In compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 19160, the purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety, health, and welfare by identifying potential hazards associated with outdated materials and methods of construction and by establishing a mitigation program for these structures.
(Ord. 4961 § 1, 2010)
The provisions of this chapter apply to buildings which have been identified as constituting a hazard due to outdated materials or methods of construction. Examples of such outdated materials and methods include but are not limited to:
1. 
Unreinforced masonry construction;
2. 
Residential soft story construction.
(Ord. 4961 § 1, 2010)
All structures identified as being hazardous due to outdated materials or methods of construction shall be demolished or retrofitted by December 31, 2020, unless an extension is granted by the Building Official. The building elements and design values regulated by this chapter shall be those listed in the California Existing Building Code as adopted by the City.
In addition to the requirements set forth in this chapter, the provisions of the California Building Code, Chapter 34, shall also apply to alterations or additions made to buildings within the scope of this chapter.
This chapter does not require alteration of existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or fire safety systems unless their condition will cause the building to be classified as a dangerous building under other provisions of this code.
Alternate methods, materials, or designs may be approved and their use authorized by the Building Official.
(Ord. 4961 § 1, 2010)
The Building Official may serve an order to comply with this chapter to those structures that have been identified under the provisions of this code. The order shall give the option to retrofit or demolish the structures identified. The option to retrofit will require the preparation of a structural survey, engineering report, and retrofit plan of the building to be completed in accordance with the provisions of the California Existing Building Code.
The order shall be in writing and shall be served upon the owner of the building as shown on the last equalized property tax assessment roll of the San Diego County Assessor. The order may also be served upon the person in apparent charge or control of the building. The order shall be served in person or by certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested.
(Ord. 4961 § 1, 2010)
The owner or person in charge or control of the building may appeal the Building Official's initial determination that the building is within the scope of these regulations by submitting a report from a licensed structural engineer with substantiating evidence of compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 4961 § 1, 2010)
A violation of any provision of this chapter is deemed to be a public nuisance and may be abated in accordance with Chapter 1.16 of this code.
(Ord. 4961 § 1, 2010)
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the provisions of the general penalty clause as set forth in Section 1.24.010 of this code.
(Ord. 4961 § 1, 2010)