Division 4. Post-Disaster Regulations

Chapter 15.85
PLACARDS

Sections:

15.85.010    Title.

15.85.020    Intent.

15.85.030    Application of provisions.

15.85.040    Definitions.

15.85.050    Placards.

15.85.010 Title.

This chapter shall be known as the “post-disaster placards ordinance.” (Ord. 2180 § 1, 6-18-96. 1990 Code § 7-7100.)

15.85.020 Intent.

This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy after an event as defined in this chapter. This chapter 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. 2180 § 1, 6-18-96. 1990 Code § 7-7105.)

15.85.030 Application of provisions.

The provisions of this chapter are applicable, following each event as defined as Section 15.90.040(a), to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the city of Fremont. (Ord. 2180 § 1, 6-18-96. 1990 Code § 7-7110.)

15.85.040 Definitions.

(a)    “Event” shall have the meaning defined in Section 15.90.040(a).

(b)    “Safety assessment” is a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy following a natural or human-created disaster. (1990 Code § 7-7115.)

15.85.050 Placards.

(a)    The following are general descriptions of the official city of Fremont placards established by this chapter to be used to designate the conditions for continued occupancy of buildings or structures. The actual placards shall be in a form approved by the city manager and substantially similar to those incorporated in this chapter as Exhibits A, B and C.

(1)    INSPECTED – LAWFUL OCCUPANCY PERMITTED placard is to be posted on any building or structure wherein no apparent structural hazard has been found. This placard does not mean that there is no damage to the building.

(2)    RESTRICTED USE placard is to be posted on each building or structure that is damaged to the extent that restrictions on continued occupancy are required. The individual or individuals authorized to post this placard will note in general terms the type of damage encountered and will note the restrictions on continued occupancy.

(3)    UNSAFE – DO NOT ENTER OR OCCUPY placard is to be posted on each building or structure that is damaged to the extent 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 department that posted the building. Safety assessment individuals or teams may be authorized to enter these buildings at any time. This placard is not to be used or considered as a demolition order. The individual or individuals authorized to post this placard will note in general terms the type of damage encountered.

(b)    The ordinance number, the name of the department, 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 except by an authorized representative of the department or upon written notification from the department.

(d)    Other Placards. From time to time, the above placards will need to be modified or new ones developed. The city manager may authorize the modification or development of new placards consistent with the extent of this chapter. (Ord. 2180 § 1, 6-18-96. 1990 Code § 7-7120.)