§ 13-7-303. INSPECTIONS.

(a)

Authority to inspect. Subject to subsection (d) of this section, in order to ascertain whether there is evidence of rat infestation, rat harborage, or inadequate rat-proofing, the director or the Code Official may inspect the interior and exterior of a building and other areas.

(b)

Notices. Except as provided in § 13-1-103 of this article, if the Director or the Code Official finds conditions of rat infestation, rat harborage, or inadequate rat-proofing, the Director or the Code Official shall give the owner or occupant of the building notice, in the manner provided in § 13-7-102 of this title, of the condition and an order to:

(1)

Take rat eradication steps in the building as provided in § 13-7-305 of this subtitle;

(2)

Correct a rat harborage problem as provided in § 13-7-306 of this subtitle; or

(3)

Rat-proof the building as provided in § 13-7-307 of this subtitle.

(c)

Additional inspections. The Director or the Code Official may make additional inspections to determine whether conditions stated in a notice are abated and the building is being continuously maintained in a satisfactory manner.

(d)

Limitations on inspection authority.

(1)

This section does not authorize the Director or the Code Official to enter a building by force to make an inspection.

(2)

If the owner or occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit refuses to allow entry for an inspection, the Director or the Code Official may enter for an inspection only through a properly issued warrant in accordance with law.

(1988 Code, § 22-39) (Bill No. 173, 1989, § 2, 1-26-1990; Bill No. 105-00, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 86-07, § 3, 12-30-2007)