(a) A search warrant shall be issued only upon cause, supported by affidavit, particularly describing the applicant’s status in applying for the warrant hereunder, the ordinance or regulation requiring or authorizing the inspection or investigation, the location to be inspected or investigated, and the purpose for which the inspection or investigation is to be made, including the basis upon which cause exists to inspect. In addition, the affidavit shall contain either a statement that entry has been sought and refused or facts or circumstances reasonably showing that the purposes of the inspection or investigation might be frustrated if entry were sought without a warrant.
(b) Cause shall be deemed to exist if reasonable legislative or administrative standards for conducting a routine, periodic or area inspection are satisfied with respect to the location or there is probable cause to believe that a condition of nonconformity with a health, utility, public protection or safety ordinance, regulation, rule, standard or order exists with respect to the particular location, or an investigation is reasonably believed to be necessary in order to determine or verify the condition of the location.
(c) When a search warrant is issued upon application of the utility director or his or her duly authorized representative pursuant to an investigation of water theft, delinquent accounts, tampering, unauthorized use of water and illegal water connections using jumpers; the Utility Director is hereby authorized during the course of said investigation to remove the water meter and any illegal devices which allow the theft or unauthorized use of water and to install an anti- theft water device if deemed essential.
(Ord. 2016-46. Passed 6-7-16.)