Chapter 14.18
BUILDING SAFETY CONDITION PLACARDS
Sections:
14.18.020 Application of provisions.
14.18.050 Placement of condition placards.
14.18.060 Removal of placards prohibited.
14.18.070 Inspection for enforcement.
14.18.010 Intent.
This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a building or structure for continued occupancy. This chapter further authorizes the building official and his or her authorized representatives to post the appropriate placards at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment. (Ord. 07-1947 § 2, 2007.)
14.18.020 Application of provisions.
The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies located within and regulated by the city of Covina. (Ord. 07-1947 § 2, 2007.)
14.18.030 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
A. “Building official” shall mean the city of Covina building official, or his or her authorized representative.
B. “Entry point” shall mean any and all doorways, entryways, and access points to a building or structure through which persons gain access to said building or structure from a ground- or street-level sidewalk, alleyway, street or right-of-way, whether private or public. Buildings and structures may have multiple entry points for which compliance with this chapter is required.
C. “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, firm or any other recognized legal entity.
D. “Safety assessment” is a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure, interior and exterior, for the purpose of determining the building or structure’s condition for continued occupancy. (Ord. 07-1947 § 2, 2007.)
14.18.040 Safety assessment.
The building official is hereby authorized to enter any building or structure within the city of Covina at reasonable times to conduct a safety assessment pursuant to this chapter. If such building or structure is occupied, the building official shall present his or her credentials to the occupant and request entry. If such building or structure is unoccupied, the building official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or structure and request entry. If entry is refused, the building official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry. (Ord. 07-1947 § 2, 2007.)
14.18.050 Placement of condition placards.
A. After conducting a safety assessment of a building or structure, the building official shall make a determination as to whether the building or structure is safe for occupancy, safe for restricted occupancy, or unsafe for occupancy. Once such determination is made by the building official, he or she shall place or cause to be placed at each entry point of the building or structure a placard indicating its condition for continued occupancy.
B. Based upon the building official’s determination, one of three types of placards shall be placed at each entry point of a building or structure. The following are verbal descriptions of the three types of placards to be used to designate the condition for continued occupancy of buildings or structures. Copies of the forms for actual placards to be used are set forth at the end of this chapter.
1. “INSPECTED – LAWFUL OCCUPANCY PERMITTED” is to be posted on any building or structure wherein no apparent structural hazard has been found by the building official. This placard is not intended to mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.
2. “RESTRICTED USE” is to be posted on any building or structure that has been damaged wherein the damage has resulted in some form of restriction to the continued occupancy. The building official shall note on the placard in general terms the type of damage encountered and shall clearly and concisely note the restriction on continued occupancy.
3. “UNSAFE – DO NOT ENTER OR OCCUPY” is to be posted on any building or structure that has been damaged such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life or safety. Buildings or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstances except as authorized in writing by the building official. The building official shall note on the placard in general terms the type of damage encountered.
C. A reference to this chapter, the name of the city, its address and phone number shall be printed on each placard. (Ord. 07-1947 § 2, 2007.)
14.18.060 Removal of placards prohibited.
Once the building official has attached a placard or placards to a building or structure, no person shall remove, alter, cover or relocate said placard or placards without the express authorization of the building official. (Ord. 07-1947 § 2, 2007.)
14.18.070 Inspection for enforcement.
When it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this chapter, the building official may enter the building or structure at reasonable times to conduct such inspection, in accordance with the procedures set forth in CMC 14.18.040. (Ord. 07-1947 § 2, 2007.)
14.18.080 Violation.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, alter, cover or relocate any placard unless authorized to do so pursuant to this chapter.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person to enter or occupy any building or structure that has been posted with a placard stating “UNSAFE – DO NOT ENTER OR OCCUPY,” except where authorized in writing by the building official.
C. Where a building or structure has been posted with a placard stating “RESTRICTED USE,” it shall be unlawful for any person to enter or occupy any portion of the building or structure that has been restricted from entry or occupancy, as indicated on the placard, or to occupy or operate the building or structure in any manner that violates the restrictions indicated on the placard.
D. Any person violating the provisions of this chapter may be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon determination thereof, shall be punishable pursuant to Chapter 1.16 CMC. (Ord. 07-1947 § 2, 2007.)
14.18.090 Appeals.
Persons may appeal a determination of the building official resulting in the posting of a placard on a building or structure which orders “Restricted Use” or “Unsafe – Do Not Enter or Occupy”; however, these orders shall not be stayed during the pendency of the appeal. Appeals of these determinations shall be filed, scheduled and conducted in accordance with CMC 14.04.110, except that said written appeal must be received by the city clerk within 10 working days from the date the placard was posted at the premises. (Ord. 10-1978 § 11, 2010.)