(a) A building code official may determine
that a building, structure or equipment is unsafe because of inadequate means
of egress, inadequate light and ventilation, fire hazard, other dangers to
human life or the public welfare, illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate
maintenance. A vacant building or structure that is not secured against entry
is unsafe under this section.
(b)
When a building code official determines the existence of an unsafe condition,
the building code official shall order the vacating of the building or
structure.
(c) A building code
official shall serve a written notice on the owner or owner's agent of the
building, structure or equipment that is unsafe under this section. The notice
shall contain the order to vacate the building, structure or seal the equipment
out of service and state the unsafe conditions, required repairs or
improvements. The order shall be served by certified mail or personal service
to the owner or to the owner's agent's last known address or on the owner,
agent or person in control of the building, structure or equipment. A building
code official shall post the written notice at the entrance of the structure or
on the equipment if service cannot be accomplished by certified mail or
personal service.
(d) When a
building or structure is ordered vacated under this section, the building code
official shall post a notice at each entrance stating that the structure is
unsafe and its occupancy is prohibited.
(e) A building code official may not rescind
the order to vacate until the owner abates or corrects the unsafe
condition.
(f) The Department may
seal an elevator for an unsafe condition under section 105(c)(1) of the act
(35
P. S. §
7210.105(c)(1)). The
Department is the only entity that may remove or authorize the removal of a
seal if an owner abates or corrects the unsafe condition.
