(1) The department adopts and incorporates by reference the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2018 edition, which may be used as an alternate prescriptive method(s) for the remodel, repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, and relocation of existing building.

(a) The owner of an existing building may follow the requirements of either the IEBC or the IBC, but the owner may not apply some of the requirements of the IEBC and other requirements from the IBC on the same project.

(2) Adoption of the IEBC must not be construed to require the upgrading of existing buildings.

(3) Any reference to a separate specialty building regulation by title in the IEBC shall be considered deleted and replaced with the title of the comparable model code that has been adopted by the department and is in effect at the time.

(4) A copy of the IEBC may be obtained from the International Code Council at www.ICCSafe.org.