ICC Permit Technician Practice Exam

If a nonconforming structure is damaged beyond what percentage of its value, reconstruction must comply with current zoning codes?

1. 10 percent

2. 33 percent

3. 50 percent

4. 25 percent

The correct answer is: 50 percent

The requirement for a nonconforming structure to comply with current zoning codes after being damaged is typically set at 50 percent. This threshold means that if the cost of repairs exceeds 50 percent of the structure's value, the property must be rebuilt in accordance with current zoning regulations rather than retaining its original, nonconforming status. This is a standard practice in many jurisdictions to ensure that once a structure is significantly damaged, it will meet the latest health, safety, and aesthetic standards of the community. Other options reflect lower percentages, which do not align with the common regulatory frameworks that govern nonconforming structures. A lower threshold might allow more significant noncompliance with current regulations, which could compromise community planning and safety goals. As such, the 50 percent threshold serves as a clear guideline that balances the interests of property owners with the need for adherence to modern zoning criteria.