Atascadero Municipal Code Ch. 12 Post-Disaster Regulations

This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy following an earthquake or other destructive event. The chapter further authorizes the Chief Building Official and representatives to post the appropriate placard at each entry to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.

(Ord. 693, 2/24/2026)

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the City of Atascadero following each destructive event. The City Council may extend the provisions as necessary.

(Ord. 693, 2/24/2026)

For the purpose of this chapter and where else applicable:

Architect.

An individual licensed by the State of California to practice architecture as defined in the California Business and Professions Code.

Civil Engineer.

An individual registered by the State of California to practice civil engineering as defined in the California Business and Professions Code.

Current Code.

The City of Atascadero Building Code, as set forth in Section 8-1.103 of this title, that is in effect at the time an application for a building permit to repair damage caused by a disaster.

Engineering Evaluation.

An evaluation of a damaged building or structure, or suspected damaged building or structure, performed under the direction of a structural engineer, civil engineer or architect retained by the owner of a building or structure. An engineering evaluation shall, at the minimum, contain recommendations for repair with an appropriate opinion of construction cost for repair.

Event.

Any occurrence which results in the declaration of an emergency by City Council, and shall include, but not be limited to, fires, windstorms, earthquakes, and floods

Replacement Value.

The cost, as determined by the applicable licensed design professional and the Building Official, of replacing the damaged structure with a new structure of the same size, construction material, and occupancy on the same site.

Structural Engineer.

An individual registered by the State of California to practice civil engineering and to use the title "structural engineer" as authorized in the California Business and Professions Code.

Value of Repair.

The cost, as determined by the applicable licensed design professional and the Building Official, of making necessary repairs to a damaged structure.

(Ord. 693, 2/24/2026)

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, buildings and structures of all occupancies which have been damaged as a result of a disaster for which a local emergency has been declared shall be repaired in accordance with the following criteria:

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, if the estimated value of repair is less than 50% of the replacement value of the building or structure, then the damaged elements, as well as all critical ties, elements that support the damaged elements and elements that are supported by the damaged elements, shall be repaired and/or brought into conformance with the structural requirements of the current code.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, if the estimated value of repair does not exceed 10% of the replacement value of the building or structure, then the damaged elements may be repaired to their pre-disaster condition if the Chief Building Official determines, after review of an engineering evaluation, that repair to their pre-disaster condition will not create an unreasonable risk of injury to occupants of the building or structure, adjacent properties, pedestrians or other members of the public.

(1) However, when the damaged elements include suspended ceiling systems, the ceiling systems shall be repaired and all bracing required by the current code shall be installed.

(c) If the estimated value of repair equals or exceeds 50% of the replacement value of the building or structure, then the entire building or structure shall be brought into conformance with the structural requirements of the current code.

(Ord. 693, 2/24/2026)

Placards are those identified in Section 8-1.107 of this code.

(Ord. 693, 2/24/2026)