(a) The Building Inspector shall devote his whole time to the duties of his office. He shall receive applications required by the Building and Housing Code, issue permits and furnish the prescribed certificates. He shall examine premises for which permits have been issued and shall make necessary inspections to see that the provisions of law are complied with and that construction is prosecuted safely. He shall enforce all provisions of the Building and Housing Code. He shall, when requested by proper authority, or when the public interest so requires, make investigation in connection with matters referred to in the Building and Housing Code, and render written reports on the same. To enforce compliance with law, to remove illegal or unsafe conditions, to secure the necessary safeguards during construction, or require adequate exit facilities in buildings and structures, he shall issue such notices or orders as may be necessary.
(b) Inspections required under the provisions of the Building and Housing Code shall be made by the Building Inspector or his duly appointed assistant. The Building Inspector may accept reports of inspectors or recognized inspection services, after investigation of their qualifications and reliability. No certificate called for by any provision of the Building and Housing Code shall be issued on such reports unless the same are in writing and certified to by a responsible officer of such service.
(c) The Building Inspector shall keep comprehensive records of applications, permits issued, certificates issued, inspections made, reports rendered and of notices or orders issued. He shall retain on file copies of required plans and all documents relating to building work so long as any part of the building or structure to which they relate may be in existence.
(d) All such records shall be open to public inspection for good and sufficient reasons at the stated office hours, but shall not be removed from the office of the Building Inspector without his written consent.
(e) The Building Inspector shall make written reports to his immediate superior once each month, or more often, if requested, including statements of permits and certificates issued, and orders promulgated.
(1978 Code Sec. 5-12.)