Pismo Beach Municipal Code Ch. 15.16 Post Disaster Regulations

This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy following an earthquake or other destructive event. The chapter further authorizes the building official and his or her representatives to post the appropriate placard at each entry to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment. (Ord. 07-13 § 1 (part), 2007)

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the city of Pismo Beach following each destructive event. The city council may extend the provisions as necessary. (Ord. 07-13 § 1 (part), 2007)

Safety Assessment. A visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued use. (Ord. 07-13 § 1 (part), 2007)

A. The following official placards shall be used to designate the condition for occupancy of buildings or structures:

1. Green: "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.

2. Yellow: "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.

3. Red: "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 safety. Buildings or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstances except as authorized in writing by the building official or his or her authorized representative. 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 damaged encountered.

B. The placard shall display the number of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and the name, address and phone number of the jurisdiction.

Once the placard has been attached to the building or structure, it shall not be removed, altered or covered until authorized representative by the building official. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to alter, remove, cover or deface a placard unless authorized pursuant to this section. (Ord. 07-13 § 1 (part), 2007)