What is the deciding factor for whether a building is considered an existing building?

A building is classified as an "existing building" based on the date when its plans were approved by the building department. This is important because the approval date signifies when the building became subject to certain codes and regulations. From that point onward, any inspections or requirements pertain to that framework, meaning that any necessary updates or renovations must comply with the standards in effect at the time of approval.

Understanding the significance of the plan approval date is crucial, as it provides a historical context for evaluating compliance with codes and standards. The age of the physical structure, as determined by the date of construction, does not by itself determine the classification of the building, especially given that changes in codes may occur after the initial construction. While the type of materials used and the completion date of inspections can impact safety and compliance evaluations, they do not dictate whether a building is considered existing. The plan approval date serves as the pivotal reference point for defining an existing building in relation to applicable regulations and inspections.