Laguna Beach Municipal Code Ch. 14.82 Post Disaster Safety Assessment

This chapter establishes 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 official, or designees, to post the appropriate placard at the main entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment and restrict occupancy.

(Ord. 1449 § 1, 2005)

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

(Ord. 1449 § 1, 2005)

“Safety assessment”

is a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy following a natural or manmade disaster.

(Ord. 1449 § 1, 2005)

(a) The following are verbal descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to designate the condition for continued occupancy of buildings or structures. Copies of actual placards are attached.

(1) “INSPECTED—Lawful Occupancy Permitted” 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. Occupancy is not restricted.

(2) “RESTRICTED USE” is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged or that has had its support compromised wherein the damage or lack of support 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 or lack of support encountered and will clearly and concisely note restrictions on continued occupancy. Occupancy is limited to the conditions posted on the placard.

(3) “UNSAFE—Do Not Enter or Occupy” is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged or had its support compromised such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life safety. Buildings or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstances except as authorized in writing by the building official. 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. General occupancy is not permitted.

(b) The ordinance number codified in this chapter and the name, address and phone number of the building division shall be permanently affixed to each placard.

(c) Once it has been 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 building division or upon written notification from the building official.

(Ord. 1449 § 1, 2005)