(A) The primary responsibility for the enforcement of the Kentucky Building Code, the Kentucky Residential Code, and the International Property Maintenance Code, herein adopted shall be with the Building Inspector, or any other individual or entity authorized by the city to enforce the foregoing; and for purposes of this §150.11, the term Building Inspector shall include the Building Inspector and any individual or entity so authorized by the city; and the term Building Code shall include the Kentucky Building Code, the Kentucky Residential Code, and the International Property Maintenance Code.
(B) The Building Inspector shall receive applications required by this 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 Code. He shall, when requested by proper authority, or when the public interest so requires, make investigations in connection with matters referred to in the Building 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 to require adequate exit facilities in buildings and structures, he shall issue those notices or orders as may be necessary.
(C) Inspections required under the provisions of the Building Code shall be made by the Building Inspector or his duly appointed assistant. The Building Inspector may accept reports of inspectors of recognized inspection services, after investigation of their qualifications and reliability. No certificate called for by any provision of the Building Code shall be issued on the reports unless the same are in writing and certified to by a responsible officer of the service.
(D) The Building Inspector shall keep comprehensive records of applications, permits issued, certificates issued, inspections made reports rendered and 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. All 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.
(F) The Building Inspector may request and shall receive so far as may be necessary in the discharge of his duties, the assistance and cooperation of other officials of the municipality.
(G) The Building Inspector in the discharge of his official duties, and upon proper identification, shall have authority to enter any building, structure or premises at any reasonable hour.
(H) The Building Inspector or any employee charged with the enforcement of the Building Code, acting in good faith and without malice for the city in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby be rendered liable personally and is relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or by reason of any act or omission performed by him in the enforcement of any provisions of the Building Code, and shall be defended by the City Attorney until final termination of the proceedings.
('88 Code, § 150.11) (Ord. 1977-16, passed - -77; Am. Ord. 2005-05, passed 4-18-05)