Portola Valley Municipal Code Ch. 15.24 Post-Disaster Safety Assessment Placards

This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a building or structure for continued occupancy after any emergency. It further authorizes the building official, as well as designated representatives, to post appropriate placards at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.

(Ord. 1999-317 § 1 (part), 1999)

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures, of all occupancies, regulated by the town following each emergency.

(Ord. 1999-317 § 1 (part), 1999)

A. "Building official" means the officer or other designated authority or duly designated representative charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter.

B. "Emergency" means any occurrence, which results in the declaration of an emergency by the town council, including but not limited to, severe storms, earthquakes and floods.

C. "Safety assessment" means a visual examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining whether continued occupancy is appropriate following an emergency.

(Ord. 1999-317 § 1 (part), 1999)

A. The following official placards shall be used to designate the condition of buildings or structures following an emergency.

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 Use" may be posted on each damaged building or structure where the damage has been deemed by the building official to create a hazardous condition which justifies restricted occupancy. The building official posting the placard will note in general terms the created hazard and will clearly and concisely describe the restrictions on occupancy.

3. "Unsafe—Do Not Enter or Occupy" may be posted on each damaged building or structure where the building official has deemed that continued occupancy poses a threat to life or health. Buildings or structures posted with this placard may be entered only after written authorization by the building official. Safety assessment teams may be authorized by the town to enter these buildings at any time. This placard shall not be used as or considered to be a demolition order. The placard shall generally describe the encountered damage.

B. Once the placard has been attached to a building or structure, it shall not be removed, altered or covered until authorized by the building official.

(Ord. 1999-317 § 1 (part), 1999)

Any person receiving notice of a hazard by and through the placement of a placard on a building or structure pursuant to this chapter may file a written appeal and follow the procedures set forth in the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, as adopted by reference in Section 15.04.010 of this title.

(Ord. 1999-317 § 1 (part), 1999)

Any violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor and shall be punishable pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1.12 of this code.

(Ord. 1999-317 § 1 (part), 1999)