An authorised officer who considers there is a threat to safety because of the condition or use of a building or excavation, or that there is a threat to any State or local heritage place, may make an emergency order [Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (SA) s 155]. An order must be given in writing unless the authorised officer considers that urgent action is required, in which case it may be given orally (but must be confirmed in writing by 5:00pm on the next business day) and can require the owner to evacuate the land, carry out or stop any work.

If the owner does not comply with the emergency order, the council can carry out any necessary work and recover the cost from the owner [ss 155(5-6)]. Similar provisions apply to the issue of fire safety notice [Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (SA) s 157].