§ 14-42. Inspections.

(1)

In order that they may perform their duties to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of dwellings and of the general public, the chief building official, chief of police and fire official are hereby authorized to make or cause to be made such inspections of dwellings or dwelling units as are necessary to enforce the provisions of this article. The inspections that are authorized for the purpose of enforcement of the provisions of this article shall be made at a reasonable time. The word "dwelling" as used in this paragraph shall include, but not be limited to, those categories of structures defined in section 14-26.

(2)

The chief building official, chief of police and fire official shall inspect buildings and structures regulated by this article. Inspections may be conducted even though a current certificate of compliance is on record with the department of community development.

(3)

An inspection shall be conducted in the manner best calculated to secure compliance with this article and appropriate to the needs of the community.

(4)

In an emergency situation, the chief building official, chief of police and fire official have the right to enter at any time. for purposes of this article, an emergency shall exist when the chief building official, chief of police or fire official has reasonable grounds to believe that a condition hazardous to health or safety exists on the premises and requires immediate attention.

(5)

In a nonemergency situation or where the owner or occupant of any dwelling demands a warrant for inspection of the premises, the chief building official, chief of police or fire official shall obtain a warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction.

(Code 1977, § 8.604; Ord. No. 93-22, § 1, 10-12-93; Ord. No. 2012-03, § 1, 2-21-12)