(A) Housing Inspector; duties; powers. Pursuant to G.S. § 160D-1203, the Housing Inspector is hereby designated the public officer to exercise the duties and powers prescribed by this Housing Code.
(1) Duties. It shall be the duty of the Housing Inspector:
(a) To investigate and to inspect all buildings, dwelling units, and rooming units located in the town in order to determine which such buildings, dwelling units, and rooming units are unfit for human habitation as well as to carry out the general spirit and purpose of this Housing Code;
(b) To enforce the provisions of this Housing Code and to take such action, alone or together with other appropriate departments and agencies, public or private, as may be necessary to carry out the general spirit and purpose of this Housing Code;
(c) To keep adequate records of all activity conducted pursuant to this Housing Code, including, but not limited to, an inventory of those buildings, dwelling units, and rooming units that do not meet the minimum standards of the fitness prescribed by this Housing Code;
(d) To report annually to the Town Manager concerning the work of his or her department, and specifically the housing section, during the preceding year; and
(e) To perform each and every duty necessary and incidental to the fulfillment of the general spirit and purpose of this Housing Code.
(2) Powers. Pursuant to G.S. § 160D-1210, the Housing Inspector is hereby authorized to exercise any powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the general spirit, purpose, and provisions of this Housing Code, including specifically, but not limited to, the following:
(a) To investigate the dwelling conditions in the town in order to determine which buildings are unfit for human habitation;
(b) To administer oaths, affirmations, examine witnesses, and receive evidence;
(c) To enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations and inspections in a manner that will do the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession;
(d) To appoint and fix the duties of officers, agents, and employees necessary to carry out the purposes of this Housing Code; and
(e) To delegate any of his or her functions and powers under this Housing Code to other officers and other agents.
(B) Records. The Housing Inspector shall keep, or cause to be kept, a record of the business of the Inspections Division. The records of the Inspections Division shall be open to public inspection.
(C) No utility services. The town shall not provide (either public or private) utility services such as water, gas, electricity, sewer, and the like, to any substandard building or dwelling unit which becomes vacant until such building or dwelling unit has been inspected, brought into compliance with this Housing Code and the Building Code, and a valid certificate of compliance as required, has been issued. This requirement shall not preclude the temporary use of such utility services as may be deemed necessary during construction, repair, or alteration. The Housing Inspector shall be responsible for making the determination as to when such “temporary services” may be necessary.
(D) No permit. No building, plumbing, electrical, gas, or other permit, as may be required, for an addition, alteration, or repair of an existing substandard building or dwelling unit shall be issued until such time as an inspection of the property has been made to determine the feasibility of rehabilitation of such building or dwelling unit.
(Prior Code, § 9-2098) (Ord. passed 8-12-1976)