§ 10-30. Powers.

(a)

General. The minimum housing 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 granted in this chapter:

(1)

To investigate the dwelling conditions in the city 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 that such entries shall be made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession.

(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.

(b)

Inspections.

(1)

It shall be the duty of the code enforcement officer to periodically examine the dwellings located in the city for the purpose of determining the fitness of dwellings for human habitation, and for the enforcement and administration of this Code.

(2)

If, during the course of an inspection, the code enforcement officer finds evidence of construction in progress that would require a permit (or permits) pursuant to N.C. § 160A-417, the owner shall produce evidence that such permit(s) have been obtained.

(3)

It shall be the responsibility of the owner to relocate any moveable obstructions (furniture, boxes, appliances and construction materials, for example) that would otherwise interfere with a complete minimum housing inspection.

(Code 1977, § 12-8; Ord. No. 2001-45, § 10, 6-19-01)