A. Application. This chapter shall apply to all existing residential and nonresidential buildings, structures, and lands and portions thereof without regard to the use, date of construction, improvement, or alteration. Where, in a specific case, different sections of this code specify different requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.

B. Existing Buildings. Buildings and portions thereof in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter may have their existing use or occupancy continued if the use or occupancy was legal at the time of the original use or occupancy; and provided, that continued use or occupancy is not dangerous to life, health, and safety.

C. Historic Buildings. This chapter does not apply to existing buildings, structures, or premises designated by the state or city as historic when such buildings, structures, or premises are judged by the building official to be safe and do not contain unhealthy conditions.

D. Maintenance. All equipment, devices, systems, and safeguards required by this code or previously adopted codes under which the structures or premises were constructed, altered, or repaired shall be maintained in good working order, except for such temporary interruption as necessary while repairs or alterations are in progress.

E. Relocation. Existing buildings and structures that are moved or relocated shall be made to conform to the requirements of this code.

F. 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 the adopted uniform codes in Title 17, as the same may be amended from time to time. Nothing in this code shall be constructed to cancel, modify or set aside any provisions of the city of Petaluma zoning ordinance.

G. Existing Remedies. The provisions in this chapter shall not be constructed to abolish or impair existing remedies of the city or its officers or agencies relating to the removal or demolition of any structure which is dangerous, unsafe and unsanitary.

H. 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.

I. Referenced Codes and Standards. The codes and standards referenced in this chapter shall be those that are adopted in Title 17, as the same may be amended from time to time, and shall be considered part of the requirements of this chapter to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this chapter and the referenced standards, the most restrictive shall govern.

J. 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 chapter, shall be determined by the code official.