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The current 2002 North Carolina Building Code, Chapter 24 and Volume IX Existing <br />Building Codes do not require additional work beyond the scope of proposed work unless <br />the structure is deemed in some way `unsafe' or a `change of use' is proposed. When <br />working in existing buildings great consideration is given to the fact that the building has <br />functioned in a safe manner in the past and if the proposed use is consistent with the <br />historic use, the structure is still considered to be safe unless specific `unsafe conditions' <br />exist. Under any code `unsafe conditions' would be required to be corrected. Some <br />examples of `unsafe conditions' encountered are: termite infested beams, structural <br />failure of footings (settled or uprooted), exposed electrical wiring (providing opportunity of <br />electrical shock). In the above examples, the code would require repair of deteriorated <br />structural members and repair to the electrical wiring to provide a continued safe use of <br />the building for its occupants. <br />It is the objective of both the current codes, Chapter 24 of the 2002 North Carolina <br />Building Code and Volume IX Existing Building Code, and the proposed <br />Rehabilitation Code to promote the safe continued use and reuse of existing <br />buildings. <br />