The code official is hereby authorized and
directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The code
official shall have the authority to render interpretations
of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify
the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies
and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose
of this code. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect
of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.
The code official shall make all of the required
inspections, or shall accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. 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 official is authorized to engage such expert opinion
as deemed necessary to report on unusual technical issues that arise,
subject to the approval of the appointing authority.
Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions
of this code, or whenever the code official has reasonable
cause to believe that there exists in a structure or upon a premises a condition in violation of
this code, the code official is authorized to enter
the structure or premises at reasonable times to
inspect or perform the duties imposed by this code, provided that
if such structure or premises is
occupied the code official shall present credentials
to the occupant and request entry. If such structure
or premises is unoccupied, the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner, owner's authorized agent or other person having charge or control
of the structure or premises and
request entry. If entry is refused, the code official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
The code official shall carry proper identification
when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this code.
The code official shall issue all necessary
notices or orders to ensure compliance with this code.
The code official shall keep official records
of all business and activities of the department specified in the
provisions of this code. Such records shall be retained in the official
records for the period required for retention of public records.