(A) The Director of Public Works, or an authorized representative, may enter premises or vehicles regulated by this chapter at all reasonable times, whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter, to inspect permits and records required by this chapter, to collect air, water, waste, or wastewater samples, or whenever probable cause exists to believe that a violation of this chapter or other environmental laws exists on such premises.
(B) The Director of Public Works, or an authorized representative, shall first present credentials and demand entry if the premises are occupied. If the premises are unoccupied, a reasonable attempt to locate the owner or person in control of the premises and demand entry shall be made.
(C) Where premises have security measures in force which require proper identification and clearance before entry into its premises, the person in control of the premises shall make necessary arrangements with its security guards so that, upon presentation of suitable identification, the Director, or authorized representative, will be permitted to enter without delay for the purposes of performing specific responsibilities.
(D) If entry is denied or if a person in control cannot be located, the Director, or authorized representative, shall have every recourse provided by law to secure entry. Such recourse shall include the right to obtain a search warrant under the guidelines of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure; and for the purposes of same, any person with enforcement authority under this chapter is hereby declared to be a "health officer."
(Ord. 1680, passed 3-10-08)