(A) The Director or his designee is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The Director shall have the authority to render interpretations of this chapter and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall be in conformance with the intent and purpose of this chapter and shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this chapter.
(B) The Director shall receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for the erection and alteration of buildings and structures, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The Director shall not approve any plans, or issue any permits for any excavation or construction until he has inspected such plans and their relation to the premises in detail, and found them to conform to this chapter.
(C) The Director shall make and keep a record of all nonconforming uses existing at the effective date of this chapter for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Whenever the buildings, lands and uses thereof, as set forth on an application, are in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, the Director shall issue a building permit within two weeks after the receipt of such application.
(D) The Director shall issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with this chapter.
(E) The Director is authorized to make all of the required inspections, or the Director shall have the authority to accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections shall be in writing and be certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The Director is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that arise, subject to the approval of the Town Council.
(F) Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this chapter, or where the Director has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a structure or upon a premises a condition which is contrary to or in violation of this chapter which makes the structure or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the Director or designee is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this chapter, provided that if such structure or premises be occupied that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If such structure or premises be unoccupied, the Director shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the Director shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
(G) The Director shall keep official records of applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued. Such records shall be retained in the official records for the period required of the retention of public records.
(H) In all cases where the Director refuses to issue a building permit, he shall document such refusal in writing with the causes and reasons for the refusal.
(Ord. 2011-16, passed 12-27-11)