(a) The Housing Officer or Fire Inspector, as appropriate, shall inspect any premises in the City for the purpose of enforcing and assuring compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Upon request of the Housing Officer or Fire Inspector, an owner shall provide access to all interior portions of the unoccupied structure in order to permit a complete inspection. Nothing contained herein, however, shall diminish the owner's right to insist upon the procurement of a search warrant from a court in the jurisdiction to enable the inspection. The Housing officer shall be required to obtain a search warrant whenever an owner refuses to permit a warrantless inspection of the property. The following shall apply:
(1) Vacant structures shall be externally inspected by the Housing Officer or Fire Inspector a minimum of twice per year to ensure compliance with the property maintenance codes (IPMC).
(2) Vacant structures shall be both internally and externally inspected at the start of each registration period (new and renewal) and when the registration is terminated by the property owner.
(3) Vacant structures shall be both externally and internally inspected by the Housing Officer or Fire Inspector upon acquisition of the structure by a new owner and prior to the issuance of the Use Permit.
(4) Any inspection that is to take place within thirty (30) days of a previous inspection may or may not be conducted at the discretion of the Housing Officer.
(5) If an issue involving the structure is suspected, that requires the expertise of an engineer, the owner shall hire a state approved, licensed engineer to address the issue and shall be responsible for any costs involved in the hiring and employment of that engineer.
(Ord. 201201-63. Passed 12-1-20.)