The Safety Codes Act allows for the issuance of Variances. Variances are also referred to as "alternative solutions" in some codes. A Variance or "alternative solution" may only be issued by a safety codes officer, a technical administrator, or the Safety Codes Council.
Variances are requested by the owner to the safety codes officer.
Regulations, and codes and standards enabled under the Safety Codes Act are intended to administer safety to persons and property.
Variances are intended to allow for innovative design, new construction technology or methodolgy.
Variances are not intended for product or equipment approval.
Variances issued under the Act may be used as a means to authorize installations, processes, equipment, or actions not consistent with the strict provisions of existing rules, but which provides an equal or greater level of safety to persons and property than that prescribed pursuant to the Act.
Policy 9.80 Variances
Request for Specific Variance form
Request for Specific Variance sample
Variance sample