Los Angeles County Municipal Code § 302.6 Parapets and appendages

Whenever the Building Official determines by inspection that, as a result of inadequate construction or bracing to resist horizontal forces, an existing parapet or appendage attached to and supported by an exterior wall of a building is likely to become a hazard to life or property in the event of earthquake disturbance, and such parapet or appendage is not an immediate hazard or danger, as described in Section 102, the Building Official may provide the owner of the building or other person or agent in control of the building, where such parapet or other appendage exists, with a written notice specifying the hazards and the inadequacies of the construction or bracing. The owner of the building or other person or agent in control of the building shall, within 12 months from the date of such written notice, eliminate the hazard as set forth below. Any person receiving notice as set out in this Section may appeal, in the manner provided by Section 102.4, to the Building Board of Appeals.

(Ord. 2025-0053 § 3, 2025.)

The parapet or appendage shall be removed and the remainder of the wall shall be anchored at the roof line, or it shall be reconstructed so that it will conform structurally as nearly as practicable to the requirements of Chapter 16 of the Building Code, or it shall be otherwise braced and strengthened in a manner satisfactory to the Building Official, so that it will resist a reasonable degree of horizontal forces without becoming dislodged or at risk of falling.

(Ord. 2025-0053 § 3, 2025.)

Where, in the opinion of the Building Official, it is necessary to open a portion of a roof, wall, or ceiling of a building in order to determine the structural condition of any parapet or appendage, the Building Official may order the owner to make such opening, and the owner shall comply with said order at the owner's sole cost and expense.

(Ord. 2025-0053 § 3, 2025.)