§121.0404 Criteria for Determining That a Structure Is Unsafe

The City Manager or designated official may determine that a structure is unsafe if any of the following conditions exists and threatens life, health, safety, or property of its occupants or the public:

• (a) The walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway, or other means of exit is so warped, worn, loose, torn, or otherwise unsafe that it does not provide a safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic;

• (b) Any portion, member, or appurtenance of the structure has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood , or by any other cause to such an extent that it is likely to partially or completely collapse, fail, detach, or dislodge;

• (c) Any portion of the structure is likely to partially or completely collapse because of dilapidation, deterioration, or decay; faulty construction; the removal, movement, or instability of any portion of the ground necessary to support the building; the deterioration, decay, or inadequacy of its foundation; or any other cause;

• (d) The structure has been so damaged by fire, wind, earthquake, or flood or has become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become an attractive nuisance; a harbor for transients, vagrants, or criminals; or would enable persons to commit unlawful acts;

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San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews

(4-2026)

• (e) The structure is used or is intended to be used for dwelling purposes but is unsanitary, unfit for human habitation, or in a condition likely to cause sickness or disease because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, or because of inadequate light, air, or sanitation facilities;

• (f) The structure creates a fire hazard by virtue of its obsolescence; dilapidated condition; deterioration; damage; inadequate exits; lack of sufficient fire-resistive construction; faulty electrical wiring, gas connections, heating apparatus; or by another cause;

• (g) The structure constitutes a public nuisance as defined by law;

• (h) A portion of the structure (including the foundation or slab on grade ) remains on the site after the demolition or destruction of the structure or the structure has been abandoned for a period of more than 6 months so it constitutes an attractive nuisance or hazard to the public;

• (i) The exits of the structure or the means to exit do not conform to the applicable provisions of the Building Regulations or Residential Building Regulations of the Municipal Code regarding the number of exits, their width, or any other features that may cause a hazard to the life or safety of the occupants or the general public;

• (j) Defective or overloaded electrical systems, faulty or leaking fuel piping systems, deteriorated fuel combustion equipment, or combustion product vents are present; or

• (k) The existing use or occupancy violates the California Health and Safety Code or Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical or Residential Building Regulations of the Municipal Code.

(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

(Amended 7-31-2012 by O-20187 N.S.; effective 8-30-2012.)

(Retitled from “Criteria for Determining That a Structure Is Dangerous” to “Criteria for Determining That a Structure Is Unsafe” and amended 1-18-2018 by O-20897 N.S.; effective 2-17-2018.)

Ch. Art. Div. 12 1 4 3

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews

(4-2026)