This following section is hereby added to the code:
SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS
(A) Intent. This section establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy. The section 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.
(B) Application of provisions. The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the City of Baldwin Park. The City Council may extend the provisions as necessary.
(C) Definitions. SAFETY ASSESSMENT is a visual, non-destructive examination of a building or structure for purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy.
(D) Placards.
(1) The following are verbal descriptions of the official placards to be used to designate the
condition for continued occupancy of buildings or structures.
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(2) This municipal code section number, the name of the city, its address, and phone number shall be permanently affixed to each placard.
(3) 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. 1308, passed 12-19-07; Am. Ord. 1338, passed 11-17-10; Am. Ord. 1361, passed 12-18-13; Am. Ord. 1396, passed 2-1-17; Am. Ord. 1441, passed 11-6-19) Penalty, see § 10.99