117 Demolition — 2025 California Existing Building Code

[A] 117.1 General. When the code official determines any structure is so old, dilapidated or has become so out of repair and is dangerous, unsafe, insanitary and otherwise unfit for human habitation or occupancy the code official can order either of the following:

1. The code official is permitted to authorize the owner or owner’s authorized agent to make the structure safe by repairs in order to make the structure safe and sanitary. Where there has been a cessation of construction repairs of any structure for a period of more than 2 years, the structure will be ordered demolished and removed.
2. The code official is permitted to order the owner or owner’s authorized agent to demolish and remove any such structure.

[A] 117.2 Notices and orders. Notices and orders shall comply with Section 113.

[A] 117.3 Failure to comply. If the owner or the owner’s authorized agent of a premises fails to comply with a demolition order within the time prescribed, the code official shall cause the structure to be demolished and removed, either through an available public agency or by contract or arrangement with private persons, and the cost of such demolition and removal shall be charged against the real estate on which the structure is located and shall be a lien on such real estate.

[A] 117.4 Salvage materials. Where any structure has been ordered demolished and removed, the governing body or other designated officer under said contract or arrangement aforesaid shall have the right to sell the salvage and valuable materials at the highest price obtainable. The net proceeds of such sale, after deducting the expenses of such demolition and removal, shall be promptly remitted with a report of such sale or transaction, including the items of expense and the amounts deducted, for the person who is entitled thereto, subject to any order of a court. If such a surplus does not remain to be turned over, the report shall so state.

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CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS—continued

The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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