(A) The Office of Housing Inspector is hereby created. Until otherwise provided by the Town Council, the Chief Building Code Officer or his or her designee shall be the Housing Inspector.
(B)
The Housing Inspector shall have the powers provided by G.S. § 160D-1210 and as otherwise may be necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this chapter, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing and in addition to others herein expressly or impliedly granted, the following powers:
(1) Investigations. To investigate dwellings in the town’s jurisdiction in order to determine which dwellings therein are unfit for human habitation and/or unsafe, being guided by the requirements set forth in this chapter;
(2) Oaths, witnesses and the like. To administer oaths and affirmations and to examine witnesses and receive evidence;
(3) Right of entry. To enter upon and within premises and dwellings for the purpose of making examinations and investigations; provided that, the entries shall be made in a manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession during reasonable hours and upon presentation of proper credentials;
(4) Delegation. To appoint and fix the duties of officers, agents, and employees necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter; and to delegate any of his or her functions and powers under this chapter to other officers or agents; and
(5) Inspections. To make inspections to determine the condition of dwellings in order that he or she may perform his or her duty of safeguarding the health and safety of occupants and the public. For the purpose of making the inspections after proper notification and presentation of proper credentials, the Housing Inspector is hereby authorized to enter, examine and survey, at all reasonable times, all dwellings and premises. The owner and/or occupant of every dwelling, or the person in charge thereof, shall give the Housing Inspector free access to the dwelling and its premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of the inspections, examination and survey. Every occupant of a dwelling shall give the owner thereof, or his or her agent or employee, access to any part of the dwelling or its premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of making the repairs or alterations as are necessary to effect compliance with the provisions of this chapter or with any lawful order issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. passed 7-21-2016; Ord. PL05268-110121, passed 12-8-2021)