This article establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy after any natural or man-made disaster. It further authorizes the building and safety department, as well as authorized representatives, to post appropriate placards at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.
(Ord. 1593 § 2, 2022)
The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures, of all occupancies, regulated by the city following each natural or man-made disaster.
(Ord. 1593 § 2, 2022)
The following official placards must be used to designate the condition of buildings or structures following a disaster.
(Green) Inspected –Lawful Occupancy Permitted. Posted on any building or structure where no apparent hazard has been found. Placement of this placard does not mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.
(Yellow) Restricted or Limited Entry. Posted on each damaged building or structure where damage has created a hazardous condition which justifies restricted occupancy. The building official who posts this placard will note in general terms the hazard created and will clearly and concisely note the restrictions on occupancy.
(Red) Unsafe – Do Not Enter or Occupy. Posted on each damaged building or structure such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life or health. Buildings or structures posted with this placard may be entered only after authorization in writing by the building official. Safety assessment teams are authorized to enter these buildings at any time. This placard may not be used or considered as a demolition order. The official who posts this placard must make a note in general terms of the damage encountered.
(Ord. 1593 § 2, 2022)
Buildings or structures that have been determined by the building official to pose a threat to life safety or to be unsafe due to damage may be required by the building official to be secured from entry by fencing or other approved means until such time that the damage or threat to life is removed by repair, reconstruction, or demolition. The fencing or security measures may not be removed without authorization from the building official.
(Ord. 1593 § 2, 2022)
Once the placard has been attached to a building or structure, it may not be removed, altered, or covered until authorized by the building official. Placards may be removed upon issuance of a permit to repair the damage. Issuance of a permit may not necessarily constitute approval to reoccupy the structure. The structure may not be occupied until authorized by the building official.
(Ord. 1593 § 2, 2022)
Any violation of this chapter of this code is a misdemeanor and will be subject to punishment according to the provisions of Section 106 of the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code.
(Ord. 1593 § 2, 2022)