ICC Permit Technician Practice Exam

Buildings and uses lawfully established and in existence at the time of the adoption of the code may continue that use, provided such conditions are ___.

1. Not dangerous to life

2. Not in violation of the zoning code

3. Compatible with the neighborhood

4. Not objected to by any adjacent property owners

The correct answer is: Not dangerous to life

The correct response captures a core principle of building and zoning regulations regarding nonconforming uses, which often occur when a property was established before a new code or regulation came into effect. The principle that buildings and uses lawfully established prior to the adoption of the code may continue operation hinges on the idea that these uses must not pose a danger to public safety. This concern encompasses issues related to structural integrity, fire hazards, health risks, and other safety-related factors that could impact occupants and the surrounding community. A nonconforming use can be allowed to continue as long as it does not compromise safety, thereby permitting the property owner's rights while ensuring community safety standards are upheld. The other considerations, such as zoning violations, neighborhood compatibility, or objections from adjacent property owners, while important in their own contexts, are secondary to the essential requirement that safety must not be compromised. Hence, the primary focus is on ensuring that ongoing lawful uses do not endanger lives, establishing a fundamental baseline for the permissible continuance of such uses.