PRODUCT APPROVALS
Sustainable Development and Construction
Building Inspection
Product Approvals | Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction
Section 106
Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction
106.1 General. The codes are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction not specifically prescribed by the codes. If the alternate material or method has been approved by the building official. (Ord. 26029)
106.2 Approval of alternate material or method. The building official may approve an alternate material or method if the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and that the material, method, or work offered is for the purpose intended at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the codes in strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety, and sanitation. (Ord. 26029)
106.3 Proof, recording. The building official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding the use of any alternate material or method. The details of each action approving an alternate material or method must be recorded and maintained in the building inspection division’s permanent files. (Ord. 26029)
An original letter shall contain specific professional and industry language detailing the equivalency of
an alternate material or method of construction; an Engineer of Record shall address the strength, durability, safety, effectiveness, fire resistance, and sanitation of the alternate material or method of construction.
The Engineer of Record original letter shall substantiate, by evidence or proof, any/all claims for any/all alternate material and/or method of construction “as at least the equivalent of that prescribed in [this code], adopted by ordinance with amendments.”
The original letter and original design document(s) shall have the Engineer of Record signature and the State of Texas P.E. Seal affixed.
Approved alternate materials or methods of construction supplement, but do not replace that already authorized by the Code.