Sec. 5. (a) This section does not authorize a variance from any rule adopted by the commission.
(b) The rules adopted by the commission do not prevent the use of:
(1) materials;
(2) methods of construction; or
(3) design procedures;
if they are not specifically prohibited in the rules and if they are approved under subsection (c).
(c) The state fire marshal and the department may, in the review of an application for a design release, consider as evidence of compliance with the rules adopted by the commission any evaluation report that:
(1) contains limitations, conditions, or standards for alternative materials, methods of construction, or design procedures; and
(2) is published by an independent, nationally recognized testing laboratory or other organization that is approved under the rules adopted by the commission.