5536.27. (a) An architect who voluntarily, without compensation or expectation of compensation, provides structural inspection services at the scene of a declared national, state, or local emergency caused by a major earthquake, flood, riot, or fire at the request of a public official, public safety officer, or city or county building inspector acting in an official capacity shall not be liable in negligence for any personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage caused by the architect’s good faith but negligent inspection of a structure used for human habitation or a structure owned by a public entity for structural integrity or nonstructural elements affecting life and safety.
The immunity provided by this section shall apply only for an inspection that occurs within 30 days of the declared emergency.
Nothing in this section shall provide immunity for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
(b) As used in this section:
(1) “Architect” has the meaning given by Section 5500.
(2) “Public safety officer” has the meaning given in Section 3301 of the Government Code.
(3) “Public official” means a state or local elected officer.
(Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 759, Sec. 44. Effective January 1, 1998.)