The Secretary, or his or her duly authorized representative, shall have the authority to enter any building, structure, leasehold or premises for the purpose of investigating any suspected violation of this title or applicable provisions of this code, the existence of suspected or reported damage or defects which may constitute an immediate danger to human life and private property or an immediate hazard to the public safety, health and welfare; provided, however, except in emergency situations, the Secretary, or his or her authorized representatives, shall not enter any building, structure, leasehold or premises without the consent of the owner or occupant thereof unless he or she possesses a reasonable search warrant authorizing entry and search of the building, structure, leasehold or premises. No person shall hinder or prevent the Secretary, or his or her authorized representative, while in the performance of the duties described in this section, from entering upon and into any and all buildings, structures, leaseholds or premises, under his or her jurisdiction, at all reasonable hours for the purposes enumerated in this section.
(`78 Code, § 14.32.040.)