(1) The Building Inspection Division is hereby authorized to inspect or cause to be inspected all buildings and structures in the course of construction, modification, use or repair.

(2) The Building Inspection Division shall enforce all of the provisions of this Title with the exception of Chapter 16-6, employing all legal means available to do so. The Chief Building Official is also an enforcement official and may designate any other division employee as an enforcement official.

(3) Any employee designated as an enforcement official is authorized to enter upon any property or premises to ascertain whether the provisions of the State Construction Code and any applicable City or state codes; or any conditions imposed by the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, or the Planning and Zoning Division are being obeyed and to make any examinations and surveys as may be necessary in the performance of the employee’s enforcement duties. This may include the taking of photographs, samples, or other physical evidence.

(4) All inspections, entries, examinations, and surveys shall be done in a reasonable manner based upon cause. If the property owner or person responsible for the property refuses to allow the employee to enter the property, the employee may obtain and execute a search warrant. The Building Inspection Division may suspend or delay action on a building permit or other necessary approval if the person responsible for the property refuses to allow an inspection.