A.
The Housing Inspector shall make periodic inspections
to determine the condition of dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units
and premises located within this City, in order that (s)he may perform
his/her duty of safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of the
occupants of dwellings and of the general public. For the purpose
of making inspections, the Housing Inspector is hereby authorized
to enter, examine and survey between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00
p.m. all dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and premises.
B.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit
the entry of the Housing Inspector at any time when an actual emergency
which tends to create an immediate danger to public health or safety
exists, or at any time when such an inspection, examination or survey
may be requested by the owner or occupant.
The owner or occupant of every dwelling, dwelling
unit or rooming unit, or the person in charge thereof, shall give
the Housing Inspector upon presentation of proper identification,
free access to such dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit and its
premises during such time for the purpose of inspection, examination
and survey.
Where the Housing Inspector is refused entry
or access, or is otherwise impeded or prevented by the owner or occupant
from conducting an inspection of the premises, such person shall be
in violation of this chapter and subject to the penalties hereunder.
In addition to the provisions of § 132-9, the Housing Inspector may, upon affidavit, apply to the Municipal Judge of the City of Trenton for a search warrant setting forth factually the actual conditions and circumstances that provide a reasonable basis for believing that a nuisance or violation of this chapter exists on the premises and if the Judge is satisfied as to the manner set forth in the affidavit, (s)he shall authorize the issuance of a search warrant permitting access to and inspection of that part of the premises on which the nuisance or violation may exist.
Whenever a petition is filed with the Housing Inspector by at least five residents of the City of Trenton charging that any dwelling or dwelling unit is in violation of this chapter, the Housing Inspector shall forthwith cause the premises so charged to be inspected in the manner provided in § 132-7 of this chapter.
