ord. No. 2016-08, § 5, 06-21-16; Ord. No. 2018-06, § 4, 09-19-18)