§ 94.102

94.102.1. Authority Having Jurisdiction. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be the Authority duly appointed to enforce this Code. For such purposes, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the power to render interpretations of this Code and to adopt and enforce rules and regulations supplemental to this Code as deemed necessary in order to clarify the application of the provisions of this Code. Such interpretations, rules, and regulations shall comply with the intent and purpose of this Code.

In accordance with the prescribed procedures and with the approval of the appointing authority, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to appoint such number of technical officers, inspectors, and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to deputize such inspectors or employees as necessary to carry out the functions of the code enforcement agency.

94.102.2. Duties and Powers of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to request the assistance and cooperation of other officials of this jurisdiction so far as required in the discharge of the duties in accordance with this Code or other pertinent law or ordinance.

94.102.2.1. Right of Entry. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,198, Eff. 11/22/17.) Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this Code, or where the Authority Having Jurisdiction has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a building or upon a premises a condition or violation of this Code that makes the building or premises unsafe, insanitary, dangerous, or hazardous, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to enter the building or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed upon the Authority Having Jurisdiction by this Code, provided that where such building or premises is occupied, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall present credentials to the occupant and request entry. Where such building or premises is unoccupied, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. Where entry is refused, the Authority Having Jurisdiction has recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.

Where the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have first obtained an inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner, occupant or person having charge, care or control of a building or premises shall fail or neglect, after a request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry herein by the Authority Having Jurisdiction for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this Code.

Jurisdiction shall have first obtained an inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner, occupant or person having charge, care or control of a building or premises shall fail or neglect, after a request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry herein by the Authority Having Jurisdiction for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this Code.

94.102.2.2. Stop Orders. Where work is being done contrary to the provisions of this Code, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to order the work stopped by notice in writing served on persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and such persons shall forthwith stop work until authorized by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to proceed with the work.

94.102.2.3. Authority to Disconnect Utilities in Emergencies. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to disconnect a plumbing system to a building, structure, or equipment regulated by this Code in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property.

94.102.2.4. Authority to Condemn. Where the Authority Having Jurisdiction ascertains that a plumbing system or portion thereof, regulated by this Code, has become hazardous to life, health, or property, or has become insanitary, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall order in writing that such plumbing either be removed or placed in a safe or sanitary condition. The order shall fix a reasonable time limit for compliance. No person shall use or maintain defective plumbing after receiving such notice.

When such plumbing system is to be disconnected, written notice shall be given. In cases of immediate danger to life or property, such disconnection shall be permitted to be made immediately without such notice.

94.102.3. Appeals. Appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Authority Having Jurisdiction relative to the application and interpretations of this Code, shall be made to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Board of Building and Safety Commissioners (Board). The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be an ex-officio member and shall act as secretary to the Board but shall have no vote upon a matter before the Board. Members of the Board shall be appointed and serve pursuant to the City of Los Angeles Charter. The Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

94.102.3.1. Limitations of Authority. The Board shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this Code, nor shall the Board be empowered to waive requirements of this Code.

94.102.4. Violations. It shall be unlawful for a person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, or maintain plumbing or permit the same to be done in violation of this Code.