Chapter 15.55
POST-DISASTER SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS1
Sections:
15.55.020 Application of provisions.
15.55.010 Intent.
This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy. This chapter further authorizes the building official and his or her authorized representative(s) to post the appropriate placard at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment. [Ord. 240 § 1, 2005; Code 1990 § 8.13.01.]
15.55.020 Application of provisions.
The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the city of Calimesa. The council may extend the provisions as necessary. [Ord. 240 § 1, 2005; Code 1990 § 8.13.02.]
15.55.030 Definition.
“Safety assessment” means a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition of continued occupancy. [Ord. 240 § 1, 2005; Code 1990 § 8.13.03.]
15.55.040 Placards.
A. The following are written descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to designate the condition for continued occupancy of buildings or structures:
1. “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 structures.
2. “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 restrictions on continued occupancy.
3. “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 circumstance 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 damage encountered.
B. This chapter number, the name of the jurisdiction, its address, and phone number shall be permanently affixed to each placard. Copies of the placards described above are on file in the building and safety department and in the city clerk’s office.
C. Once it has been attached to a building or structure, a placard is not to be removed, altered, or covered until done so by an authorized representative of 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 chapter. [Ord. 240 § 1, 2005; Code 1990 § 8.13.04.]
15.55.050 Penalties.
A. No person, firm, or corporation shall alter, remove, cover or deface a placard, or fail to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter. Unless a different penalty is prescribed for violation of specific provisions of this chapter, every act prohibited or declared unlawful is punishable as a misdemeanor. Where the city attorney determines that such action would be in the interest of justice, she/he may specify in the accusatory pleading that the offense shall be an infraction. Each person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter exists.
B. All remedies herein are stated to be cumulative and nonexclusive. [Ord. 240 § 1, 2005; Code 1990 § 8.13.05.]
15.55.060 General penalty.
Every misdemeanor offense is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or by both; and every offense prosecuted as an infraction shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $100.00 for a first violation, and a fine not exceeding $200.00 for a second violation of the same provision within one year. Any person who has previously been convicted two or more times during any 12-month period for any crime made punishable as an infraction shall be guilty of a misdemeanor upon the third violation. [Ord. 240 § 1, 2005; Code 1990 § 8.13.06.]
Code reviser’s note: Ord. 240 adds this chapter as Chapter 8.12 of Code 1990. It has been renumbered as Chapter 8.13 of Code 1990 to avoid duplication of numbering.