Ordinance in Relation to Construction of Buildings & Other Structures as Affected by the Demand Casued by the National Emergency

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WHEREAS, a National emergency exists and such emergency has caused, and will from time to time cause certain materials used in the construction, re- construction, alteration and repairs of buildings to be withdrawn from the open market and has also limited, and will from time to time limit the supply of other materials so used, and WHEREAS, the Federal Government has suggested that as to such materials ordinance provisions requiring the use thereof be suspended to permit the substitution of other materials, installations or method of construction during such emergency, NOW,, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, that: Section I. The Building'Commissioner shall be and hereby is authorized to approve temporarily, as conditions from time to time may require, substitutions of building materials, including electric wiring, plumbing, heating and any other materials, equipment, methods of installation, or methods of construction in respect to buildings or structures, as now required by ordinance provisions of the City of South Bend., whenever said Building Commissioner shall determine; 1. That the materials required by ordinance provisions are not available or cannot be obtained within a reasonable time or cannot be obtained except at pro - hibitive cost; and 2. That the use of such substitute materials or equip- ment, or installation or metYn ds of construction will not materially increase the fire, health or life hazard, nor materially lessen the structural stability of the building or structure for which said substitute is to be used. Section II The said Building, Commissioner shall be and 'hereby is granted authority to prg4mzlgate rules and regulations to carry out the intent and purposes of this ordinance. The rulings of said Building Commissioner in respect to substitutes shall be complied with by the various building designers, contractors and inspectors. Section III. In any case in which a permit is refused by the Building Commissioner, the applicant shall have the right to demand a review of the Building Commissionerts action by the Board of Public Works, which shall determine whether or not the use of a substitute plan method and /or materials shall be consistent with the public health, safety and convenience. Section IV. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to fail, or neglect or refuse to comply fully with each and every term and provision under which any such permit or approval shall have been obtained and upon conviction in the City Court of any person, firm or corporation failing, neglecting or refusing so to comply, such person shall be punished\by a fine of not more than $300.00, or imprisonment not exceeding \thirty days or by both such fine and imprisonment.