(a) General. The Building Commissioner and any authorized representative from the Building Department shall enforce all the provisions of Norwood Building Code (NBC) and shall act on any question relative to the mode or manner of construction and the materials to be used in the erection, addition to, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, installation of service equipment and the location, use, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and structures, except as may otherwise be specifically provided for by statutory requirements or as provided in subsections (c) to (h) hereof.
(b) Applications and Permits. The Building Commissioner or any authorized representative shall receive applications 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 NBC.
(c) Building Notices and Orders. The Building Commissioner or any authorized representative shall issue all necessary notices or orders to remove illegal or unsafe conditions, to require the necessary safeguards during construction to require adequate exit facilities in existing buildings and structures, and to insure compliance with NBC requirements for the health, safety and general welfare of the public. Notices and orders shall be in compliance with the requirements of Section 1305.10
(b).
(d) Inspections. The Building Commissioner or the Building Inspectors shall make all the required inspections, or reports of inspection may be accepted by approved agencies or individuals; and all reports of such inspections shall be in writing and certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The Building Commissioner may engage such expert opinion as may be deemed necessary to report upon technical issues that may arise subject to the approval of the appointing authority.
(e) Credentials. The Building Commissioner and authorized representatives shall carry proper credentials of their respective office for the purpose of inspecting any and all buildings and premises in the performance of duties under NBC.
(f) Rule Making Authority. The Building Commissioner or any authorized representative shall have power as may be necessary in the interest of public health, safety and general welfare, to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to interpret and implement the provisions of NBC to secure the intent thereof and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions; but such rules shall not have the effect of waiving working stresses of fire resistive requirements specifically provided in NBC or violating accepted engineering practice involving public safety.
(g) Department Records. The Building Commissioner or his duly authorized representative shall keep official records of applications received, permit and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued. Such records shall be retained in the official records so long as the building or structure to which they relate remains in existence unless otherwise provided by other regulations. All such records shall be open to public inspection at all appropriate times and under reasonable regulations established by the Building Commissioner to maintain the integrity and security of such records. All such records are subject to Ohio R.C. 149.43.
(h) Annual Report. At least annually, the Building Commissioner shall submit to the Mayor upon a written request, a written statement of operations in the form and content as shall be prescribed by the Mayor.
(Ord. 9-2000. Passed 2-8-00.)