(a) The intent and purposes of this chapter are to protect the public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the maintenance, appearance and condition of commercial, business and industrial premises; to establish minimum standards governing utilities, facilities and other physical components and conditions essential to make such facilities fit for occupancy and use; to fix certain responsibilities and duties upon owners and operators; to authorize and establish procedures for the inspection of commercial, business and industrial premises; and to fix penalties for violations of this chapter.
(b) This chapter is declared to be essential for the public health, safety and welfare, and it is intended that this chapter be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes stated in this section.
(1979 Code Sec. 16.40.020)