The provisions of this article shall be applicable as a minimum standard in incorporated
and unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Every portion of a building
of four units or less or premises used or intended to be let, except temporary housing
in times of local emergency, disaster or necessity, shall comply with the provisions
of this article, irrespective of when such building shall have been constructed, altered
or repaired; and irrespective of any permits or licenses which shall have been issued
for the use or occupancy of the building or premises, for the construction or repair
of the building, or for the installation or repair of equipment or facilities, prior
to the effective date of this article. This article is intended and shall be construed
as establishing minimum standards for the initial and continued occupancy of all buildings
which are let. It is not intended to replace, modify, supersede or diminish the standards
established for the construction, repair, alteration or use of buildings, equipment
or facilities by the Florida Building Code or chapter 8 of this Code. In any case
where any provision of this article is found to be in conflict with a material and
controlling provision of zoning regulations, the Florida Building Code, or any other
County or municipal ordinance, code or regulation, or any rules or regulations of
the Florida State Board of Health, or the Code of Federal Regulations, the provision
which establishes the highest standard shall prevail, where allowed by law. It shall
be the duty and responsibility of municipal departments, officials and employees to
enforce the minimum standards prescribed by the provisions of this chapter within
the territorial limits of their respective municipalities. The provisions of this
article shall not apply to enforcement pursuant to ss. 553.79 and 553.80 of the Florida
Building Code adopted pursuant to s. 553.73 or Chapter 8 of this Code as applied to construction, repair, alteration, occupancy or maintenance
of buildings or structures provided that a building permit is either not required,
is required but has not been obtained or has been issued by the county or any municipality.
