Any duly authorized agent of the Water Department shall have the authority to enter any building or premises for the purpose of investigating the property of any owner or consumer of water services in order to designate the rate to be applied to the property and to view the water pipes and other equipment connected therewith. Except in emergency situations, the agents of the Water Department shall not enter any building or premises without the consent of the owner or occupant thereof, unless an investigation warrant authorizing the entry and investigation is first obtained. No person shall hinder or prevent the agents of the Water Department, while in the performance of the duties herein described from entering upon and into any and all property at all reasonable hours for the purpose of inspecting the same in order to carry out the provisions of this chapter. Any person who hinders or prevents the agents of the Water Department from the performance of their duties pursuant to this section shall be guilty of an infraction punishable pursuant to the provisions of § 10.99.
(1994 Code, § 13.04.050)