Sec. 9-15. - Duties of building inspector.

The building inspector is hereby designated as the officer to enforce the provisions of this chapter and to exercise the duties and powers herein prescribed.

(1)

To investigate the dwelling conditions, and to inspect dwellings and dwelling units, located in the town, in order to determine which dwellings and dwelling units are unfit for human habitation, and for the purpose of carrying out the objectives of this chapter with respect to such dwellings and dwelling units;

(2)

To take such action, together with other appropriate departments and agencies, public and private, as may be necessary to effect rehabilitation of housing which is deteriorated;

(3)

To keep a record of the results of inspections made under this chapter and an inventory of those dwellings that do not meet the minimum standards of fitness herein prescribed; and

(4)

To perform such other duties as may be herein prescribed.

(Ord. of 9-18-68, § 12; Ord. No. 2002-02-25/O-1; Ord. No. 2002-04-08/O-3, §§ 2—4)

Editor's note—

Ord. No. 2002-04-08/O-3, adopted Jan. 1, 2003, supplied provisions that sunset on June 30, 2005, unless further action is taken to retain said provisions. Therefore, since no further action was taken to retain the information, at the direction of the city, said provisions have been removed from this Code.

Sec. 9-16. - Powers of building inspector.

The building inspector is authorized to exercise such powers as may be necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purpose and provisions of this chapter, including the following powers in addition to others herein granted:

(1)

To investigate the dwelling conditions in the town 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 and inspections; provided, such entries shall be made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession; and

(4)

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

(Ord. of 9-18-68, § 13; Ord. No. 2002-02-25/O-1)

Sec. 9-17. - Inspections; duty of owners and occupants.

For the purpose of making inspections, the inspector is hereby authorized to enter, examine, and survey at all reasonable times all dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and premises. The owner or occupant of every dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit, or the person in charge thereof, shall give the inspector free access to such dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit, and its premises at all reasonable times for the purposes of such inspection, examination, and survey. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall give the owner thereof, or his agent or employee, access to any part of such dwelling or dwelling unit, and its premises at all reasonable times, for the purpose of making such repairs or alterations as are necessary to effect compliance with the provisions of this chapter or with any lawful order issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

If the owner or occupant of any dwelling refuses to permit the inspector reasonable access, the inspector shall proceed to obtain an administrative search warrant pursuant to N.C.G.S. 15-27.2.

(Ord. of 9-18-68, § 14; Ord. No. 2002-02-25/O-1)

Secs. 9-18—9-22. - Reserved.

Editor's note—

Ord. No. 2002-04-08/O-3, adopted Jan. 1, 2003, supplied provisions that sunset on June 30, 2005, unless further action is taken to retain said provisions. Therefore, since no further action was taken to retain § 9-18, which pertained to license required for leased residential properties, at the direction of the city, said provisions have been removed from this Code.