Chapter 15.40
SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS
Sections:
15.40.020 “Safety Assessment” Defined
15.40.030 Application of Provisions
15.40.010 Purpose
It is the purpose of this chapter to establish standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a building or structure for continued occupancy after any natural or manmade disasters. The 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.
15.40.020 “Safety Assessment” Defined
“Safety assessment” means a visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition of the building or structure for continued occupancy.
15.40.030 Application of Provisions
The provisions of this chapter are applicable, following each natural or manmade disaster, to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the city. The council may extend the provisions as necessary.
15.40.040 Placards
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 to the ordinance codified in this chapter and adopted by reference.
1. “INSPECTED - Lawful Occupancy Permitted” (Green Placard). The placard describing this condition 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. Occupants should always be cautious of potential hazards following any natural or manmade disasters.
2. “RESTRICTED USE - Off-Limits to Unauthorized personnel” (Yellow Placard) The placard describing this condition 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” (Red Placard) The placard describing this condition 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. In addition to the above descriptive conditions, each placard shall also contain the city building and safety division’s address and telephone number along with the number of this city chapter.
C. Once the placard 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 or upon written notification from the city building and safety division. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to alter, remove, cover or deface a placard unless authorized pursuant to this section.”