§ 14-264. Inspections.

(a)

The inspection officers are authorized and directed to make inspections to determine the condition of dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and premises located within the city in order that they may perform their duties of safeguarding the health and safety of the occupants of the dwelling and the general public.

(b)

For the purpose of making such inspections, the inspection officers are authorized to enter, examine and survey all rental units t all reasonable times. The owner or occupant of every rental unit or the person in charge thereof shall give the inspection officers free access to such rental unit and its premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of such inspection, examination and survey; provided, however, that such inspection officers have, prior to entry thereof, positively identified themselves as persons authorized pursuant to this article to enter upon such premises. At the time of each inspection, all pets must be controlled so that the inspection officer can move about the dwelling and surrounding property without interruption.

(c)

The owner shall be given at least a 72-hour written notice from the inspection officer prior to conducting the inspection, examination or survey provided by this section. The owner shall be responsible for notifying the occupant of a rental unit of the inspection when he receives notice of the intent to inspect from the inspection officer.

(d)

The provisions of this section shall not be construed to limit or restrain the right of the inspection officer to make an inspection pursuant to any of the provisions of IC 36-7-9-1 et seq.

(e)

Every rental unit operated and maintained in the city shall be inspected by the building commissioner or his designee at least once every three years. The inspection shall be made to ascertain that the facility conforms to all requirements of this article and any other ordinance of the city and all statutes of the state of regarding such facilities.

(f)

Every occupant of a rental unit shall give the owner thereof or his agent access to any part of the unit or its premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of making such repairs or alterations as are necessary to effect compliance with the provisions of this article.

(g)

The building commissioner shall issue to the owner of every registered and inspected rental dwelling unit an inspection certificate as proof that the unit passed inspection. A city housing authority inspection will be acceptable in lieu of an inspection by the building commissioner.

(h)

At each change of occupancy, every owner or his agent shall provide the occupant with a copy of the inspection certificate. In the case of a hotel, motel or roominghouse, the inspection certificate shall be posted in a conspicuous place within the facility.

(i)

If the building commissioner finds that a rental unit fails to comply with any standard set forth in this article or any statute of the state, he shall give notice of the alleged violation to the owner of the rental unit. The notice shall specify the date by which the violation must be corrected.

(Code 1974, § 5-104)