The director or his authorized representative, upon exhibiting proper credentials or proof of identity on request, shall have the right to enter any building, structure or premises, except private residences, without consent of the occupants, at any time during business or operating hours, and at such other times as may be necessary in an emergency that immediately endangers life, property or public safety, for the purpose of performing duties under this chapter or enforcing the provisions thereof. In the case of multiple dwellings, the director or his authorized representatives shall have the right to enter without consent only those spaces to which the public is ordinarily admitted, such as hallways, basements and similar spaces; provided, however, that such authorities may enter any private residence or dwelling for the purpose of enforcing this chapter with the consent of the occupant thereof, or without such consent of they shall first obtain a search warrant in accordance with prescribed legal procedures, or if there is a present emergency such as a fire, explosion or the like, or immediately following such emergency. (1974 L.M.C., ch. 15, § 1; 1982 L.M.C., ch. 55, § 1.)
