(1) Whenever it is necessary to enter upon private property or the public property of another governmental agency to carry out the lawful directions of this chapter, the City may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a warrant authorizing the entry upon such property to carry out the same, if permission to enter has been refused by the owner or person in possession, or if the owner cannot be found or reasonably ascertained.

(2) The application for a warrant shall be supported by an affidavit or the testimony of the officer intending to enter upon the property, stating his office, purpose, and authority to so enter, the owner’s or person in possession’s refusal to permit such entry or the owner’s unavailability, the work, action, or other activity to be conducted upon the property, and by whom and the approximate time the activity will be conducted.

(3) If the court finds just cause for the issuance of the warrant, it shall subscribe the same with a return date of not more than 10 days following completion of the action or activity to be conducted upon the property.

(4) Nothing in this section is intended to limit, restrict, or otherwise affect the right of officers or agents of any governmental entity to enter upon private or public property for any lawful purpose. [Ord. 4515 § 2, 2021; Ord. 4305 § 1, 2016; Code 1970 § 16.50.150.]