[Amended by Ord. No. 1050]
A. Complaints regarding violations. Whenever a violation
of this chapter occurs or is alleged to have occurred, any person
may file a complaint. Such complaint shall be in writing and signed
and filed with the zoning officer or, in his absence, with the Construction
Official or Police Department, who shall properly record such complaint,
immediately investigate and take action thereon as provided by this
chapter.
B. Notice of violation. Upon becoming aware of a violation
of any of the provisions of this chapter, the Zoning Officer, Construction
Official or Police Department shall serve notice of such violation
on the person, firm or corporation committing or permitting the same,
and if such violation has not ceased within such reasonable time as
has been specified in such notice, such action shall be instituted
as may be necessary to terminate the violation, including revocation
of any certificate of occupancy issued and/or the enjoining of any
violation.
C. Penalty. A violation of this chapter is an offense
punishable by a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $2,000, or
by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 90 days, or both. The imposition
of one penalty for any violation of this chapter shall not excuse
the violation or permit it to continue, and each day that prohibited
conditions continue shall constitute a separate offense.
[Amended 4-17-2007 by Ord. No. 1339]
D. The application of the above penalty shall not be
held to prevent the enforcement of this chapter by other methods permitted
by law or equity or to prevent the removal of prohibited conditions.
E. The owner or tenant of any structure or premises apart
thereof and any architect, builder, contractor, agent or other person
who commits, participates, assists or maintains a violation of this
chapter may be found guilty of a separate offense and may suffer the
penalties provided.
F. Unless specifically provided, for each and every violation
of the provisions of this chapter, the owner, contractor or other
persons interested as lessee, tenant or otherwise in any building
or premises where said violation has been committed or shall exist
and who refuses to abate said violation within five days after written
notice has been served upon him either by mail or by personal service
shall, for each and every violation, be punished by a fine not exceeding
$500 or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days, or both.
A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or
on which a violation occurs or continues.