§ 7-164. Inspections.

The enforcing officer may inspect buildings and structures to secure the health safety and welfare of the occupants and of the general public and to obtain and maintain compliance with the standards of this article and the property maintenance code. The enforcing officer may inspect residential rental units once every two years without first receiving a complaint or without other cause, and in addition, may inspect buildings and structures under any of the following circumstances:

(1)

Upon receipt of a complaint from an owner or occupant that the premises are in violation of this article;

(2)

Upon receipt of a report or a referral from a police agency, other public agency or department, or any individual indicating that the premises are in violation of this article, which report or referral is based on the personal knowledge of the person making the report or referral;

(3)

If an exterior survey of the premises gives the enforcing officer probable cause to believe that the premises are in violation of this article;

(4)

Upon the enforcing officer's receipt of information that a rental unit is not registered with the township as required by this article;

(5)

As part of the rental certification program as required by section 7-166;

(6)

In order to determine compliance with a notice or a housing order issued by the township;

(7)

If an emergency is observed or is reasonably believed to exist;

(8)

In accordance with requirements of law where a dwelling is to be demolished by the township or where ownership is to be transferred to the township; and

(9)

Upon the request of an owner of a rental unit for an advisory inspection. Such inspections shall be performed in accordance with the provisions of this section.

During the inspection, which shall be conducted to substantiate compliance with the property maintenance code, the enforcing officer shall note any violations of this division or other provisions of this code and shall issue a housing order notice of all violations to the responsible person in accordance with article 1, divisions 6 and 7 of the property maintenance code. The housing order shall direct the responsible person to correct violations within the time set forth in the notice. A reasonable time for correcting violations shall be determined by the enforcing officer in light of the nature of the violations and all relevant circumstances, but shall not exceed 30 days. Upon request by the responsible person, the enforcing officer may extend the time for correcting minor violations, if the enforcing officer deems such action appropriate under all relevant circumstances.

A responsible person who receives a housing order notice pursuant to article 1, divisions 6 and 7 of the property maintenance code shall not fail to correct those violations within the time period set forth in the notice.

(Ord. No. 524, § 1, 3-7-2011)