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BOARD OF HOUSING APPEALS Page 2 January 9 , 1986 Specifically, the Code in the occupancy definition does not speak in terms of "hazardous" , does not address amount of dust and does not deal with whether or not a specific operation creates a "dangerous situation . " Consequently, these are not issues to be determined by the Building Official or your Board. As the appeal is framed, the Board has no authority to grant the appeal for to do so would constitute an amendment to the Code itself not merely an interpretation of it. The Board does not have jurisdiction to amend or rewrite the Code or to change its terms . In effect , the appeal is requesting something of the Board that is beyond its power . Simply stated, the only proper inquiry is whether or not the operation in question generates combustible dust. If so, there is no authority to do other than classify the building where the operation is carried out as an "H-3" occupancy. Such issues as degree of hazard, amount of combustible material , etc . , are an attempt to misdirect a proper review of the occupancy classifica- tion into potentially debatable areas irrelevant to the deter- mination to be made. Occupancy classification is not a discretionary matter , but mandatory with fairly rigid inflexible criteria. The Building Department' s classification of the structure in question as "H-3" is based on the factor of combustible dust generation . If fac- tually correct , there is nothing further to be explored or debated. While your Board has a role in interpreting the Code, the role is solely and specifically limited to interpretation, not an analysis of the wisdom or advisability of definition, criteria, restrictions , etc . , contained in the Code. Those matters are for legislative determination , not administrative interpretation , and while your Board might on appropriate occasion recommend legisla- tive amendment or modification , barring such amendment or modifi- cation, the limitations and restrictions of the Code are to be mandatorially applied.