§ 7-8. General entry powers of enforcement officers.

(a)

Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter, or whenever the director of animal control or director of health's authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition or violation which creates an unsafe, dangerous or hazardous condition, the director of animal control or director of health or the authorized representative of the same may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the director of animal control or director of health by this chapter; provided that if such building or premises be occupied, he shall first present proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, the director of animal control or director of health or the authorized representative of the same shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.

(b)

When the director of animal control or director of health or the authorized representative of the same shall have first obtained a proper search warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other persons having charge, care or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the director of animal control, the director of health, or the authorized representative of either for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this chapter.

(Code 1988, § 7-8; Ord. No. O-22-03, § 1, 6-5-2003)