32.04.040 Right of entry.

Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of any land use or public health ordinance, or whenever the director has reasonable cause to believe that any building, structure, property or portion thereof is being used in violation of any land use or public health ordinance, the director may seek permission to enter such building, structure, property or portion thereof at all reasonable times to inspect the same. If permission to inspect is denied by the owner or person in possession of property, or reasonable attempts to contact the owners or persons in possession are unavailing, the director may apply to the court for an order authorizing entry upon the land for the performance of the inspection.

If the director issues an order requiring abatement and no appeal is taken from the order or the director prevails on appeal, the director may seek permission to enter the land and undertake abatement. If, however, permission to enter is denied, the director may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for authority to enter the property in order to perform the abatement as provided in the director’s order. (Sec. 4 of Ord. 1977-12-51; amended by Sec. 4 of Ord. 1993-03-17)