Chapter 9.18
SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS
Sections:
9.18.020 Application of provisions.
9.18.050 Criminal penalties for violation.
9.18.060 Civil remedy—Restriction on occupancy.
9.18.070 Civil remedies—Other remedies permitted.
9.18.010 Intent.
This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy. The 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. This chapter further imposes criminal penalties upon any removing or substituting a placard, and civil remedies, including but not limited to restrictions on occupancy.
(Ord. 2255 § 1 (part), 2008)
9.18.020 Application of provisions.
(a) The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the city of South Gate.
(Ord. 2255 § 1 (part), 2008)
9.18.030 Definitions.
(a) “Safety assessment” is a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy.
(Ord. 2255 § 1 (part), 2008)
9.18.040 Placards.
(a) The following are verbal descriptions of the city of South Gate 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 structure.
(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. The posting of such placard shall take effect immediately. 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.
(Ord. 2255 § 1 (part), 2008)
9.18.050 Criminal penalties for violation.
Any person, firm, company, or corporation owning, operating, leasing or otherwise maintaining property or buildings designated by placards as subject to “restricted use” or “unsafe,” who removes such placards or otherwise violates any of the provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of either (1) an infraction, or (2) a misdemeanor, as defined by the particular section. Each such person, firm, company or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of said code is committed, continued, or permitted, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable to the maximum extent as is permitted by law to be imposed for the commission of an infraction or a misdemeanor, as the case may be.
(Ord. 2255 § 1 (part), 2008)
9.18.060 Civil remedy—Restriction on occupancy.
If the building official determines that any condition which causes a building or property to be classified as a substandard building or a substandard property is such as to be unsafe, as defined in Section 115 of the California Building Code, he may order the building or property to be vacated until such time as the unsafe condition has been corrected or removed.
(Ord. 2255 § 1 (part), 2008)
9.18.070 Civil remedies—Other remedies permitted.
The aforementioned civil and criminal remedies for the abatement of a public nuisance are not exclusive of any other remedies permitted by law, including a civil action for injunction, which may be maintained by the city or by any private person as permitted by law.
(Ord. 2255 § 1 (part), 2008)