§ 16.04.153. Section 115 Stop Work Order.

Section 115 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code is amended to read:

SECTION 115

STOP WORK ORDER

115.1 Authority. Whenever the building official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner that is contrary to the provisions of this code, without a permit, beyond the scope of the issued permit, in violation of the Palo Alto Municipal Code or Zoning Ordinance, or dangerous or unsafe, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

115.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be posted in a visible location near the location where the work is being conducted. If the owner or owner’s agent is not on site at the time of posting, a notice advising the reasons for the stop work order issuance shall be hand delivered or mailed first-class to the owner of the property involved, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order, the conditions under which the cited work will be permitted to resume, and the name and contact information of the official or agency issuing the order.

115.3 Unlawful Continuance. Any person who continues to engage in any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

115.4 Removal of Posted Stop Work Order. Any person who removes a posted stop work order without written consent of the Building Official shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

115.5 Response Required. Violators receiving a stop work order are required to respond to the Building Division within five (5) business days of the issued notice to receive instructions on how to rescind the order.

115.6 Permit Application Required. A building permit application with construction or demolition plans and supporting (structural calculations, energy calculations, accessible access) documents must be submitted for approval within fifteen (15) working days following response to the Building Division. Plans will be reviewed and correction letters issued or permit application approved by the Building Division. A response to any correction letter must be submitted within fifteen (15) working days of the date of the correction letter. Ten working days will be required to review this second submission and a permit approved for issuance. Permits ready for issuance must be issued within 5 working days thereafter. All construction must be inspected as work progresses and signed off by all (affected) departments within 180 days of building permit issuance.

115.7 Stop Work Order Penalty. The Building Official may impose Stop Work Order Penalties in accordance with Section 1.14.050 of this code and/or other applicable law.

(Ord. 1577 § 1 (part), 2019)