The Housing Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized to exercise the powers as may be necessary or convenient to carry out and effect the purposes and provisions of this subchapter, including the following powers in addition to others herein granted:
(A) To investigate the dwelling conditions in the city in order to determine which dwellings therein are unfit for human habitation;
(B) To administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence;
(C) To enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations; provided, that the entries are made in a manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession;
(D) To appoint and fix the duties of the officers, agents and employees, with the approval of the City Administrator, as he deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter; and
(E) To delegate any of his functions and powers under this subchapter to the officers and agents as he may designate.
(S.C. Code § 31-15-80) (‘88 Code, § 5.208)