§ 4126 — Duties and powers of code official

Delaware § 4126

• Jurisdiction: Delaware
• Title: 31
• Part: Housing and Slum Clearance
• Ch. 41: DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE
• Subch.: Administration and Enforcement

Text

(a)In general. —The code official shall enforce all the provisions of this chapter relative to the maintenance of structures and premises, except as may otherwise be specifically provided by other regulations.

(b)Notices and orders. —The code official shall issue all necessary notices and orders to abate illegal or unsafe conditions to insure compliance with the chapter requirements for the safety, health and general welfare of the public.

(c)Inspections. —In order to safeguard the safety, health and welfare of the public, the code official is authorized to enter any structure or premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of making inspections and performing duties under this chapter. The fee for inspections performed by the Housing Director, when acting as a code official for the enforcement of the Code in areas which have not adopted the Code shall be $25 for the initial inspection and $10 for each subsequent inspection related to the same complaint. At the discretion of the Housing Director and for good cause shown, such inspection fees may be waived.

(d)Right of entry. —If any owner, occupant or other person in charge of a structure subject to this chapter refuses, impedes, inhibits, interferes with, restricts or obstructs entry and free access to any part of the structure or premises where inspection authorized by this chapter is sought, the code official may seek, in a court of competent jurisdiction, an order that such owner, occupant or other person in charge cease and desist with such interference.

(e)Access by owner or operator. —Every occupant of a structure or premises shall give the owner or operator thereof, or agent or employee, access to any part of such structure or its premises at reasonable times for the purpose of making such inspection, maintenance, repairs or alterations as are necessary to comply with this chapter.

(f)Credentials. —The code official or the code official’s authorized representative shall disclose proper evidence of the official’s or representative’s respective office for the purpose of demonstrating authority to inspect any and all buildings and premises in the performance of duties under this chapter.

(g)Rulemaking authority. —The code official shall have power, as may be necessary in the interest of public safety, health and general welfare, to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to interpret and implement this chapter to secure the intent thereof and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions.

(h)Annual report. —At least annually, the code official shall submit to the chief executive of the community or State a written statement of activities in a form and content as shall be prescribed by the chief executive of that jurisdiction.