16.70.040 Enforcement authority and powers.
(1) The responsibility for administration and enforcement of this chapter, unless otherwise provided, is vested in the Code Enforcement Officer as defined in this chapter.
(2) The Code Enforcement Officer may exercise such lawful powers as may be necessary or convenient to effectuate the purposes and provisions of this chapter. These powers shall include the following in addition to others herein granted:
(a) To determine, pursuant to standards prescribed by the International Building Code(s), which dwellings within the City are unfit for human habitation;
(b) To determine, pursuant to standards prescribed by the International Building Code(s), which buildings, structures, or premises are unfit for other use;
(c) To administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence;
(d) To investigate the dwelling or other property conditions in the City and to enter upon premises to make examinations when the Code Enforcement Officer has reasonable ground for believing they are unfit for human habitation, or for other use;
(e) To enter upon private and public property for such purposes and other purposes of this chapter subject to the provisions of PMC 16.70.150 and in such a manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the person(s) in possession, as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer. [Ord. 4515 § 2, 2021; Ord. 4305 § 1, 2016; Code 1970 § 16.50.040.]