§ 10-45. Public officer powers.

In order to carry out the duties contained within this chapter, the public officer shall have the power:

(1)

To investigate the dwelling conditions in the municipality in order to determine which dwellings therein are unfit for human habitation;

(2)

To administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence;

(3)

To enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations, provided such entries be made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession; further to enter any dwelling, store or other building and premises to inspect them, without molestation from anyone; provided however, that a private residential dwelling or premise may not be entered without permission or without an administrative warrant, unless there exists immediately ascertainable probable cause to believe that a violation of provisions respecting fire laws exists creating an imminent danger to persons or property, or there exists imminent danger to the occupant thereof;

(4)

To appoint and fix the duties of such officers, agents and employees as he deems necessary to carry out the purposes of the ordinances;

(5)

To delegate any of his functions and powers under the ordinances to such officers and agents as he may designate under authority of the manager; and

(6)

To cause such dwelling to be vacated and closed in its order; and the public safety and housing officer may cause to be posted on the main entrance of any dwelling so closed, a placard with the following words: "This building is unfit for human habitation; the use or occupation of this building for human habitation is prohibited and unlawful," should the safety of the public be in immediate jeopardy.

(Ord. No. 2013-8, 1-22-13)