What is the statutory prerequisite that a Code Inspector must fulfill before issuing a citation?

The requirement for a Code Inspector to notify the alleged violator before issuing a citation is rooted in principles of due process and fairness. This notification serves as an essential step in the enforcement process, ensuring that individuals are made aware of the specific violations they are accused of and providing them an opportunity to address or rectify the issues before formal enforcement action is taken.

By notifying the alleged violator, the Code Inspector adheres to procedural fairness, allowing the individual to prepare a response, seek clarification on the alleged violations, or take corrective action, which could potentially avoid the need for citations altogether. This step is crucial in fostering transparent interactions between code enforcement authorities and the community, promoting compliance and cooperation.

The other choices, while related to different aspects of code enforcement, do not align with the immediate statutory prerequisites for issuing a citation. Holding a public hearing, for instance, is generally reserved for more significant regulatory changes or community matters rather than individual enforcement actions. Performing a site survey is an important part of the inspection process but does not itself constitute a statutory prerequisite for citation issuance. Contacting local law enforcement may be relevant in certain situations, particularly in cases involving safety threats or criminal activity, but is not typically required before a citation is issued for code violations.