Ceres Municipal Code Ch. 15 Post-Disaster Safety Assessment Placards

This chapter establishes the standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy after any natural or manmade disaster. This chapter further authorizes the Building Inspection Division, as well as authorized representatives of the jurisdiction where the natural or manmade disaster occurred, to post the appropriate placard at each entry/exit point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.

(Ord. No. 2020-1058, § 1, 3-23-2020)

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the City following each natural or man-made disaster.

(Ord. No. 2020-1058, § 1, 3-23-2020)

Safety assessment means a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy following a natural or man-made disaster.

(Ord. No. 2020-1058, § 1, 3-23-2020)

A. The following are descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to designate the condition for continued occupancy of buildings or structures.

1. INSPECTED Lawful Occupancy Permitted (GREEN): Is to be posted on any building or structure wherein 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 (YELLOW): Is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged wherein the damage has resulted in some form of restriction to the continued occupancy. The individual who posts this placard will note in general terms the type of damage encountered and will clearly and concisely note the restrictions on continued occupancy.

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

B. The name of the jurisdiction, its address, and phone number shall be permanently affixed to each placard.

C. Once a placard has been attached to a building or structure, the placard is not to be removed, altered or covered until authorized to do so by the Building Official. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to alter, remove, cover or deface a placard unless authorized pursuant to this section. Unauthorized removal of the placards is a misdemeanor and is punishable as provided in this title.

(Ord. No. 2020-1058, § 1, 3-23-2020)