§ 76-4. Duties and powers of Code Enforcement Department.

A. 

Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, ordinance, rule or regulation, or except as herein otherwise provided, the Department of Code Enforcement shall administer and enforce all provisions of laws, ordinances, rules and regulations applicable to the plans, specifications or permits for the construction, alteration and repair of buildings and structures regulated hereunder, the installation and use of materials and equipment therein, the location, use, occupancy, conditions and maintenance thereof.

B. 

The code enforcement officers shall promulgate rules and regulations subject to the approval of the Town Board to secure the intent and purpose of this chapter and a proper administration and enforcement of the laws, ordinances, rules and regulations governing the plans, specifications, construction, alteration, repairs, conditions or maintenance pertaining to buildings, equipment and other structures regulated hereunder.

C. 

He shall receive applications, approve plans and specifications and issue permits for the erection, alteration and repairs of buildings, other structures and equipment regulated hereunder and shall examine the premises for which such applications have been received, approved plans or such permits have been issued for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the laws, ordinances, rules and regulations governing same.

D. 

He shall issue, in writing, all appropriate notices or orders to remove illegal or unsafe conditions, to require the necessary safeguards during construction and to ensure compliance, during the entire course of construction, with the approved plans and specifications, the conditions of the building permit and the requirements of the applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

E. 

Whenever the same may be appropriate to determine compliance with the provisions of the applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations covering the construction, alteration, repair or occupancy, he may, at his discretion, accept and rely upon written reports of tests in the field by experienced, professional persons or by accredited and authoritative testing laboratories or service inspection bureaus or agencies.

F. 

He shall issue a certificate of occupancy, where appropriate, for a building or structure constructed, altered or occupied in accordance with the provisions of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and all other applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

G. 

Code enforcement officers and/or fire inspectors shall have the authority to make fire prevention inspections in accordance with the Fire Prevention and Property Maintenance Code of New York and may assist, where practical, in determining the cause and origin of any fire occurring within the Town.

H. 

Code enforcement officers and/or fire inspectors shall have authority and be accountable to inspect all structures afflicted by fire to assess damage and ascertain the appropriate measures to ensure safety to the occupants and to safeguard the public from associated hazards created by the fire. These measures shall not be limited to implementing the removal of such hazards, ordering the immediate closing of the building, condemnation of the premises, securing the structure or put through necessary means to abate potential endangerments to life or safety.