A. 
The Housing Official shall enforce the provisions of this Code except as may be otherwise provided.
B. 
The Housing Official or his representative is authorized, upon presentation of proper credentials and with consent or valid warrant, to enter, inspect and survey, at all reasonable times, all buildings, structures and premises located in Wicomico County, Maryland to determine compliance with this Code.
C. 
Alterations and repairs.
(1) 
The Housing Official has the authority to require and approve any alterations or repairs necessary to bring a building, structure or premises into compliance with this Code.
(2) 
The Housing Official shall have the authority to approve changes in alterations or repairs in the field when conditions are encountered which make the originally approved work impractical, if the changes in approved work can be readily determined to be in compliance with this Code and are requested by the property owner or his agent before the changes.
(3) 
The changes shall be specifically documented by the property owner or by his agent, describing the change in work and the reasons and justification for the change, and shall be filed with the permit for the project.
D. 
The Housing Official may confer with other governmental officials or agencies for the purpose of coordinating inspections of premises, the issuance of notices and orders and enforcement thereof.
A. 
Whenever it is necessary of the Housing Official to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this Code, or whenever the Housing Official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition or code violation which makes such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the Housing Official may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the Housing Official by this Code, provided that if such building or premises is occupied, he shall first present proper credentials, and obtain consent for that entry from the occupant. If such building or premises is unoccupied, he shall first locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building premises, present proper credentials, and obtain consent for such entry. If such entry is refused, or the owner cannot be located or other persons having charge or control of the building premises, the Housing Official shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry, including application to the court having jurisdiction for an order permitting such entry and inspection.
B. 
The Housing Official may enter any premises or structure without a warrant and without prior notice to or permission from the owner or occupant of the premises whenever:
(1) 
The Housing Official, in good faith, determines that an actual emergency exists as a result of a condition or occurrence on the premises which constitutes an imminent menace to the public health, safety and welfare which requires immediate action; or
(2) 
A fire or accident has occurred on the premises such that immediate inspection is required to determine whether or not a violation of this Code exists which constitutes an imminent menace to the public health or safety.
A. 
From time to time, the County Executive may designate certain specific areas of the County in need of inspection. Such inspection shall be performed on every structure subject to this Code in the designated area, with request for entry being made pursuant to § 160-8 of this Code.
[Amended 10-17-2006 by Bill No. 2006-11]
B. 
If entry for inspection is refused, the Housing Official shall be permitted to seek a warrant based upon, but not limited to, the following factors:
(1) 
The passage of time since the last inspection of the structure;
(2) 
The type of structure to be inspected (i.e., single-family dwellings, multiple-family dwellings, apartments);
(3) 
The age of the structure;
(4) 
Condition of the structures in the surrounding areas;
(5) 
Evidence of blighted conditions in the surrounding areas; and
(6) 
Evidence of past violations in the structure.
A. 
When the Housing Official shall have first obtained an inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other persons having charge, care or control of any building or premises shall neglect, after request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the Housing Official for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this Code.
B. 
Once a warrant has been issued authorizing an inspection, if violations are found and notices are issued, no new search warrant is required to authorize the entry from time to time for reinspection to determine whether or not the violation has been abated.
All buildings or structures within the scope of this Code and all construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Housing Official in accordance with and in the manner provided by this Code and the Codes incorporated by § 160-3.
[Amended 7-6-2004 by Bill No. 2004-6]
Any requirement not specifically covered by this Code, found necessary for the safety, health and general welfare of the occupants of any dwelling, shall be determined by the Housing Official and subject to appeal to the Board of Appeals.