Chapter 15.32 — BUILDING OCCUPANCY PLACARDS

It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to authorize standardized placards to be used by the City Building Official and his or her authorized representatives to provide public notice and warning of the potential for unsafe buildings and structures following a natural or man-made event, such as fire or earthquake.

(Ord. 69811-19-19)

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all public and private residential, commercial and industrial buildings and structures within the City of Desert Hot Springs. (Ord. 69811-19-19)

• A. The following placards are hereby authorized, by title and content:

  1. Placard Title: “INSPECTED-LAWFUL OCCUPANCY PERMITTED”: this placard shall inform the reader that the structure’s exterior or exterior and interior has been inspected and that no apparent structural hazard was found. The reader shall also be informed and he/she is to report any unsafe condition that is subsequently discovered.

  2. Placard Title: “RESTRICTED USE”: this placard shall inform the reader that the structure has been inspected and shall identify generally the structural defects found after inspection. The reader shall also be informed of any restrictions regarding entry into the structure, and/or its occupancy and lawful use.

  3. Placard Title: “UNSAFE-DO NOT ENTER OR OCCUPY”: this placard shall inform the reader that the placard is not intended to be a demolition order, that the structure has been inspected and found to be unsafe to occupy, and shall contain an order not to enter the structure as entry may result in serious injury or death.

• B. All placards shall contain the following standard provisions:

  1. The name, address and telephone number of the department of the City posting the placard;

  2. The address of the structure;

  3. The date and time the structure was inspected;

  4. A list of the unsafe conditions, if applicable;

  5. The following warning, to be printed at the bottom of each placard:

“It is a violation of law to remove, alter or cover this placard without the prior written consent of the City of Desert Hot Springs Building Official.”

• C. All placards shall have a minimum size of 8½ inches × 11 inches, and the title of each placard shall be printed in letters that are not less than one-half inch tall.

• A. Any person who removes, alters or covers a placard without the prior written consent of the City of Desert Hot Springs Building Official may be issued a citation; provided, however, that the remedies prescribed in this section are intended to be in addition to any other procedures or penalties prescribed by law.

• B. Any person removing, altering or covering a placard without the prior written consent of the City of Desert Hot Springs Building Official shall be guilty of an infraction, pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 36900 and the penalties provided therein, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine in the amount of $100 for the first conviction, $500 for the second conviction within one year, and $1,000 for the third and each additional conviction within one year.

• (Ord. 69811-19-19)