This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy. This 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.
(Ord. 2010-7 § 1 (Att. A), 10-12-2010; Ord. 2013-3 § 1 (Att. A), 11-12-2013; Ord. 2016-4 § 1 (Att. A), 10-11-2016; Ord. 2019-5 § 1 (Att. A), 10-8-2019; Ord. 2022-3 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the City of Newman. The City Council may extend the provisions as necessary.
(Ord. 2010-7 § 1 (Att. A), 10-12-2010; Ord. 2013-3 § 1 (Att. A), 11-12-2013; Ord. 2016-4 § 1 (Att. A), 10-11-2016; Ord. 2019-5 § 1 (Att. A), 10-8-2019; Ord. 2022-3 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
"Safety assessment"
is a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy.
(Ord. 2010-7 § 1 (Att. A), 10-12-2010; Ord. 2013-3 § 1 (Att. A), 11-12-2013; Ord. 2016-4 § 1 (Att. A), 10-11-2016; Ord. 2019-5 § 1 (Att. A), 10-8-2019; Ord. 2022-3 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
A. 
The following are verbal descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to designate the condition for continued occupancy of buildings or structures. Copies of actual placards are attached.
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. 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.
B. 
The number of the ordinance codified in this section, the name of the jurisdiction and its address and phone number shall be permanently affixed to each placard.
C. 
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.
(Ord. 2010-7 § 1 (Att. A), 10-12-2010; Ord. 2013-3 § 1 (Att. A), 11-12-2013; Ord. 2016-4 § 1 (Att. A), 10-11-2016; Ord. 2019-5 § 1 (Att. A), 10-8-2019; Ord. 2022-3 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)