Lancaster Municipal Code Ch. 15.25 Use of Placards

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 1139, § 1, adopted Oct. 28, 2025, amended Ch. 15.25 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 15.25, §§ 15.25.010—15.25.060, pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 1094, § 1, adopted Nov. 8, 2022.

This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure and its suitability for continued occupancy following an earthquake or other emergency or natural disaster. The chapter further authorizes the building official and his or her authorized representatives to post the appropriate placard at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.

(Ord. No. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the City of Lancaster. The city council may extend the provisions as necessary.

(Ord. No. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)

"Authorized safety evaluator" means an authorized city representative who is a certified post-disaster safety assessment program evaluator.

"Building Official" means the building official of the City of Lancaster and/or his or her authorized designee.

"Code" means the Lancaster Municipal Code.

"Person" means and includes any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, or other organization or entity.

"Safety assessment" is a visual, non-destructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining its condition and suitability for continued occupancy.

(Ord. No. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)

A. Three placards shall be used to designate the condition and permissible continued occupancy of buildings or structures, as follows:

1. "INSPECTED—Lawful Occupancy Permitted" shall 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" shall be posted on each building or structure that has sustained damage such that occupancy must be limited, in the area and/or time, in order to protect life safety.

The authorized safety evaluator shall identify on the placard the type of damage observed, in general terms, and shall clearly and concisely identify the restrictions on continued occupancy.

3. "UNSAFE—Do Not Enter or Occupy" shall be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life safety. A building or structure that has been posted with this placard shall not be entered, occupied, or used at any time, for any purpose, without prior written authorization by the building official.

Authorized safety evaluators or other authorized designees of the building official shall be authorized to enter these buildings at any time. This placard is not to be used or considered as a demolition order.

The authorized safety evaluator shall identify on the placard and will note in general terms the type of damage observed.

B. This ordinance number, and the address and phone number of the Lancaster Building and Safety Division shall be permanently affixed to each placard.

(Ord. No. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)

City building inspectors, code enforcement officers, and Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies are authorized to enforce the restrictions identified on a placard in any manner authorized by law, including but not limited to the abatement provisions set forth in Chapter 8.28 of this Code, to cause the premises to be vacated and secured to ensure conformance with the placard restrictions.

(Ord. No. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)

A. It is unlawful for any person to enter, occupy, or use a building or structure, or portion thereof, at a time or in a manner that does not conform to the restrictions identified on a placard, except as follows:

1. A person may enter a building or structure, or a portion thereof, with the prior written authorization of the building official. Such entry must be in full conformance with the restrictions set forth in the written authorization.

B. It is unlawful for any person, other than the building official, to remove, alter, deface, or cover a placard that has been posted on a building or structure.

(Ord. No. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)