(a) Itis a purpose of this article to encourage the sensitive rehabilitation, restoration, stabilization, or preservation of existing buildings throughout this state and to encourage the preservation of buildings and structures deemed to be historic in total or in part; provided, however, that such rehabilitation and preservation efforts should provide for the upgrading of the safety features of the building or structure to provide a practical level of safety to the public and surrounding property. It is the further purpose of this article to provide guidance regarding acceptable alternative solutions and to stimulate enforcement authorities to utilize alternative compliance concepts wherever practical to permit the continued use of existing buildings and structures without overly restrictive financial burdens on owners or occupants.
(b) The provisions of this article shall not be applicable to new construction.