[Amended 7-14-2009 by Ord. No. 09-1214, § 1]
A. General. The Board of Commissioners shall appoint a Code Official with authority and direction to enforce the provisions of the Code. The Code Official shall have the authority to render interpretations of the Code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of the Code. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in the Code. [Amended 7- 14-2009 by Ord. No. 09-1214]
B. Applications and permits. The Code Official shall receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for the erection and alteration, demolition and moving of buildings and structures, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of the Code.
C. Notices and orders. The Code Official shall issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with the Code.
D. Inspections. The Code Official shall make all of the required inspections, or the Code Official shall have the authority to accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections shall be in writing and be certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The Code Official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that arise, subject to the approval of the appointing authority.
E. Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of the Code, or where the Code Official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a structure or upon a premises a condition which is contrary to or in violation of the Code which makes the structure or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the Code Official is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by the Code, provided that if such structure or premises be occupied that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If such structure or premises is unoccupied, the Code Official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the Code Official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
F. Department records. The Code Official shall keep official records of applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued. Such records shall be retained in the official records for the period required for retention of public records.
G. Approved materials and equipment. Materials, equipment and devices approved by the Code Official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.
(1) Used materials and equipment. The use of used materials which meet the require ments of the Code for new materials is permitted. Used equipment and devices shall not be reused unless approved by the Code Official.
H. Modifications. Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of the Code in individual cases, the owner or owner’s representative may consult with the Code Official for an interpretation of the true intent of the Code. The Board of Appeals shall have the authority to determine whether the true intent of the Code has been correctly interpreted, whether the provisions of the Code do not fully apply, or an equivalent form of construction is permissible. The Board of Appeals shall hear and rule on appeals and requests for variances under the Code. [Amended 7-14-2009 by Ord. No. 09-1214]
I. Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of the Code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by the Code, provided that any such alternative can be approved as specified by the Code. An alternative material, design or method of construction may be approved where the Code Official finds that the proposed alternative is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of the Code governing alternative construction materials and methods. [Amended 7-14-2009 by Ord. No. 09-1214]