[Amended 8-4-1999 by Ord. No. 17-99; 4-7-2010 by Ord. No. 4-2010]
A. Upon receiving a complaint or determining that there is a violation
of this chapter, the Zoning Officer shall issue a notice to correct
or abate the violation. The notice shall allow at least seven days
to abate or correct the violation unless it is a matter of public
health or safety. Where there is a likelihood of a danger to people
or property, the Zoning Officer may shorten the time to abate or correct.
Where the complaint relates to a campaign sign for Mayor or Borough
Council, the administrator shall immediately be authorized to retain
a Zoning Officer from another town for enforcement proceedings.
B. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter
or fail to comply therewith or with any of the requirements thereof,
or who shall erect, structurally alter, enlarge, rebuild or move any
building or buildings or any structure, or who shall put into use
any lot or land in violation of any detailed statement or plan submitted
hereunder, or who shall refuse a reasonable opportunity to inspect
any premises, shall be liable to a fine of not more than $500 or to
imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or to both. Each and every
day such violation continues after the expiration of an abatement
notice or after initial construction, as the case may be, shall be
deemed to be a separate and distinct violation.
C. In addition to the fines and penalties set forth herein, any person
who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall reimburse
the Borough of Hopatcong for all costs incurred in correcting or terminating
any adverse effects upon the environment as a result of the violation.
Any person shall further reimburse the Borough of Hopatcong for all
costs of investigation, inspection and prosecution involved in the
correction of any violation of this chapter, including reasonable
costs for litigation and attorneys' fees. All costs awarded to the
Borough of Hopatcong pursuant to this section constitute an assessment
and a lien against the subject property and shall accrue interest
as provided by law.