Chapter 15.09
POST DISASTER SAFETY ASSESSMENT STANDARDS
Sections:
15.09.010 Safety assessment placards.
15.09.020 Post disaster demolition.
15.09.022 Demolition criteria.
15.09.010 Safety assessment placards.
A. Intent. This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for occupancy after a natural disaster and a rapid evaluation by authorized personnel. The building official and his or her authorized representatives post the appropriate placard at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.
B. Application of Provisions. The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the city of Pittsburg. [Ord. 18-1458 § 2, 2018.]
15.09.011 Definitions.
A. The following words and phrases as used in this chapter are defined as follows:
“Safety assessment” is a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy.
B. Placards. Following are titles and descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to designate the condition of a building or structure for continued occupancy, partial or conditional occupancy, or unsafe to enter. Copies of placards are on file in the building division of the community development department.
“INSPECTED – Lawful Occupancy Permitted” is to be posted on any building or structure wherein no apparent hazard has been found. This placard is not intended to mean there is no damage to the building or structure, but that any damage that occurred does not present a hazard to occupants.
“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.
“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. Building or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstances 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. [Ord. 18-1458 § 2, 2018.]
15.09.012 Content of placard.
The Pittsburg Municipal Code (PMC) number and the words “City of Pittsburg” shall be permanently affixed to each placard. [Ord. 18-1458 § 2, 2018.]
15.09.013 Unlawful to remove.
Once a placard has been attached to a building or structure, it 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. 18-1458 § 2, 2018.]
15.09.020 Post disaster demolition.
A. Intent. This chapter establishes demolition criteria for all buildings and structures damaged as a result of a disaster for which a local emergency has been declared by the city council, state, or federal government to the degree where demolition is a viable alternative to repair.
B. Application of Provisions. The provisions of this chapter are applicable following each disaster for which a local emergency has been declared by the city council, state or federal government to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the city. [Ord. 18-1458 § 2, 2018.]
15.09.021 Definitions.
The following words and phrases as used in this chapter are defined as follows:
“Condemn and condemned” shall mean no person shall enter the building or structure for any reason without the express written permission of the building official or his or her designee.
“Event” is any occurrence which results in the declaration of an emergency, and shall include, but not be limited to, fires, wind storms, earthquakes and floods. [Ord. 18-1458 § 2, 2018.]
15.09.022 Demolition criteria.
A. If after the event, and during any state of emergency, the building official determines that any building or structure poses an imminent threat to public health and safety and that protection of the public health and safety requires immediate demolition of the building or structure, or a portion of a building or structure, the official or his designee shall, without contacting the owner or providing a hearing to the property owner, order that said building or structure be demolished immediately. Upon the order of the building official or designee, the city shall immediately demolish said building or structure. Such demolition shall be performed in the interest of public health and safety without condemnation hearings otherwise required by the Pittsburg Municipal Code.
B. If, after the event, the building official determines that any building or structure poses a hazard, but not an imminent threat to the public health and safety, the official or his designee shall notify the building owner of such determination and the reasons thereof by certified mail return receipt deposited in the United States mail no later than five days after the determination is made. The notice shall set forth the date, time and place of a hearing which the building official or his designee shall conduct, and also state that during the hearing the building owner may present any evidence to explain why the building or structure should not be condemned. The decision of the building official or his designee to condemn the building or structure unless all required repairs are made shall be final. In making the final decision, the building official or his or her designee shall consider: (1) all evidence presented at the hearing by the owner or his or her representative; (2) the nature of the hazard presented by the building or structure; and (3) the likelihood of personal injury or death occurring if the building or structure is not condemned.
C. For any building or structure which the owner has decided to demolish rather than repair, the owner, or owner’s representative, shall follow the established procedures for securing a demolition permit. [Ord. 18-1458 § 2, 2018.]