The Property Maintenance Code Official is authorized and directed to inspect any premises and grounds located within the City of Steubenville for the purpose of enforcing and assuring compliance with this Chapter, with the inspection to include only those items which can be inspected by lawful means. In the event the Property Maintenance Code Official has reason to believe that a Code violation may exist within a building, he is authorized and directed to inspect the remainder of the premises. The owner, operator or occupant of every building may, upon the request of the Property Maintenance Code Official, give the Code Official free access to the property, at reasonable times, for the purpose of inspection. In the event access to the premises is refused, the Property Maintenance Code Official with the assistance of the Law Director may obtain an administrative warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to gain access to
the premises. In the event an administrative warrant cannot be obtained, then the inspection shall include only those items which can be inspected by lawful means. This chapter shall not be construed to require an owner, operator or occupant to consent to a warrantless inspection of property except as provided by law. The following shall apply:
the premises. In the event an administrative warrant cannot be obtained, then the inspection shall include only those items which can be inspected by lawful means. This chapter shall not be construed to require an owner, operator or occupant to consent to a warrantless inspection of property except as provided by law. The following shall apply:
(a) Vacant properties will be externally inspected by the Property Maintenance Code Official a minimum of twice per year to ensure the compliance of property maintenance codes;
(b) Vacant properties will 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 or person in control;
(c) Vacant properties will be both internally and externally inspected upon acquisition of the property by a new owner or person in control and prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. No vacant property registered under this Chapter can be reoccupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Building Inspector;
(d) 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 Property Maintenance Code Official.
(Ord. 2013-89. Passed 1-21-14.)
(Ord. 2013-89. Passed 1-21-14.)