Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection in the course of an investigation required by this chapter, the city code enforcement officer is hereby empowered to enter upon property upon which there is alleged to exist a public nuisance at any reasonable time to inspect the same, but only if the consent of the person in possession of the premises is freely given or a search or inspections warrant is obtained as hereinafter provided:
(A) If such property is occupied, the code enforcement officer shall first present credentials to the occupant and request entry, explaining the reasons therefor;
(B) If such property is unoccupied, the code enforcement officer shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the person having charge or control of the property, present proper credentials and request entry, explaining the reasons therefor; and
(C) If such entry is refused or cannot be obtained because the person having the charge or control of the property cannot be found after due diligence, the code enforcement officer shall obtain a warrant to conduct a search or inspection of the property.
(1995 Code, § 8-36) (Ord. passed 11-21-1983; Ord. passed 11-12-1984)