Beverly Hills Municipal Code Art. 8 Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings

These regulations shall be known as the CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as "this code". (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017; amd. Ord. 25-O-2026, eff. 1-1- 2026; Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)

A. Purpose: It is the purpose of this code to provide a just, equitable and practicable method, to be cumulative with and in addition to any other remedy provided by the building code, housing code or otherwise available by law, whereby buildings or structures which from any cause endanger the life, limb, health, property, safety or welfare of the general public or their occupants may be required to be repaired, vacated or demolished.

The purpose of this code is not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by the terms of this code.

B. Scope: The provisions of this code shall apply to all dangerous buildings and structures, as herein defined, which are now in existence or which may hereafter become dangerous in this jurisdiction. (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017; amd. Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1-2026; Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)

All buildings or structures which are required to be repaired under the provisions of this code shall be subject to the provisions of the existing building code. (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017; amd. Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1-2026; Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)

A. Administration: The building official is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code. The building official shall have the power to render interpretations of this code and to adopt and enforce rules and supplemental regulations in order to clarify the application of its provisions.

Such interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformity with the intent and purpose of this code.

B. Inspections: The health officer, the fire marshal and the building official are hereby authorized to make such inspections and take such actions as may be required to enforce the provisions of this code.

C. Right Of Entry: When it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or when the building official or the building official's authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists, or may exist, in an occupied or unoccupied building or upon a premises a condition which is contrary to or in violation of this code which makes the building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official may enter the building or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this code, provided that credentials be presented to the occupant, entry requested, and consent to entry is given by someone having apparent authority to provide such consent.

If entry is refused, the building official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.

"Authorized representative" shall include the officers named in section 9-1-104 of this chapter and their authorized inspection personnel.

D. Abatement Of Dangerous Buildings: All buildings or portions thereof which are determined after inspection by the building official to be dangerous as defined in this code are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedure specified in this code.

E. Violations: It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or cause or permit the same to be done in violation of this code.

F. Inspection Of Work: All buildings or structures within the scope of this code and all construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official in accordance with and in the manner provided by this code and section 9-1-111 of this chapter and the building code.

G. Hearing Officer:

1. General: In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the director of building and safety relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a hearing officer position designated by the city manager who is qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction and who has no involvement in the enforcement of this article. The hearing officer may adopt rules of procedure for conducting his or her business and shall render all decisions in writing to the appellant, with a duplicate copy to the director of building and safety. Appeals to the hearing officer shall be processed in accordance with the provisions contained in this article. Copies of all rules or regulations adopted by the hearing officer shall be delivered to the director of building and safety, who shall make them freely accessible to the public.

2. Limitations Of Authority: The hearing officer shall have no authority relative to interpretation and enforcement of the administrative provisions of this code nor shall the officer be empowered to waive requirements of this code. (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017; amd. Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1- 2026; Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)

A. General: The definitions in article 1 of this chapter, and those stated in this section shall apply to this code. For the purpose of this code, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as also specified in the building code and the housing code.

Where terms are not defined, they shall have their ordinary accepted meanings within the context with which they are used. "Webster's Third New International Dictionary Of The English Language, Unabridged", copyright 1986, shall be considered as providing ordinary accepted meanings. Words used in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine.

B. Definition Of Dangerous Building:

DANGEROUS BUILDING: Any building or structure, or portion thereof, which has any or all of the conditions or defects hereinafter described constitutes a dangerous building, provided that such conditions or defects exist to the extent that the life, health, property or safety of the public or its occupants are endangered. This includes unsafe, hazardous, and dangerous conditions listed in the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code as amended by the city of Beverly Hills, in addition to those conditions and defects listed below:

1. Whenever any door, aisle, passageway, stairway or other means of exit is not of sufficient width or size or is not so arranged as to provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.

2. Whenever the walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway or other means of exit is so warped, worn, loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.

3. Whenever the stress in any materials, member or portion thereof, due to all dead and live loads, is more than one and one-half (11/2) times the working stress or stresses allowed in the building code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose or location.

4. Whenever any portion thereof has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood or by any other cause, to such an extent that the structural strength or stability thereof is materially less than it was before such catastrophe and is less than the minimum requirements of the building code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose or location.

5. Whenever any portion or member or appurtenance thereof is likely to fail, or to become detached or dislodged, or to collapse and thereby injure persons or damage property.

6. Whenever any portion of a building, or any member, appurtenance or ornamentation on the exterior thereof is not of sufficient strength or stability, or is not so anchored, attached or fastened in place so as to be capable of resisting a wind pressure of one-half (½) of that specified in the building code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose or location without exceeding the working stresses permitted in the building code for such buildings.

7. Whenever any portion thereof has wracked, warped, buckled or settled to such an extent that walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to winds or earthquakes than is required in the case of similar new construction.

8. Whenever the building or structure, or any portion thereof, because of: a) dilapidation, deterioration or decay; b) faulty construction; c) the removal, movement or instability of any portion of the ground necessary for the purpose of supporting such building; d) the deterioration, decay or inadequacy of its foundation; or e) any other cause, is likely to partially or completely collapse.

9. Whenever, for any reason, the building or structure, or any portion thereof, is manifestly unsafe for the purpose for which it is being used.

10. Whenever the exterior walls or other vertical structural members list, lean or buckle to such an extent that a plumb line passing through the center of gravity does not fall inside the middle one-third (1/3) of the base.

11. Whenever the building or structure, exclusive of the foundation, shows thirty three percent (33%) or more damage or deterioration of its supporting member or members, or fifty percent (50%) damage or deterioration of its nonsupporting members, enclosing or outside walls, or

12. Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind, earthquake or flood, or has become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become: a) an attractive nuisance to children; b) a harbor for vagrants, criminals or immoral persons; or as to c) enable persons to resort thereto for the purpose of committing unlawful or immoral acts.

13. Whenever any building or structure has been constructed, exists or is maintained in violation of any specific requirement or prohibition applicable to such building or structure provided by the technical codes of this jurisdiction, as specified in the building code or housing code, or of any law or ordinance of this state or jurisdiction relating to the condition, location or structure of buildings.

14. Whenever any building or structure which, whether or not erected in accordance with all applicable laws and ordinances, has in any nonsupporting part, member or portion less than fifty percent (50%), or in any supporting part, member or portion less than sixty six percent (66%) of the: a) strength, b) fire resisting qualities or characteristics, or c) weather resisting qualities or characteristics required by law in the case of a newly constructed building of like area, height and occupancy in the same location.

15. Whenever a building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, air or sanitation facilities, or otherwise, is determined by the health officer to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease.

16. Whenever any building or structure, because of obsolescence, dilapidated condition, deterioration, damage, inadequate exits, lack of sufficient fire resistive construction, faulty electric wiring, gas connections or heating apparatus, or other cause, is determined by the fire marshal to be a fire hazard, or pursuant to the Beverly Hills municipal code.

17. Whenever any building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute a public nuisance known to the common law or in equity jurisprudence.

18. Whenever any portion of a building or structure remains on a site after the demolition or destruction of the building or structure or whenever any building or structure is abandoned for a period in excess of six (6) months so as to constitute such building or portion thereof an attractive nuisance or hazard to the public. (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017; amd. Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1-2026; Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)

A. Commencement Of Proceedings: When the building official has inspected or caused to be inspected any building and has found and determined that such building is a dangerous building, the building official may commence proceedings to cause the repair, vacation or demolition of the building.

B. Notice And Order: The building official shall issue a notice and order directed to the record owner of the building. The notice and order shall contain:

1. The street address and a legal description sufficient for identification of the premises upon which the building is located.

2. A statement that the building official has found the building to be dangerous with a brief and concise description of the conditions found to render the building dangerous under the provisions of subsection 9-1-805.B of this chapter.

3. A statement of the action(s) required to be taken as determined by the building official.

a. If the building official has determined that the building or structure must be repaired, the order shall require that all required permits be secured therefor and the work physically commenced within such time (not to exceed 60 days from the date of the order) and completed within such time as the building official shall determine is reasonable under all of the circumstances.

b. If the building official has determined that the building or structure must be vacated, the order shall require that the building or structure shall be vacated within a time certain from the date of the order as determined by the building official to be reasonable.

c. If the building official has determined that the building or structure must be demolished, the order shall require that the building be vacated within such time as the building official shall determine is reasonable (not to exceed 60 days from the date of the order); that all required permits be secured therefor within sixty (60) days from the date of the order; and that the demolition be completed within such time as the building official shall determine is reasonable.

4. Statements advising that if any required repair or demolition work (without vacation also being required) is not commenced within the time specified, the building official: a) will order the building vacated and posted to prevent further occupancy until the work is completed, and b) may proceed to cause the work to be done and charge the costs thereof against the property or its owner.

5. Statements advising: a) that any person having any record title or legal interest in the building may appeal from the notice and order or any action of the director of building and safety to the hearing officer, provided the appeal is made in writing as provided in this code and filed with the director of building and safety within thirty (30) days from the date of service of such notice and order; and b) that failure to appeal will constitute a waiver of all right to an administrative hearing and determination of the matter.

C. Service Of Notice And Order: The notice and order, and any amended or supplemental notice and order, shall be served upon the record owner and posted on the property; and one copy thereof shall be served on each of the following if known to the building official or disclosed from official public records: the holder of any mortgage or deed of trust or other lien or encumbrance of record; the owner or holder of any lease of record; and the holder of any other estate or legal interest of record in or to the building or the land on which it is located. The failure of the building official to serve any person required herein to be served shall not invalidate any proceedings hereunder as to any other person duly served or relieve any such person from any duty or obligation imposed by the provisions of this section.

D. Method Of Service: Service of the notice and order shall be made upon all persons entitled thereto either personally or by mailing a copy of such notice and order by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to each such person at their address as it appears on the last equalized assessment roll of the county or as known to the building official. If no address of any such person so appears or is known to the building official, then a copy of the notice and order shall be so mailed, addressed to such person, at the address of the building involved in the proceedings.

The failure of any such person to receive such notice shall not affect the validity of any proceedings taken under this section. Service by certified mail in the manner herein provided shall be effective on the date of mailing.

E. Proof Of Service: Proof of service of the notice and order shall be certified to at the time of service by a written declaration under penalty of perjury executed by the persons effecting service, declaring the time, date and manner in which service was made. The declaration, together with any receipt card returned in acknowledgment of receipt by certified mail shall be affixed to the copy of the notice and order retained by the building official.

F. Recordation Of Notice And Order: If compliance is not had with the order within the time specified therein, and no appeal has been properly and timely filed, the building official may file in the office of the county recorder a certificate describing the property and certifying: 1) that the building is a dangerous building and 2) that the owner has been so notified. Whenever the corrections ordered shall thereafter have been completed or the building demolished so that it no longer exists as a dangerous building on the property described in the certificate, the building official shall file a new certificate with the county recorder certifying that the building has been demolished or all required corrections have been made so that the building is no longer dangerous, whichever is appropriate.

G. Repair, Vacation And Demolition: The following standards shall be followed by the director of building and safety in ordering the repair, vacation or demolition of any dangerous building or structure:

1. Any building declared a dangerous building under this code shall be made to comply with one of the following:

a. The building shall be repaired in accordance with the current technical codes; or

b. The building shall be demolished at the option of the building owner; or

c. If the building does not constitute an immediate danger to the life, limb, property or safety of the public it may be vacated, secured and maintained against entry.

d. If a building is vacated and secured against entry indicated in subsection G1c of this section, the entire premises where such building is located shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of title 5, chapter 7 of the Beverly Hills municipal code. Unless otherwise approved by the building official, the repairs or demolition of such building shall be commenced within a period not exceeding ninety (90) days from its vacation, unless the building official authorizes a longer period in writing of cause. If the repairs or demolition are not commenced as indicated, the building shall then be considered a public nuisance and be abated as provided for in section 5-7-8 of the Beverly Hills municipal code.

2. If the building or structure, or portion thereof, is in such condition as to make it immediately dangerous to the life, limb, property or safety of the public or its occupants, it shall be ordered to be vacated and then be repaired or demolished as indicated in subsection G.1.d of this section. The emergency powers set forth in subsection 9-1-105.N of this chapter shall apply in such instances.

H. Notice To Vacate:

1. Notice: Every notice to vacate shall, in addition to being served as provided in this section, be posted at or upon each exit of the building and shall be in substantially the following form:

ORDER TO VACATE/ORDER TO NOT ENTER

UNSAFE TO OCCUPY

It is a misdemeanor to occupy this building, or to remove or deface this notice, or to violate an Order to Vacate and/or Order to Not Enter.

Building Official

City of Beverly Hills

2. Compliance: Whenever such notice is posted, the building official shall include a notification thereof in the notice and order issued under subsection B of this section, reciting the emergency and specifying the conditions which necessitate the posting. No person shall remain in or enter any building which has been so posted. The building official may, prior to a rescission of an order to vacate and/or an order to not enter, authorize persons in writing to enter such premises for the purpose of abating dangerous or unlawful conditions therein, and to impose conditions on such entries. No person shall remove or deface any such notice after it is posted until the required repairs, demolition or removal have been completed and a certificate of occupancy issued pursuant to the provisions of the building code. No person shall violate an order to vacate and/or an order to not enter, or any condition of an authorized entry. (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017; amd. Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1-2026; Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)

A. Form Of Appeal: Any person entitled to service under subsection 9-1-806.C of this chapter may appeal from any notice and order or any action of the building official under this code by filing at the development services division ("division") a written appeal containing:

1. A heading in the words: "Before the hearing officer of the City of Beverly Hills".

2. A caption reading: "Appeal of........", giving the names of all appellants participating in the appeal.

3. A brief statement setting forth the legal interest of each of the appellants in the building or the land involved in the notice and order.

4. A brief statement in ordinary and concise language of the specific order or action protested, together with any material facts claimed to support the contentions of the appellant.

5. A brief statement in ordinary and concise language of the relief sought and the reasons why it is claimed the protested order or action should be reversed, modified or otherwise set aside.

6. The signatures of all parties named as appellants and their official mailing addresses.

7. The verification (by declaration under penalty of perjury) of at least one appellant as to the truth of the matters stated in the appeal.

The appeal shall be filed within thirty (30) days from the date of the service of such order or action of the building official; provided, however, that if the building or structure is in such condition as to make it immediately dangerous to the life, limb, property or safety of the public or adjacent property and is ordered vacated and is posted in accordance with subsection 9-1-806. C of this chapter such appeal shall be filed within ten (10) days from the date of the service of the notice and order of the building official.

B. Processing Of Appeal: Upon receipt of a timely appeal filed pursuant to this section, an informal hearing shall be scheduled to occur before a hearing officer who shall be appointed by the city manager or designee and who shall be any person having no involvement with the division's issuance of a notice under this article.

C. Scheduling And Noticing Appeal For Hearing: The hearing shall occur within thirty (30) days of the division's receipt of a timely appeal. Written notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing to each appellant by the building official by first class mail. Failure of any person to receive a properly addressed notice pursuant to this section shall not affect any appeal hearing.

D. Effect Of Failure To Appeal: Failure of any person to file a timely appeal in accordance with the provisions of subsection A of this section shall constitute a waiver of the right to an administrative hearing and adjudication of the notice and order or any portion thereof. In that event, the notice and order shall be final.

E. Scope Of Hearing On Appeal: Only those matters or issues specifically raised by the appellant shall be considered in the hearing of the appeal.

F. Staying Of Order Under Appeal: Except for vacation orders made pursuant to subsection 9-1-806.H of this chapter, enforcement of any notice and order of the building official issued under this code shall be stayed during the pendency of an appeal therefrom which is properly and timely filed. (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017; amd. Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1-2026; Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)

A. General:

1. Record: A record of the entire proceedings shall be made by tape recording or by any other means of permanent recording determined to be appropriate by the hearing officer.

2. Reporting: The proceedings at the hearing shall also be reported by a phonographic reporter if requested by any party thereto. A transcript of the proceedings shall be made available to all parties upon request and upon payment of the fee prescribed therefor. Such fees shall be as established by the city council resolution.

3. Continuances: The hearing officer may grant continuances that are requested by an applicant from the division for good cause shown.

4. Oaths; Certification: In any proceedings under this chapter, the hearing officer has the power to administer oaths and affirmations and to certify to official acts.

5. Reasonable Dispatch: The hearing officer shall proceed with reasonable dispatch to conclude any matter before him or her. Due regard shall be shown for the convenience and necessity of any parties or their representatives.

B. Form Of Notice Of Hearing: The notice to appellant shall be substantially in the following form, but may include other information:

You are hereby notified that a hearing will be held before the hearing officer at on the day of , 20 , at the hour , concerning your appeal. You may be present at the hearing. You may be, but need not be, represented by counsel. You may present any relevant evidence and will be given full opportunity to cross-examine all witnesses testifying against you.

• C. Conduct Of Hearing:

• 1. Rules: Hearings need not be conducted according to the technical rules of evidence.
• 2. Oral Evidence: Oral evidence shall be taken only on oath or affirmation.

3. Hearsay Evidence: Hearsay evidence may be used for the purpose of supplementing or explaining any direct evidence, but shall not be sufficient in itself to support a finding unless it would be admissible over objection in civil actions in courts of competent jurisdiction in this state.

4. Admissibility Of Evidence: Any relevant evidence shall be admitted if it is the type of evidence on which responsible persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of serious affairs, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might make improper the admission of such evidence over objection in civil actions in courts of competent jurisdiction in this state.

5. Exclusion Of Evidence: Irrelevant and unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded.

6. Rights Of Parties: Each party shall have these rights, among others:

a. To call and examine witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues of the hearing;

b. To introduce documentary and physical evidence;

c. To cross examine opposing witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues of the hearing;

d. To impeach any witness regardless of which party first called the witness to testify;

e. To rebut the evidence; and

f. To be represented by anyone who is lawfully permitted to do so.

7. Official Notice:

a. When Taken: In reaching a decision, official notice may be taken, either before or after submission of the case for decision, of any fact which may be judicially noticed by the courts of this state or of official records of the board or departments and ordinances of the city or rules and regulations of the hearing officer.

b. Parties To Be Notified: Parties present at the hearing shall be informed of the matters to be noticed, and these matters shall be noted in the record, referred to therein, or appended thereto.

c. Opportunity To Refute: Parties present at the hearing shall be given a reasonable opportunity, on request, to refute the officially noticed matters by evidence or by written or oral presentation of authority, the manner of such refutation to be determined by the hearing officer.

d. Inspection Of The Premises: The hearing officer may inspect any building or premises involved in the appeal during the course of the hearing, provided that: 1) notice of such inspection shall be given to the parties before the inspection is made, 2) the parties are given an opportunity to be present during the inspection, and 3) the hearing officer shall state for the record upon completion of the inspection the material facts observed and the conclusions drawn therefrom. Each party then shall have a right to rebut or explain the matters so stated by the hearing officer.

D. Method And Form Of Decision: The decision shall be in writing and shall contain findings of fact, a determination of the issues presented, and the requirements to be complied with. A copy of the decision shall be served upon the appellant(s) and the division by first class mail. The effective date of the decision shall be as stated therein. A decision is final. Failure to comply with a decision constitutes a violation of this code. (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017; amd. Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1-2026; Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)

A. Compliance:

1. General: After any order of the director of building and safety, or hearing officer shall have become final, no person to whom any such order is directed shall fail, neglect or refuse to comply therewith. Any such person who fails to comply with any such order, or who maintains a dangerous building, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Maintenance of a dangerous building constitutes an unlawful public nuisance and a violation of this code. Persons responsible therefor are subject to any remedy set forth in the Beverly Hills municipal code.

2. Failure To Obey Order: If, after any order of the director of building and safety made pursuant to this code has become final, the person to whom such order is directed shall fail, neglect or refuse to obey such order, the building official may: a) cause such person to be prosecuted under this subsection A or b) institute any appropriate action to abate such building as a public nuisance in accordance with the provisions of title 5, chapter 7 of the Beverly Hills municipal code.

3. Failure To Commence Work: Whenever the required repair or demolition is not commenced within thirty (30) days after any final notice and order issued under this code becomes effective:

a. The director of building and safety shall cause the building described in such notice and order to be vacated by posting at each entrance thereto a notice reading:

DANGEROUS BUILDING

ORDER TO VACATE / ORDER TO NOT ENTER

DO NOT OCCUPY

It is a misdemeanor to occupy this building, or to remove or deface this notice, or to violate an Order to Vacate and/or an Order to Not Enter.

Director of Building and Safety

City of Beverly Hills

b. No person shall remain in or enter any building which has been posted as specified in this section. No person shall remove or deface any such notice so posted until the repairs, demolition or removal ordered by the director of building and safety have been completed and a certificate of occupancy issued pursuant to the provisions of the building code. No person shall violate an order to vacate and/or an order to not enter.

c. The director of building and safety may, in addition to any other remedy herein provided, cause the building to be repaired to the extent necessary to correct the conditions which render the building dangerous as set forth in the notice and order; or, if the notice and order required demolition, to cause the building to be sold and demolished or demolished and the materials, rubble and debris therefrom removed and cleanup of the lot. Any such repair or demolition work shall be accomplished and the cost thereof paid and recovered in the manner outlined in title 5, chapter 7 of the Beverly Hills municipal code.

B. Extension Of Time To Perform Work: Upon receipt of an application from the person required to conform to the order and by agreement of such person to comply with the order if allowed additional time, the director of building and safety may grant an extension of time, not to exceed an additional one hundred twenty (120) days, within which to complete said repair, rehabilitation or demolition, if the director of building and safety determines that such an extension of time will not create or perpetuate a situation imminently dangerous to life or property. The director of building and safety's authority to extend time is limited to the physical repair, rehabilitation or demolition of the premises and will not in any way affect the time to appeal the notice and order.

C. Interference With Repair Or Demolition Work Prohibited: No person shall obstruct, impede or interfere with any officer, employee, contractor or authorized representative of this jurisdiction or with any person who owns or holds any estate or interest in any building which has been ordered repaired, vacated or demolished under the provisions of this code; or with any person to whom such building has been lawfully sold pursuant to the provisions of this code, whenever such officer, employee, contractor or authorized representative of this jurisdiction, person having an interest or estate in such building or structure, or purchaser is engaged in the work of repairing, vacating and repairing, or demolishing any such building, pursuant to the provisions of this code, or in performing any necessary act preliminary to or incidental to such work or authorized or directed pursuant to this code. (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017; amd. Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1-2026; Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)

A. General:

1. Procedure: Upon an owner's failure to abate a dangerous building in a timely manner, as determined by the building official, that official may initiate an administrative action pursuant to title 5, chapter 7 of the Beverly Hills municipal code to establish the city's right to abate unlawful conditions. Plans and specifications therefor may be prepared by said official, or he/she may employ consultants as deemed reasonably necessary to abate a dangerous building.

2. Costs: The cost of such abatement actions shall be paid from the repair and demolition fund, and may be made a special assessment or a nuisance abatement lien against the property involved. The city's abatement cost shall also constitute a personal obligation of the property owner(s).

B. Repair And Demotion Fund:

1. General: The legislative body of this jurisdiction shall establish a special revolving fund to be designated as the repair and demolition fund. Payments shall be made out of said fund upon the demand of the director of building and safety to defray the costs and expenses which may be incurred by this jurisdiction in doing or causing to be done the necessary work of repair or demolition of dangerous buildings.

2. Transfers: The legislative body may at any time transfer to the repair and demolition fund, out of any money in the general fund of this jurisdiction, such sums as it may deem necessary in order to expedite the performance of the work of repair or demolition, and any sum so transferred shall be deemed a loan to the repair and demolition fund and shall be repaid out of the proceeds of the collections hereinafter provided for. All funds collected under the proceedings hereinafter provided for shall be paid to the treasurer of this jurisdiction who shall credit the same to the repair and demolition fund. (Ord. 16-O-2719, eff. 1-20-2017; amd. Ord. 25-O-2926, eff. 1-1-2026; Ord. 25-O-2929, 12-9-2025)