1323.03   DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR.
   (a)   General. The Building Inspector shall enforce all of the provisions of this Code.
   (b)   Notices and Orders. The Building Inspector shall issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with this Code.
   (c)   Notice. Before inspecting the exterior structure or the exterior property areas of any dwelling, the Building Inspector shall attempt to notify the occupant by knocking on the door and/or ringing the door bell. If there is no reply after these efforts are made to contact the occupant, a letter of notice shall be forwarded to the owner or occupant.
   (d)   Access by Owner or Operator. Every occupant of a structure or premises shall give the owner or operator thereof, or an agent or employee, access to any part of such structure or its premises at reasonable times for the purpose of making such inspection, maintenance, repairs or alterations as are necessary to comply with the provisions of this Code.
   (e)   Identification. The Building Inspector shall carry proper identification when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of his or her duties under this Code.
   (f)   Coordination of Enforcement. Inspection of premises, the issuance of notices and orders and the enforcement thereof shall be the responsibility of the Building Inspector so charged by the jurisdiction. Whenever inspections are necessary by any other department, the Building Inspector shall make reasonable effort to arrange for the coordination of such inspections so as to minimize the number of visits by inspectors, and to confer with the other departments for the purpose of eliminating conflicting orders before any are issued. A department shall not, however, delay the issuance of any emergency orders.
   (g)   Rule-Making Authority. The Building Inspector shall have power, as necessary in the interest of the public health, safety and general welfare, to implement the provisions of this Code, to secure the intent thereof and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions. Such rules shall not have the effect of waiving structural or fire performance requirements specifically provided for in this Code or of violating accepted engineering practice involving public safety.
   (h)   Organization. The Building Inspector shall appoint such number of officers, technical assistants, inspectors and other employees as shall be necessary for the administration of this Code and as authorized by the appointing authority. The Building Inspector is authorized to designate an employee as deputy, who shall exercise all the powers of the Building Inspector during the temporary absence or disability of the Building Inspector.
   (i)   Restriction of Employees. An official or employee connected with the enforcement of this Code, except one whose only connection is that of a member of the Building and Zoning Board of Appeals as set forth in Section 1323.16, shall not be engaged in, or directly or indirectly connected with, the furnishing of labor, materials or appliances for the construction, alteration or maintenance of a building, or the preparation of construction documents thereof, unless that person is the owner of the building, nor shall such officer or employee engage in any work that conflicts with his or her official duties or with the interests of the department.
   (j)   Official Records. An official record shall be kept of all business and activities of the department specified in the provisions of this Code, and all such records shall be open to public inspection at all appropriate times and according to reasonable rules to maintain the integrity and security of such records.
   (k)   Fees. No fee shall be charged for inspections. If upon inspection the Building Inspector determines that a violation has occurred, a processing fee shall be charged to the responsible person. The processing fee shall be twenty dollars ($20.00) for one violation and forty dollars ($40.00) for two or more violations.
(Ord. 4658. Passed 8-17-98; Ord. 5860-20. Passed 9-8-20.)