The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the city of El Cajon.
(Ord. 4898 § 2, 2007)
Whenever the following words are used in this chapter they shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:
is a sign or notice, not less than eight and one-half inches by eleven inches in size, with not less than twelve-point font sized lettering.
is a visual, non-destructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy.
(Ord. 4898 § 2, 2007)
This section 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 representative to post the appropriate placard at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.
The following are verbal descriptions of the official jurisdiction 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, certify or warrant 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. 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. 4898 § 2, 2007)
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. The placard shall contain language to inform persons of such prohibitions.
(Ord. 4898 § 2, 2007)
This code shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any party owning, operating, controlling, building, or installing any installation in violation of this code. Nor shall the city or any officer or employee thereof enforcing this chapter be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspections authorized within the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 4898 § 2, 2007)
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. 4898 § 2, 2007)
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to the provisions of the general penalty clause as set forth in Section 1.24.010 of this code, unless prosecution of the violation is charged as an infraction by the prosecuting attorney.
(Ord. 4898 § 2, 2007)