(a) In order to safeguard the safety, health and welfare of the public and to effect the purpose and intends of this chapter, the Zoning Administrator or his or her designee is authorized to gain consensual entry to any structure or premises, and any parts thereof, at any reasonable time for the purpose of making inspections and performing duties under this chapter. Consent of the owner and/or occupant shall not be required if a violation is observable from a vantage point outside of the property limits of the premises.
(b) If any owner, occupant, or other person in charge of a structure or premises subject to the provisions of this chapter refuses, impedes, inhibits, interferes with, restricts or obstructs entry and free access to any part of the structure or premises where inspection for purposes of this chapter is sought, the Zoning Inspector or his or her designee shall be permitted to seek, in a court of competent jurisdiction, a search warrant.
(c) A search warrant shall allow for the inspection of the subject structure and premises, and any parts thereof, upon probable cause to believe any provision of this chapter is being violated.
(b) Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the authority of the Zoning Administrator or his or her designee to gain access to any structure or premises in emergency circumstances or otherwise pursuant to law.
(Ord. 2208. Passed 1-9-89; Ord. 3080. Passed 3-26-12.)