Chapter 15.29 — 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 man-made disaster. It further authorizes the public works department, building inspection division 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. 1066 § 1, 1997)

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures, of all occupancies, regulated by the city following any natural or man-made disaster. (Ord. 1066 § 1, 1997)

Building Official. The individual invested with the responsibility for overseeing and enforcing applicable life safety codes, and building codes, laws, and statutes. The building official is charged with the administration of the building department, interpretation of code requirements, and direction of the code adoption process.

The building official, under the direction of the community development director is the individual who plans, coordinates and directs the operations and activities of the building department; implements city activities assuring compliance with building standards including plan check, inspection, and corrections to hazards; oversees and participates in inspections; oversees the review and approval of building plans and specifications; implements goals, policies, and procedures for the division.

The building official is responsible for the administration and enforcement of California Code of Regulations, Title 24, and other applicable codes in accordance with Health and Safety Code 18949, 17920, and California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, Section 202.

Whenever the term "building official" or "building inspector" is used in the code, it means the chief building official in charge of the building safety division.

Safety Assessment. A visual examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining whether continued occupancy is safe following a natural or man-made disaster. (Ord. 1066 § 1, 1997; Ord. 1516 § 9, 2013)

• 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 inspector 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 inspector. Safety assessment teams are authorized to these buildings at any time. This placard shall not be used or considered as a demolition order. The inspector 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 inspector.

• (Ord. 1066 § 1, 1997)

Any violation of Article 15, Chapter 29 of this code is a misdemeanor and shall be subject to punishment to the provisions of Section 15.04.050.

(Ord. 1066 § 1, 1997)