erate with the code official in the discharge of the duties required by this code.

103.1 Practical difficulties. When there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the code official is authorized to grant modifications for individual cases on application in writing by the owner or a duly authorized representative. The code official shall first find that a special individual reason makes enforcement of the strict letter of this code impractical, the modification is in conformance to the intent and purpose of this code, and the modification does not lessen any fire protection requirements or any degree of structural integrity. The details of any action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered into the files of the code enforcement agency.

If the code official determines that difficult terrain, danger of erosion or other unusual circumstances make strict compliance with the vegetation control provisions of the code detrimental to safety or impractical, enforcement thereof may be suspended, provided that reasonable alternative measures are taken.

103.2 Technical assistance. To determine the acceptability of technologies, processes, products, facilities, materials and uses attending the design, operation or use of a building or premises subject to the inspection of the code official, the code official is authorized to require the owner or the person in possession or control of the building or premises to provide, without charge to the jurisdiction, a technical opinion and report. The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or fire safety specialty organization acceptable to the code official and the owner and shall analyze the fire safety of the design, operation or use of the building or premises, the facilities and appurtenances situated thereon and fuel management for purposes of establishing fire hazard severity to recommend necessary changes.

103.3 Alternative materials or methods. The code official, in concurrence with approval from the building official and fire chief, is authorized to approve alternative materials or methods, provided that the code official finds that the proposed design, use or operation satisfactorily complies with the intent of this code and that the alternative is, for the purpose intended, at least equivalent to the level of quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety prescribed by this code. Approvals under the authority herein contained shall be subject to the approval of the building official whenever the alternate material or method involves matters regulated by the International Building Code.

The code official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding its use. The details of any action granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency.

104.1 General. To determine the suitability of alternative materials and methods and to provide for reasonable interpretations of the provisions of this code, there shall be and hereby is created a board of appeals consisting of five members who are qualified by experience and training to pass judgment on pertinent matters. The code official, building official and fire chief shall be ex officio members, and the code official shall act as secretary of the board. The board of appeals shall be appointed by the legislative body and shall hold office at their discretion. The board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render decisions and findings in writing to the code official, with a duplicate copy to the applicant.

104.2 Limitations of authority. The board of appeals shall not have authority relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this code and shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.

105.1 General. When not otherwise provided in the requirements of the building or fire code, permits are required in accordance with Section 105.

105.2 Permits required. Unless otherwise exempted, no building or structure regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, altered, repaired, moved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the code official.

When required by the code official, a permit shall be obtained for the following activities, operations, practices or functions within an wildland-urban interface area:

1. 1.Automobile wrecking yard;
2. 2.Candles and open flames in assembly areas;
3. 3.Explosives or blasting agents;
4. 4.Fireworks;
5. 5.Flammable or combustible liquids;
6. 6.Hazardous materials;
7. 7.Liquefied petroleum gases;
8. 8.Lumberyards;
9. 9.Motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations;
10. 10.Open burning;
11. 11.Pyrotechnical special effects material;
12. 12.Tents, canopies and temporary membrane structures;
13. 13.Tire storage;
14. 14.Welding and cutting operations; or
15. 15.Other activities as determined by the code official.

105.3 Work exempt from permit. Unless otherwise provided in the requirements of the building or fire code, a permit shall not be required for the following:

1. 1.One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m²) and