Cheyenne City Council To Consider Controversial Inspection Warrants Tonight

The Cheyenne City Council may make a final decision on a controversial proposal to allow for administrative inspection warrants tonight at it's regular meeting.

You can read the proposed ordinance here. More information on the ordinance as presented by Cheyenne Fire and Rescue can be read here. In a nutshell, the ordinance would allow municipal judges to issue warrants to allow city officials to inspect buildings for safety, building code and health violations. City officials would have to ask for the warrant, either after being denied entry to the property or when "consent would frustrate the inspection purpose."

Property Rights Vs. Public Safety

The proposal has generated a fair amount of opposition from residents who say it's an infringement on property rights and personal privacy. Some opponents also say that issuing such warrants should be a decision for a district court judge. A meeting earlier this month drew strong opposition from some members of the public and questions from some members of the council as well.

The main impetus for the measure comes from city officials who want to investigate the cause of a fire or who are looking for building code violations. Supporters say the ordinance is a matter of public safety and that the ordinance can be implemented in a way that respects constitutional rights.

The council will meet tonight at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers. You can see a full city council agenda here.