Indian Wells Municipal Code Ch. 16.60 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. The Chapter further authorizes the Division of Building and Safety and its authorized representatives, to post the appropriate placard at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.

(Ord. 766, 11/6/2025)

The provisions of this Chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the City of Indian Wells following each natural or manmade disaster. The Council may extend the provisions as necessary.

(Ord. 766, 11/6/2025)

Safety assessment is a visual, non-destructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy following a natural or manmade disaster.

(Ord. 766, 11/6/2025)

(a) Type of Placards. 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. "INSPECTED Lawful Occupancy Permitted" to be posted on any building or structure wherein no apparent hazard has been found. This placard is not intended to mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.

(2) RESTRICTED USE. "RESTRICTED USE" 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 restriction on continued occupancy. Also list any potential hazards in the area of the structure that would affect the posting.

(3) UNSAFE — Do Not Enter or Occupy. "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 health safety. Buildings or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstance except as authorized in writing by the department that posted the placard. 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 will note, in general terms, the type of damage encountered and any potential hazards in the area of the structure that would affect the posting.

(b) Additional Information on Placard. This number of the ordinance codified in this Chapter, the name of the department, the address of the department and the phone number shall be permanently affixed to each placard.

(c) Restrictions on Removal of Placard. Once attached to a building or structure, a placard is not to be removed, altered or covered until done so by an authorized representative of the department or upon written notification from the department. Removal of this notice is in violation of Indian Wells Municipal Code Section 2.32.110.

(Ord. 766, 11/6/2025)