Fillmore Municipal Code Ch. 5.37 Post-Disaster Safety Assessment Placards

This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy after any natural or manmade disaster. It further authorizes the department of building and safety as well as authorized representatives, to post appropriate placards at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.

(Ord. 697 § 1 (part), 1994)

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures, of all occupancies, regulated by the city following each natural or manmade disaster.

(Ord. 697 § 1 (part), 1994)

(a) "Building official" means the officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter, or duly authorized representative.

(b) "Safety assessment" means a visual examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining whether continued occupancy is appropriate following a natural or manmade disaster.

(Ord. 697 § 1 (part), 1994)

(a) The following official placards shall be used to designate the condition of buildings or structures following a disaster.

(1) "INSPECTED - Lawful Occupancy Permitted" may be posted on any building or structure where no apparent hazard has been found. Placement of this placard does not mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.

(2) "RESTRICTED OR LIMITED ENTRY" may be posted on each damaged building or structure where the damage has created a hazardous condition which justifies restricted occupancy. The building official who posts this placard will note in general terms the hazard created and will clearly and concisely, note the restrictions on occupancy.

(3) "UNSAFE - Do Not Enter or Occupy" may be posted on each damaged building or structure such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life or health. Buildings or structures posted with this placard may be entered only after authorization in writing by a building official. Safety assessment teams are authorized to enter these buildings at any time. This placard is not to be used or considered as a demolition order. The official who posts this placard shall note in general terms damage encountered.

(b) Once the placard has been attached to a building or structure, it shall not be removed, altered or covered until authorized by a building official.

(Ord. 697 § 1 (part), 1994)

Any violation of this chapter is an infraction and shall be subject to punishment to the provisions of Chapter 1.08.

(Ord. 697 § 1 (part), 1994)