Sec. 5. (a) The commission shall adopt building rules that allow a person to convert a building or other structure, in whole or in part, from one (1) class of occupancy and use established under the commission’s rules to another without complying with all of the commission’s rules governing new construction.

     (b) The rules adopted under this section must protect the public from significant health hazards and safety hazards.

     (c) Subject to subsection (b), the rules must promote the following:

(1) The preservation of architecturally significant and historically significant parts of buildings and other structures.

(2) The economically efficient reuse of buildings and other structures.

(3) The preservation and use of commercial buildings located within:

(A) the downtown of a local unit; and

(B) a designated historic district.

Before the effective date of the commission’s rules, the commission’s policies must promote the preservation and use of commercial buildings as set forth in subdivision (3).

     (d) The rules adopted under this section may condition an exemption upon:

(1) passing an inspection conducted by the department; and

(2) paying the fee set under IC 22-12-6-6.

As added by P.L.245-1987, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.49-2016, SEC.5.