Section 20.20.290 Right of entry - dangerous conditions.

1. The manager or mechanical inspector shall have the right at any time to enter any building, and shall be given prompt access thereto upon application to the owner or person having charge or control, for the purpose of making inspections and tests of the natural gas system and mechanical heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) fixtures and appliances therein, or otherwise discharging their official duties. Whenever, in the judgment of the manager or mechanical inspector, any mechanical system, fixture or appliance is defective or dangerous, or whenever, from any cause, the premises shall be in such defective condition as to present a danger to the health, safety or welfare of workmen or the general public, the manager or mechanical inspector shall at once cause the removal of such defects and the remedying of such improper condition.

a. In response to an emergency situation of an imminently hazardous life and/or property-threatening nature, the manager or mechanical inspector may enter the premises immediately upon presenting official identification to the owner or occupant;

b. In response to all other complaints or conditions, the manager or mechanical inspector must request permission of the owner or occupant to enter. The request may be made at the time of the requested inspection or at a time prior to the inspection, at the mutual and reasonable convenience of both parties;

c. In response to a refusal of the owner or occupant to give access to the manager or mechanical inspector, a search warrant must be obtained by the manager or mechanical inspector to authorize entry and inspection. (Ord. 2000-9735)