(A) Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions or perform any duty imposed by this chapter or when there is reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any violation of the provisions of this chapter or state law, the any county law enforcement agency or Health Officer is authorized at all reasonable time to inspect the same for compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any state law; provided that:
(1) If the property is occupied, the Officer shall first present proper credentials to the occupant and request entry, explaining the reasons therefore; and
(2) If the property is unoccupied, the Officer shall make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having control of the property and request entry explaining the reasons therefore.
(B) In the event a county law enforcement agency or the County Health Officer has reasonable cause to believe that the keeping or maintaining of an animal is so hazardous, unsafe or dangerous as to require inspection to safeguard the animal or the public health and/or safety, the Officer shall first present proper credentials and request entry, explaining the reason thereof. If entry is refused or cannot be obtained because the owner or other person(s) having charge or control of the property cannot be found after reasonable search, the Officer shall have recourse to secure a search warrant for inspection of the property.
(Ord. 2006-12-18, passed 12-18-2006)