Stop work orders for dangerous grading or digging

(a) Whenever the chief engineer determines that any existing grading, grubbing, or stockpiling is or will become a hazard to life and limb, endangers property, or adversely affects the safety, use, or stability of a public way or drainage channel, the owner of the property upon which the excavation or fill is located, or other person or agent in control of the property, upon receipt of notice in writing from the chief engineer shall abate the hazard and shall conform with the requirements of this chapter. When there are reasonable grounds to believe that hazardous conditions may exist, the chief engineer or an authorized representative may obtain a warrant and shall enter upon the property to investigate or to enforce the provisions stated of this section, or both. (b) If the chief engineer determines that work must stop due to hazardous conditions, the chief engineer shall issue a stop work order to the owner of the property and shall concurrently notify and transmit a copy of the order to the chief of police who shall have the power to enforce the stop work order pursuant to Charter § 6-1604, as amended. )