The Code Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized and directed
to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter. The Code
Enforcement Officer shall have the authority to adopt policies and
procedures upon approval of the Town Board in order to clarify the
application of its provisions. Such policies and procedures shall
be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this chapter. Such
policies and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements
specifically provided for in this chapter.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall make all of the required
inspections, or shall accept reports of inspection by approved agencies
or individuals. All reports of such inspections shall be in writing
and be certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency
or by the responsible individual. The Code Enforcement Officer is
authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report
upon unusual technical issues that arise, subject to the approval
of the Town Board.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall carry proper identification
when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties
under this chapter.
Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions
of this chapter, or whenever the Code Enforcement Officer has reasonable
cause to believe that there exists in a structure or upon a premises
a condition in violation of this chapter, the Code Enforcement Officer
is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times
to inspect or perform the duties imposed by this chapter, provided
that if such structure or premises is occupied the Code Enforcement
Officer shall present credentials to the occupant and request entry.
If such structure or premises is unoccupied, the Code Enforcement
Officer shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or
other person having charge or control of the structure or premises
and request entry. If entry is refused, the Code Enforcement Officer
shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
The Code Enforcement Officer, member of the Planning Board,
member of the Zoning Board of Appeals or any other employee charged
with the administration and enforcement of this chapter, while acting
for the Town, in good faith and without malice in the discharge of
the duties required by this chapter or other pertinent law or ordinance,
shall be defended, indemnified and saved harmless by the Town in accordance
with the Defense and Indemnification Law of the Town.[1]
The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue all necessary notices
or orders to ensure compliance with this chapter.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep official records of
all business and activities specified in the provisions of this chapter.
Such records shall be retained in the official records for the period
required for retention of public records.
