(A) Enforcement.
(1) Any Licensed Peace Officer of the city’s Police Department, or the County Sheriff, or any Deputy Sheriff, shall have the authority to enforce any provision of this code.
(2) The following individuals designated in this section, or their designee, shall have the authority to administer and enforce the provisions of this code:
(a) Building Official;
(b) City Administrator;
(c) City Clerk;
(d) Code Enforcement Officer;
(e) Community Development Director;
(f) Community Service Officer;
(g) Fire Chief, Fire Inspector, Fire Marshal; and
(h) Public Works Director.
(3) For the purposes of clarity, the individuals identified above in division (A)(2) shall hereafter be referred to as “Enforcement Officer.”
(B) Inspection of buildings and premises.
(1) General rule. For the purpose of safeguarding the health and safety of the general public and the occupants of any building, or to determine compliance with the code, an order, permit, or license, it is the duty of any Enforcement Officer to conduct inspections to determine and document the condition of the buildings and premises located within the city. For the purpose of making the inspection, the Enforcement Officer is authorized to enter, examine and survey the building or premises at all reasonable times.
(2) Notice. Prior to making the inspection, the Enforcement Officer will inform the occupants of the building or premises to be inspected to the date and time of the inspection by personal service or regular mail postmarked not less than 72 hours prior to the time the inspection is made.
(3) Access. After the written notice has been given, the owner, occupant or operator of the building must give the Enforcement Officer free access to the building and its premises, for the purpose of inspection, examination or survey, provided that the inspection, examination, or survey must not have for its purpose the harrassment of the owner or occupant and the inspection, examination or survey is made so as to cause the least amount of inconvenience to the owner or occupant.
(4) Emergency access. The Enforcement Officer shall be allowed immediate entry:
(a) At any time when in the opinion of the Enforcement Officer an actual emergency tending to create an immediate danger to public health and safety exists; or
(b) At any time when the owner or occupant requests an inspection.
(C) Application for search warrant. Upon a refusal of any owner or occupant to permit the Enforcement Officer access to a dwelling, dwelling unit or premises to make an inspection, and upon a belief of probable cause that the dwelling, dwelling unit or premises does not conform to the requirements of this code, the Enforcement Officer may make application to the appropriate court for an order or warrant directing the inspection and search of the dwelling, dwelling unit or premises for its conformity to this code.
(D) Interference with official duties. It is unlawful for any person to prevent, delay or interfere with representatives of the city while they are engaged in performance of their duties.
(E) Reinspection fees. The city may charge a reinspection fee for violations of any ordinance related to buildings and premises. Failure to pay the reinspection fee may result in it being assessed against the property as provided in M.S. Ch. 429, as it may be amended from time to time.
(Ord. 733, passed 1-8-2024)