A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
B. For the purpose of safeguarding the health and safety of the general public and of the occupants of dwellings, it is the duty of the appropriate city official, or his or her designee, to enforce this chapter, and, this official is hereby authorized and directed to conduct inspections to determine the condition of dwellings, residences, and premises located within the city. For the purpose of making such inspections, the appropriate city official is hereby authorized to enter, examine and survey, between the hours of seven thirty o'clock (7:30) A.M. and four o'clock (4:00) P.M., all dwellings, residences, and premises. The appropriate city official, prior to making such inspection, shall inform the occupant of the dwelling by letter postmarked not less than seventy two (72) hours prior to the time such inspection is made. After such written notice is given, the owner or occupant of such dwelling shall allow entry, during such time, for the purpose of such inspection, examination or survey; provided that such inspection, examination or survey shall not have for its purpose the harassment of such owner or occupant and that such inspection, examination, or survey shall be made so as to cause the least amount of inconvenience to the owner or occupant, consistent with an efficient performance of the duties of the appropriate city official; provided that the purpose of such inspection, examination, or survey shall not be for the procurement of evidence to be used in any criminal proceeding; provided that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the entry of the appropriate city official. The required notice is waived when:
1. At any time when in the opinion of the appropriate city official an actual emergency tending to create an immediate danger to public health and safety exists; or
2. At any time when such inspection, examination, or survey may be requested by the owner or tenant. (Ord. XVIII.10, 9-2-1997; amd. Ord. XXI.15, 12-5-2006)