(A) The Code Enforcement Officer is appointed as the Administrative Official and shall administer and enforce the terms and conditions of this subchapter and all other provisions of law relating to signs. The Code Enforcement Officer may appoint persons serving under him or her to assist in the enforcement of this subchapter.
(B) The Code Enforcement Officer, or his or her designee, may enter any building, structure, or other premises or property between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for the purpose of inspecting and investigating signs or sign structures; provided, however, that in cases of emergency where extreme hazards are known to exist which may involve imminent injury to persons, loss of life, or severe property damage, and where the owner, agent, or tenant in charge of the property is not available after the Code Enforcement Officer has made good faith effort to locate same, the Code Enforcement Officer may enter the aforementioned structures and premises at any time upon presentation of proper identification to any other person on the premises or property.
(C) Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer, or his or her designee, shall enter upon private property, under any circumstances, for the purpose of inspecting and/or investigating signs or sign structures, which property has management in residence, the management or the person then in charge shall be notified of his or her presence and shown his or her official credentials.
(D) Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer, or his or her designee, is denied admission to inspect any premises, inspection shall be made under authority of a warrant issued by a magistrate authorizing the inspection for violation of this subchapter. In applying for the warrant, the Code Enforcement Officer or designee shall submit to the magistrate his or her affidavit setting forth his or her belief that a violation of this subchapter exists with respect to the place sought to be inspected and his or her reasons for that belief. The affidavit shall designate the location of the place and the name of the person believed to be the owner, operator, or occupant thereof.
(E) If the magistrate finds that probable cause exists for a search of the premises in question, he or she shall issue a warrant authorizing the search, the warrant describing the premises with sufficient certainty to identify same. Any warrant so issued shall constitute authority for the Code Enforcement Officer, or his or her designee, to enter upon and inspect the premises therein.
(Ord. 12-0515A, passed 5-15-2012; Ord. 21-0720B, passed 7-20-2021)