(a) Imminent danger. When, in the opinion of the building official, there is imminent danger of failure or collapse of a building or structure which endangers life, or when any structure or part of a structure has fallen and life is endangered by the occupancy of the structure, or when there is actual or potential danger to the building occupants or those in the proximity of any structure because of explosives, explosive fumes or vapors or the presence of toxic fumes, gases or materials, or operation of defective or dangerous equipment, the building official is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the premises forthwith. The building official shall cause to be posted at each entrance to such structure a notice to read as follows: “THIS STRUCTURE IS UNSAFE AND ITS OCCUPANCY HAS BEEN PROHIBITED BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL.” It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such structure except for the purpose of securing the structure, making the required repairs, removing the hazardous condition or demolishing the same structure.
(b) Temporary safeguards. Whenever in the opinion of the building official there is imminent danger due to an unsafe condition, the building official shall order the necessary work to be done, including the boarding up of openings, to render such structure temporarily safe and shall cause such other action to be taken as the building official deems necessary to meet such emergency.
(c) Closing streets. When necessary for public safety, the building official shall temporarily close structures and close, or order the authority having jurisdiction to close sidewalks, streets, public ways and places adjacent to unsafe structures and prohibit the same from being utilized.
(d) Emergency repairs. For the purpose of this section, the building official shall employ the necessary labor and materials to perform the required work as expeditiously as possible.
(e) Hearing. Any person ordered to take emergency measures shall comply with such order forthwith. Any affected person shall thereafter, upon petition directed to the City of Sierra Vista Magistrate be afforded a hearing pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 43 of this Code.
(Ord. 2015-009, passed 12-17-15)