§ 96.15 ENFORCEMENT BY HOUSING INSPECTOR.

   The Director of Public Works is hereby designated the public officer to exercise, by and through his or her duly appointed agents, the duties and powers of this chapter and shall hold the title of Housing Inspector. The Rowan County Code Enforcement Department hereby has authority to make inspections.

(Prior Code, § 17-6)

§ 96.16 POWERS.

   (A)   The Inspector shall have authority to request advice and assistance of any public authority he or she may deem appropriate concerning condition and location of substandard housing.

(Prior Code, § 17-7)

   (B)   The Inspector may determine that buildings are substandard and unfit for human habitation if he or she finds, on the basis of the standards and requirements set forth in this chapter, that conditions exist in the buildings which are dangerous to the health, safety or welfare of occupants of the buildings, the occupants of neighboring buildings or other residents of the town.

(Prior Code, § 17-8)

   (C)   It shall be the duty of the Housing Inspector to examine dwellings and buildings within the jurisdiction and authority of this chapter.

(Prior Code, § 17-13)

   (D)   The Housing Inspector is authorized to exercise the powers as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes and provisions of this chapter, including the following powers in addition to others also granted:

      (1)   To investigate the dwelling conditions, and to inspect dwellings and dwelling units located in the town in order to determine which dwellings and dwelling units are unfit for human habitation, and for the purpose, of carrying out the objectives of this chapter with respect to the repair, closing or demolition of the dwellings and dwelling units;

      (2)   To take such action, together with other appropriate departments and agencies, public and private, as may be necessary to effect rehabilitation of housing which is deteriorated;

      (3)   To keep a record of the results of inspections made under this chapter and an inventory of those dwellings that do not meet the minimum standards of fitness herein prescribed;

      (4)   To administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence;

      (5)   To enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations and inspections; provided, the entries shall be made in accordance with this division (D) and state law, and shall be made in a manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession;

      (6)   To appoint and fix the duties of the officers, agents and employees as he or she deems necessary to assist in carrying out the purposes of this chapter, and to delegate any of his or her functions and powers to the officers, agents and employees; and

      (7)   To perform the other duties as may be prescribed herein or by the Board of Alderpersons.

(Prior Code, § 17-14)

§ 96.17 LIMITATION ON LIABILITY.

   Except as may otherwise be provided by statute or local ordinance, no officer, agent or employee of the town charged with the enforcement of the minimum housing ordinance shall be personally liable for any damage that may accrue to property or persons as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his or her duties under this chapter. No person who institutes, or assists in the prosecution of, a criminal proceeding under this chapter shall be liable to damages hereunder unless he or she acted with malice and without reasonable grounds for believing that the person accused or prosecuted was guilty of an unlawful act or omission.

(Prior Code, § 17-9)