Beverly Hills Municipal Code Art. 1 Postdisaster Safety Assessment Placards

This article establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy after any disaster. The article further authorizes the building and safety department, as well as authorized representatives of the department, to post the appropriate placard at each entry point of a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment. (Ord. 99-O-2330, eff. 8-6-1999)

The provisions of this article are applicable following each disaster for which a local emergency has been declared by the city council, to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the city. The city council may extend the provisions as necessary. (Ord. 99-O-2330, eff. 8-6-1999)

"Safety assessment" means a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining whether continued occupancy should be permitted following a disaster. (Ord. 99-O-2330, eff. 8-6-1999)

A. The following are verbal descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to designate whether buildings or structures may be occupied after a disaster. The format of the placards is provided in the "Post Disaster Safety Assessment Plan" published by the governor's office of emergency services.

1. "INSPECTED - Lawful Occupancy Permitted" is to be posted on any building or structure where no apparent structural hazard has been found. This placard is not intended to mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.

2. "RESTRICTED USE" is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged where the damage has resulted in some form of restriction to the continued occupancy. The individual who posts this placard shall note in general terms the type of damage encountered and shall clearly and concisely note the restrictions on continued occupancy.

3. "UNSAFE - Do Not Enter or Occupy" is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life or safety. Buildings or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstance except as authorized in writing by the building and safety department. Safety assessment teams shall be authorized to enter these buildings at any time. This placard is not to be used or considered as a demolition order. The individual who posts this placard shall note in general terms the type of damage encountered.

B. This article number, the name of the department, its address and phone number shall be permanently affixed to each placard.

C. Once it has been attached to a building or structure, a placard shall not be removed, altered or covered until done so by an authorized representative of the city of Beverly Hills building and safety department or upon written notification from the department. (Ord. 99-O-2330, eff. 8-6-1999)