(A) As part of the routine inspection services performed by the Code Enforcement Officer, the village will offer to all properties, residential or nonresidential, a no-cost inspection of the property and structures to assure the safety of those dwelling or working therein, and to maintain compliance with the zoning and building regulations currently in force within the village.
(B) An external building inspection will be performed when any of the following opportunities occur:
(1) The Code Enforcement Officer, through his or her daily duties and observations, witnesses an obvious zoning issue on the exterior area of a property, which may indicate a potential violation;
(2) The Code Enforcement Officer or a village representative receives a complaint concerning a zoning issue, which will result in an investigation of the property in question; or
(3) The Code Enforcement Officer or a village representative is contacted by a resident or business proprietor requesting an inspection.
(C) When any of the above situations occur, the Code Enforcement Officer shall visit the property in question, and complete an external inspection of the property. If a violation exists, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a violation notice or warning based on the nature of the infraction. The Code Enforcement Officer will send the documents via certified mail to the resident and to the record property owner (if different), along with a letter explaining the violation and required time to comply.
The violation or warning notice will also advise that a no-cost internal inspection is available should any notified party have a need or desire for this service. If a resident chooses to decline the optional internal inspection, the Code Enforcement Officer will note this accordingly in his or her report, and no further action will be taken.
(D) Should there be reasonable cause to believe a violation or hazard may exist internally due to evidence observed during an external inspection (i.e. toxic odors, smoke, or other perceptible indicators of a potential problem), and where there is reason to believe that such an immediate hazard or danger exists which may have serious impact on citizen health, safety, and welfare, the Code Enforcement Officer may attempt to enter and inspect the property immediately. If the resident refuses to permit the inspection at that time, the Code Enforcement Officer will notify the resident and property owner (if different) of the legal actions which may be taken to facilitate the required inspection, and shall consult with the Village Manager and the Law Director about the advisability of pursuing such action.
(E) The Code Enforcement Officer shall be provided with, and, at all times while engaged in the performance of his or her duties, shall display proper identification.
(F) Any and all actions taken by the Code Enforcement Officer in the fulfillment of daily duties will be conducted in full compliance with and under the limitations of this code and all ordinances and resolutions which govern the village, the BOCA Property Maintenance Code of 1996 as adopted by the village, and applicable state and federal law.
(G) This program shall apply to all properties within the village limits and boundaries. This program is intended to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare in all existing structures, residential and nonresidential, and on all existing premises in the village.
(H) This program will be managed and administered under the auspices of the Village Manager as provided in the BOCA Property Maintenance Code of 1996 as adopted by the village, and as directed by Council in these guidelines.
(Ord. 2001-018, passed 4-2-2001)