§ 16-86. Authority to enter and inspect premises; entry procedure.

(a)

The building official, or his authorized representative, may enter any building, structure or premises at all reasonable times, to make an inspection or enforce any of the provisions of this article.

(b)

When entering a building, structure or premises that is occupied, the building official shall first identify himself, present proper credentials, and request entry. If the building, structure or premise is unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge of the building and demand entry. If entry is refused, the building official or his authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.

(c)

No person, owner or occupant of any building or premises shall fail, after proper credentials are displayed, to permit entry into any building or onto any property by the building official or his authorized agent, for the purpose of inspections pursuant to this article. Any person violating this section shall be prosecuted as set forth in section 16-74.

(d)

The building official, the fire official, and other authorized representatives are hereby authorized to make such inspections and take such actions as may be required to enforce the provisions of this article.

(Code 1976, § 18-68)