(A) Generally. The building official shall have the powers and duties prescribed for the “building official” by the town’s Building Code; provided, that his or her powers and duties may be exercised by his or her authorized representatives under his or her supervision and control. The term “building inspector”, whenever used in the ordinances of the town, means the building official. The terms “electrical inspector”, “plumbing inspector” and “gas inspector”; whenever used in the ordinances of the town, also each refer to and mean the building official, unless a separate electrical inspector, plumbing inspector or gas inspector is appointed.
(B) Appointment; supervision. The building official of the town shall be appointed by the Town Administrator and shall have the powers and duties prescribed for the “building official” by the Building Code. The building official shall be under the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees.
(C) Authorized representatives. The building official’s powers and duties may be exercised by his or her authorized representatives under his or her supervision and control.
(D) Duties.
(1) The building official shall receive applications required by this code, issue permits and furnish the prescribed certificates. He or she may examine premises for which permits have been issued and make necessary inspections to see that the provisions of law are complied with, and that construction is prosecuted safely.
(2) The building official shall have the power to enforce all provisions of the Building Code. He or she 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 report on the same, to enforce the compliance with the law, to remove the illegal or unsafe conditions, to secure the necessary safeguards during construction, or to require adequate facilities in building and structures. He or she shall issue such notices or orders that may be necessary.
(3) Inspections required in the provisions of the Building Code shall be made by the building official. The building official may accept reports of recognized inspection services or personnel after investigation of the qualifications and the liability. No certificate called for by any provisions of the Building Code shall be issued on such reports unless same are in writing and certified by a responsible officer of such service.
(4) The building official shall keep comprehensive records of applications for permits issued, of certificates issued, of inspections made, of reports rendered, and of notices or orders issued. He or she 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.
(5) The building official shall make written reports to the Board of Trustees as requested, including statements of permits and certificates issued and orders promulgated.
(6) In the discharge of his or her official duties and upon proper identification, the building official may enter any building, structure or premises at any reasonable hour.
(7) Assess fines and issue citations for Building Code violations as determined by the town’s fine schedule and as herein provided. Citations will be issued by the building official and/or inspector using the same ticket books used by the town for its law enforcement.
(E) Cooperation of other officials. The building official may request and shall receive, so far as may be necessary in the discharge of his or her duties, the assistance and cooperation of other officials of the town. The Town Clerk, in addition to all other duties as elsewhere provided in the town code for the Town Clerk, shall assist the building official by issuing building permits as requested and directed by the building official.
(Ord. 381, passed 8-12-2021)