Chapter 15.34
SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS

Sections:

15.34.010    Intent.

15.34.020    Application of provisions.

15.34.030    Definitions.

15.34.040    Placards.

15.34.010 Intent.

This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy and conforms to the statewide program administered by the California Office of Emergency Services (hereafter CalOES) for ease in the rapid assessment of damaged structures. This chapter further authorizes the building official and his or her authorized representatives to post the appropriate placard at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment. (Ord. 629 § 9 (part), 2019)

15.34.020 Application of provisions.

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the city of Foster City. (Ord. 629 § 9 (part), 2019)

15.34.030 Definitions.

“Safety assessment” means a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy.

“Safety assessment program (SAP)” means a statewide voluntary program managed by the CalOES and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which establishes the protocol for a uniform placarding program that can be used anywhere in the United States using the ATC-20 system. (Ord. 629 § 9 (part), 2019)

15.34.040 Placards.

The following are verbal descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to designate the condition for continued occupancy of buildings or structures:

A.    “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 there is no damage to the building or structure. This placard is printed on a green background.

B.    “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. This placard is printed on a yellow background.

C.    “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. This placard is printed on a red background.

The number of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the name and address of the jurisdiction and phone number shall be permanently affixed to each placard.

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 section. (Ord. 629 § 9 (part), 2019)