(A) Administration.
(1) The Valencia County Building Inspector's office and its inspectors and the Valencia County Zoning office and its officers are hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(2) The Building Inspector and Zoning Officer (hereinafter referred to as county official) shall have the power to render interpretations of this chapter and to adopt and enforce rules and supplemental regulations in order to clarify the applications of its provisions. These interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformity with the intent and purpose of this chapter.
(B) Inspections. The Building Inspector, Fire Chief and Zoning Officer are hereby authorized to make inspections and take action as may be required to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(C) Right of entry.
(1) When it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this chapter, or when the county official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a building or upon a premises a condition which is contrary to or in violations of this chapter which makes the building or premises unsafe, dangerous, hazardous or otherwise a public nuisance, the county official may enter the building or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this chapter, provided that if the building or premises are occupied that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If the building is unoccupied, the county official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If the entry is refused, the county official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
(2) Authorized representative shall include the officers named in § 91.020 and their authorized inspection personnel.
(D) Liability.
(1) The county official charged with the enforcement of this chapter, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the duties required by this chapter or other pertinent law or ordinance shall not thereby be rendered personally liable for damages that may accrue to persons of property as a result of an act or by reason of an act or omission in the discharge of these duties. A suit brought against the county official because of an act or omission performed by the building official or employee in the enforcement of any provision of any codes or other pertinent laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this chapter or enforced by the county official shall be defended by the county until final termination of the proceedings, and any judgement resulting therefrom shall be assumed by this jurisdiction.
(2) This chapter shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating or controlling any building or structure for any damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the chapter enforcement agency or its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming any liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this chapter or any permits or certificates issued under this chapter.
(Ord. 2003-2, passed 12-17-2003)