A violation of this chapter is declared to be
an offense punishable by a fine not exceeding $350 or imprisonment
for a period not to exceed six months, or both, for conviction of
a first offense; for conviction of a second offense both of which
were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine
not less than $350 nor more than $700 or imprisonment for a period
not to exceed six months, or both; and, upon conviction for a third
or subsequent offense all of which were committed within a period
of five years, punishable by a fine not less than $700 nor more than
$1,000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both.
However, for the purpose of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and
judicial officers generally, violations of this chapter shall be deemed
misdemeanors and for such purpose only all provisions of law relating
to misdemeanors shall apply to such violations. Each week's continued
violation shall constitute a separate additional violation.
In case any building or structure is erected,
constructed, reconstructed, altered, converted or maintained, or any
building, structure or land is used in violation of this chapter or
of any ordinance or other regulation made under authority conferred
thereby, the proper local authorities of the Town, in addition to
other remedies, may institute any appropriate action or proceedings
to prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration,
conversion, maintenance or use, to restrain, correct or abate such
violation, to prevent the occupancy of said building, structure, or
land or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or
about such premises; and upon the failure or refusal of the proper
local officer, board or body of the Town to institute any such appropriate
action or proceeding for a period of 10 days after written request
by a resident taxpayer of the Town so to proceed, any three taxpayers
of the Town residing in the district wherein such violation exists,
who are jointly or severally aggrieved by such violation, may institute
such appropriate action or proceeding in like manner as such local
officer, board or body of the Town is authorized to do so.
