(a)All seismic retrofit construction which is commenced after the effective date of this Section shall be constructed in accordance with the performance standard or with the most recent edition of the California Building Code adopted by the City, whichever is more stringent.

(b)Each person wishing to use the prescriptive standard must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the building official that the building for which the prescriptive standard will be used falls within the definition of a simple building. Forms of documentation may include plans or sketches of the existing building, or a written report from a structural or civil engineer or a licensed architect with building experience.

(c)Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, seismic retrofit of any building qualifying as "historical property" as determined by an appropriate governmental agency under California Health and Safety Code Section 37602 shall be retrofitted in accordance with the State Historical Building Code, Health and Safety Code Sections 18950 et seq.

(d)Unless deemed unnecessary by the building official, the owner of a building with bearing walls shall be required to retain structural design professionals, testing laboratories and/or special inspectors during the project.