In addition to any remedy provided for in this chapter, the code enforcement officer may issue a stop work order whenever a violation of a regulation will materially impair the code enforcement officer's ability to secure compliance, or when a violation of the regulation threatens the health, safety, or welfare of any member of the public or occupants of the property. The stop work order shall contain substantially the same information as required by RMC §
8.60.040(B) and may be appended to, or incorporate by reference in, a notice of violation. Notice of the stop work order shall be deemed served upon posting of the notice as required by RMC § 8.60.040(E)(3), if posting is physically possible, and shall be effective upon service. Nothing herein shall divest the building official of his authority to issue stop work orders under the building codes adopted by the city. Any violation of a stop work order is hereby declared to be a nuisance, and the code enforcement officer is authorized to enjoin or abate such nuisance summarily by any legal or equitable means as may be available. The costs for the injunction or abatement shall be recovered by the city form the owner, tenant, occupant, manager, agent, or other responsible person in the manner provided by law. The violation of a stop work order shall constitute a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in jail for a maximum term fixed by the court of not more than 90 days, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than $1,000, or by both such imprisonment and fine.
(Ord. 1063 § 1, 2010)